Tips Archives

Tips for Battery Maintenance

Mangers, truck and heavy equipment mechanics, and equipment enthusiasts understand the key to keeping a battery in good condition is preventative maintenance. For example, it’s important to examine the starting and charging system. Fleets may change technologies or battery types. Any time one part of a fleet’s system is changed without looking at all of… Continue reading Tips for Battery Maintenance

Timely Tips: NG Oil Selection, Piston Ring Identification, Tire Inflation

Using diesel engine oil in a natural gas engine will cause valve torching, piston scuffing and a reduction of spark plug life. Additionally, oils with high ash content may cause valve and/or piston damage that leads to excessive oil consumption and catalyst degradation. You can avoid this by following all engine OEM recommendations and requirements… Continue reading Timely Tips: NG Oil Selection, Piston Ring Identification, Tire Inflation

MBWA: Management by Wandering Around, Not Walking Away

Some say a quick way to know what is going on is to read a report. Not sure I agree. When the costs hit the reports, it is too late. Data is good, but maybe too late! There are some quick ways to understand what is going on in your shops, especially if you or… Continue reading MBWA: Management by Wandering Around, Not Walking Away

In-House vs. Outsourced Fleet Maintenance

Increasing adoption of onboard technology has been a boon and a bane for fleets. The boon is greater transparency between the fleet maintenance manager and driver/vehicle—that provides information on how vehicles are being driven and access to more and better data for maintenance and repair decisions. The bane is that the increased sophistication can make… Continue reading In-House vs. Outsourced Fleet Maintenance

Operating Tips to Extend the Life of a Skid Steer Loader

A skid steer loader is one of the most frequently used tools on a job site. To keep it performing productively over time, operators should follow these simple operating tips to extend the life of the skid steer loader. TIP NO. 1: KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS Skid steer loaders are extremely valuable tools for contractors because… Continue reading Operating Tips to Extend the Life of a Skid Steer Loader

Beating Cold Weather No Starts

“Battery drain is an issue for fleets at parking facilities where drivers require hotel loads for comfort and convenience items, especially during rest periods required by new hours-of-service regulations,” says Ryan Bennett, vice president of product and marketing at Idle Smart. “With the right technology, fleets can monitor and eliminate battery drain so trucks are… Continue reading Beating Cold Weather No Starts

Trailer Maintenance Tips

It’s been 14 years since repairing any trailer’s “ICC bumper” was a simple matter of cutting off the damaged section and welding on a straight piece of angle iron. Most trailers built since Jan. 26, 1998, have been equipped with more complex required rear impact guards that are not only stronger but are designed to… Continue reading Trailer Maintenance Tips

Are you Putting Enough Air in your Steer Tires?

If you are not running at least 105 psi in your steer tires, you’re running underinflated. In some cases, those tires may be in run-flat condition. Most fleet maintenance managers know exactly why they spec a certain drive-axle ratio. That number is one part of a series of inputs that will get them to a… Continue reading Are you Putting Enough Air in your Steer Tires?

5 Tire Tips From Love’s Before Roadcheck 2014

Love’s Truck Tire Care is offering the tips below on how to keep your wheels and tires in the best possible condition for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Roadcheck 2014, taking place this week. “Tires are among the highest expenses for fleets and owner-operators. Tires and wheels accounted for 10 percent of out-of-service violations during… Continue reading 5 Tire Tips From Love’s Before Roadcheck 2014