Low power: change the air filter or doesn’t the restriction gauge work?

Stuart laughs at:

For some reason, the industry is paranoid about air restriction gauges. We just like to look at air filters and change them; we like to blow them out; we like to change them at every PM or at the request of the driver; or for driver safety; or at the terminal manager’s request. We like to look through them to “SEE” if they are dirty; stick a light it to see if we can see the light; and then get excited about having them washed.

Well, here is the guiding light. Do not look at, do not remove and do not wash air filters; rely on the restriction gauge to maximize filter life. Based on the size and application, you might be surprised at the life. Do not allow your maintenance program to cost you money—this is one way to lower your cost. Be wary of yearly replacement just because the filter is a year old and it is cheap insurance to change it.

I recommend changing at 18-in. of restriction, which is below the manufacturer’s recommendations. We want to shave minutes off of PM times and a filter’s cost can be equivalent to 1 hour of burden labor cost. Most fleets want to shave minutes, but replace the $50.00 air filter at ever PM or driver request—go figure!

DWS Fleet Management website: www.darrystuart.com

Sleeper supremacy: A focus on the customer has led to more fleets spec’ing large, decked-out sleepers

Across the business world, companies are becoming more and more interested in emulating the success of Amazon. It’s a model that many truck OEMs are now following as they sharpen their focus on fleet customers, learn what equipment will meet the customers’ needs and deliver the products that they want.