Heavy equipment and machinery are only productive and operating efficiently when they’re powered by an engine that is working properly. That’s why operators must always keep tabs on the health of their equipment’s engines.

But how do you know when a vehicle or piece of heavy machinery in your fleet is experiencing engine problems? Well, there are always a few tell-tale signs, which we will discuss in this blog post.

There are also some common ways to prevent engine issues before they happen – or at least catch small issues before they become much bigger issues that require extensive repair, rebuilds or replacements. Let’s go over a few of these tips that should help you keep your construction or farming equipment and their diesel engines running as efficiently and productively as possible.

Keep heavy equipment clean

We’ll start with the basics: Always keep heavy equipment and machinery clean. Equipment is almost always going to be exposed to dust, dirt and who knows what else while working on the construction site or on the farm.

By keeping equipment clean, you can keep a better eye out for certain issues, including fluid leaks, broken parts and certain other safety issues. Too much dirt and mud can also cause rust to form much faster and increase wear on your equipment in those areas.

While it’s obviously important to keep the exterior areas of equipment clean, the engine must also be kept clean. Engines should not be over-exposed to dirt, dust or moisture. Always check filters and vents to make sure nothing is clogged. This can easily lead to decreased performance and other more serious issues with machinery.

Avoid common exhaust issues

Some of the most common exhaust issues can point to problems with the engine when it comes to heavy equipment. You will be able to recognize exhaust issues by the presence of discolored, thick or odd-smelling fumes.

If you notice any of those issues, then you need to locate the source of the problem. Otherwise, you could be facing a heftier repair bill later down the road, or fines from OSHA violations.

Some of the most common reasons for exhaust issues are dirty or clogged air filters and overworked engine exhaust filters. There could be a more serious problem, though, such as an engine malfunction, oxygen sensor misreadings, bad exhaust recirculation and more.

If you notice anything off with your equipment’s exhaust, then use a vacuum gauge test or other digital test to assess the problem and get a better idea of any underlying issues.

You should also make sure the air filters in all equipment and machinery are clean. This is the best way to prevent exhaust problems.

Pay attention to equipment limits

Another way to put this tip is to always know the limits of your equipment. This includes the recommended weight and load limits that were referenced in the manufacturer’s manual.

Don’t stray outside of those recommendations, either. Too much weight can cause a real strain on your equipment’s diesel engine. That can lead to the engine becoming overheated, which in turn could lead to additional damage.

In addition, it’s important to know that the limits of your machinery can change in extreme weather, such as when temperatures are very hot or very cold. Too much precipitation, whether it’s snow, ice or rain, can also lead to conditions that could increase strain on an engine.

By paying attention to your equipment’s limits, you can increase the lifespan of your machinery. But you also will be protecting operators. Staying within load limits and operating in better conditions can reduce accidents and costly operator error.

Keep in mind the season

While we are on the topic of weather, it’s important to keep in mind the season during which you are operating. Your engine will thank you by performing a lot better.

For example, an excavator that is being operated in the dead of winter could need different fuels and other fluids than what are used during the excessive heat of summer. That time of year could need entirely different fuels and fluids, too.

Don’t forget to track diesel engine maintenance

Every vehicle and piece of equipment in your fleet should have a separate log where you track maintenance procedures. Everything from repairs to preventative measures or services you’ve had done on the equipment needs to be included in this log. Be sure to write down the date work was done, what exactly was done and who performed the maintenance.

By tracking maintenance in logs, you can easily use the records for reference to determine what may be causing a problem, what preventative measures can be taken ahead of problems and show potential equipment buyers how the machinery has been cared for under your ownership.

Clean heavy equipment engine air filters

The best way to ensure the health of your equipment’s engine is well-maintained is to keep its air filters clean. Cleaned air filters lead to equipment running at a much higher level. That better performance leads to a much more productive day at the job site.

Clean air filters help diesel engines in a couple of ways. They improve fuel economy so you will save money spent on fuel. A cleaned air filter also will decrease the amount of stress that is placed on the engine when the equipment is being operated.

You can also easily clean your heavy equipment’s engine filters using Filter Blaster. Our technology is safe to use on filters and is specially designed so it won’t harm the filter element while it is being cleaned.

Try Filter Blaster today

Healthier, more efficient engines lead to more productive and efficient time spent working on the job site or in the farm field. By cleaning your equipment’s diesel engine air filters with Filter Blaster, you can increase the performance of machinery and save money on fuel and repairs, too.

We have tested our products in the field so that we are able to back up these claims. Our cleaning process has worked wonders in many different cases.

Browse our Filter Blaster products today to start better protecting your equipment’s air filters and engines.