OPTIMIZING FLUID LIFE SAVES BIG BUCKS ON A BIG LOADER!
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It was time for a PM4 maintenance on a very large wheel loader. This involves changing the oil in the engine as well as the transmission, both differentials and the hydraulic system. Due to the size of the machine, Halton had been hired through the CSA Program to perform all of the PM service work in the past. The site manager expressed his concern about the expense of the upcoming work and how it would adversely effect their cash flow in the current economic downturn. Halton's CSA Manager consulted with the S•O•S Services Team, relaying the customer's concerns and asking what the condition of the fluids looked like. Because Halton had been performing all of the service work there was sufficient S•O•S History to refer to. After close scrutiny of the data, the recommendation was made to not change oil in any of the non-engine compartments at this PM interval. The customer was very pleased that he was able to postpone a very expensive service which would have cost over $6000! The condition of the fluids will be monitored closely with continued S•O•S Analysis through Halton Company and the CSA Program.
January 2009
A REAL SOOTY DEAL!
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A mid-size track-type tractor began to show increasing soot in the engine oil in the summer of 2008. The S•O•S Analyst noted this in the report and suggested the machine be inspected for typical sources of high soot. The condition continued to worsen over next few oil change periods and several hundred hours. The Owner, Industry Consultant and the S•O•S Analyst had a discussion about the situation. The S•O•S Analyst recommended a complete technical analysis through a Custom Care Inspection which would eliminate or identify any performance issues. The owner agreed and scheduled the inspection. It didn't take long for the Halton Technician to discover a hole in the charge-air after cooler. This would result in low boost pressure and poor air-fuel ratio causing decreased power and performance.
December 2008
SOS SERVICES IS THE DIFFERENCE FOR THIS DIFFERENTIAL
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On the morning of October 14, 2008 a routine front differential oil sample from a large wheel loader returned S•O•S Analysis Results which were far from routine. The particle count data, which quantifies particles larger than Wear Metal Analysis can detect, showed an exponential increase in the 21-micron and 38-micron size channels. The standard protocol for Halton's S•O•S Services Team is to perform a microscopic analysis of the oil to determine what is driving the particle count. The result: heavy microscopic metal indicating a failure in progress. The site manager was contacted immediately and advised to shut the machine down. Next, Halton's Field Service Department was notified and briefed with all the necessary information for an inevitable call from the customer. By late that same afternoon the differential had been removed by a crack team of two Field Service Technicians and delivered to Halton's Specialization Shop for repair. Disassembly the following morning showed a bearing failure in process. With continued operation of the machine, a catastrophic failure would have been imminent, resulting in repair costs that could easily have exceed $50,000.
October 2008