Fueling the future: Alternative fuels are becoming mainstream
If you’re a regular reader of this heavy-duty column, you’re likely starting to see an emerging theme: There is no one-size-fits-all, magic bullet solution to improving your fleet’s efficiency. It’s a collection of equipment integration, maintenance best practices and technology, working in concert to save money and boost the bottom line. Alternative fuels continue to
Clean fuel corner: Clean fuel to keep engines running
During the course of the last five Clean Fuel Corners, we’ve attempted to bring you up to speed on the changes taking place in the world of diesel fuel and engine technology and why it should be of concern to anyone owning or operating diesel-driven equipment. Recall that generally these changes are being forced by emissions
Clean fuel corner: Additives in diesel fuel
Raw ultralow sulfur diesel fuels coming out of today’s modern refineries require various additives to bring them into specification. Although the details of each fuel spec vary in different parts of the world, the function of an additive is generally the same: to give the fuel a characteristic that it otherwise wouldn’t have right out
Clean fuel corner: Emissions driving changes and we say goodbye to sulfur
As we last discussed, many new engines employ high pressure common rail (HPCR) technology, injecting diesel fuel upwards of 2,700 bar. These engines are being challenged to meet stricter (read: cleaner) emissions requirements from governments around the world. To meet that challenge, engine OEMs are employing both on-engine and exhaust aftertreatment solutions. HPCR is an
Clean fuel corner: New engine technology and the need for clean fuel
Welcome to the Clean Fuel Corner! This column is an opportunity for you to learn more about how evolving diesel engine technology is driving the need for cleaner fuel. While that may seem to be fairly straightforward, delivering clean and dry fuel consistently to your engine’s fuel injection system can be a great challenge. We’ll
Charting coolant filters choices
According to Jim Watson, engineering director, engine liquid filtration at Donaldson Co., “While heavy EGR coolant systems may have increased coolant thermal cycling and accelerated coolant additive depletion, coolant filter problems related to heat have been noted. Coolant conditions may need to be checked frequently to ensure proper coolant chemical balance is maintained. It’s estimated
Spec’ing engine protection: Lube oil filtration keeps the engine clean
Lube oil, called the life blood of an engine, is called on to do more than most people are aware. We all know that it keeps engines running by reducing internal friction in the engine. It does this by actually keeping moving parts separated with a thin fluid layer. It helps protect internal metal surfaces
Optimizing drain intervals: There’s money to be saved if oil drain intervals can safely be extended
Of course, it depends and awful lot on exactly what your trucks are doing, but it’s a good bet that you could be changing oil and filters less frequently if you haven’t attempted to optimize the oil change intervals established for your PM schedules. You purchase engine lubricants just as you do with other consumables for your fleet: Fuel, tires, brake linings. You do your best to maximize the use of most consumables, but have you done your best to maximize the life of the engine lubricant you purchase?
Daimler Trucks North America Honors 44 Masters of Quality
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has recognized 44 North American manufacturers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico as recipients of its 2012 Masters of Quality Supplier Award.
Designed for fuel economy
Engine manufacturers have made great strides in improving fuel economy, but fleet managers must also do their jobs writing specs to take advantage of the fuel saving potential of new designs.