The right use of data can help ensure your telehander stays productive Â
By Tim Palosaari, Project Management Analyst for Pettibone/Traverse Lift
When telematics programs first emerged in the construction industry, the primary selling point was the ability to track equipment location, creating the possibly to recover a machine stolen from a jobsite.
While equipment owners can still use telematics to make sure their assets are exactly where they are supposed to be, the technology has advanced to provide numerous other benefits.
Today, by connecting to the engine control module (ECM), it’s possible to access almost any type of engine data. The amount of information generated can be overwhelming, but it’s highly manageable for users to focus on only the data points they deem necessary – and then take advantage of that useful knowledge.
Telehandler telematics
Telescopic handlers are designed to provide the lifting power necessary to move heavy loads to elevated heights in a safe and efficient manner. They are often pushed to their limits by operators and must be properly maintained to function properly. With telematics in place, machines have a better chance of performing at a high level for the long term.
Most telehandler manufacturers offer an optional telematics package. Other manufacturers include a standard multi-year subscription with the purchase of a new machine. The monthly subscription cost is inexpensive considering the information received, especially relative to the potential costs of avoidable equipment repairs. Telematics has quickly become one of the most important factors in protecting the capital investment in a telehandler.
Handling problems
As telematics provides users with real-time access to the status of a telehandler, many potential issues can be detected and avoided before they can become serious problems. Maintenance alerts cover anything from reminding you that it’s time for a 2,000-hour inspection to checking battery voltage. An error code for the water or fuel indicators might tell you that the fuel-water separator filter needs to be changed. Engine fuel delivery pressure or a low coolant level can also trigger alerts.
As well, telematics can remotely troubleshoot certain issues using the telematics dashboard on a computer or smartphone app. This is especially advantageous when a telehandler is on a remote jobsite. Instead of service technicians driving long miles to check on an unknown issue, the problem can be potentially diagnosed and solved with a few taps on a screen.
In other situations, an equipment problem may still require an on-site service call, but the field technicians responding will have more information about the problem. The old-fashioned method of diagnosis often involved a phone call from someone on-site to describe or mimic whatever noise the machine was making, while mechanics on the other end took their best guess to identify the problem.
The approach with telematics is far more technical and to the point. The system will provide an error code that explains precisely what is wrong. In fact, depending on the affected components, the telematics system can even let you know the exact part number that needs replacing. Techs can then ensure they have the necessary replacement part and tools before heading to the jobsite to make the repair, saving time, frustration and money.
It’s not always possible to have the most skilled and experienced operator in the cab, so having a machine break down due to operator error is another issue that can be minimized. Having telematics to provide alerts to operators is a good proactive measure toward ensuring short-term uptime and the long-term health of your telehandler.
Critical info
Uptime can be increased by instituting a consistent maintenance schedule, and telematics can help. Keeping tabs on utilization and service intervals may be easy for those with minimal equipment inventory, but for those with multiple telehandlers in a bigger fleet, it’s easy to lose track of which machines are logging the most hours and may be approaching service milestones sooner than others.
Telematics removes all the guesswork, providing observable data points such as engine hours, fuel rate and usage, diesel exhaust fluid levels, battery voltage and more. It may also advise if existing service intervals need to be modified to a greater frequency.
Beyond valuable maintenance information, telematics might also reveal some bad operational habits. Engine speed, torque and load can all be analyzed to see if a machine is being overworked. Fuel usage can come under even more scrutiny than usual when analyzing how many thousands of litres of fuel are burned while the machine is idling.
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Telematics is an extremely useful, cost-saving tool, but it is not a substitute for the daily service needs of a heavy-duty material handler. Operators and service technicians should continue to follow OEM recommended service intervals and perform daily pre-operation checks.
Simple daily procedures like checking engine oil, transmission fluid, air filters and keeping the machine greased help ensure the longevity of the machine and avoid more serious and costly repairs. There are several grease points for a telehandler boom, all of which should be greased per manufacturer specifications to prevent friction that can wear out pads more quickly.
Do visual inspections before starting work each day. Be alert to leaks, rust, damage, fluid levels, safety guards and anything that doesn’t look right. Tires should be inflated to the proper PSI and inspected for damage. Failing to do these checks could lead to project delays and productivity losses.
To maximize your telehandler investment and ensure it’s always safe, keep it in good working order with regular maintenance, and consider telematics. Real-time access to machine data saves time and hassle for maintenance technicians and operations, while saving money for the owner.
