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Peak Performance in Hot Weather

by Moderator ‎06-27-2011 11:11 AM - edited ‎06-27-2011 11:11 AM

blogger-headers-roy.jpg

 

Summer is the busiest time of year in the building and construction industries, and of course, agriculture goes year-round. Heat-related downtime is the last thing you need. You can avoid the summertime blues by following a few simple preventive measures during your daily operator checks or regular maintenance. Here are tips for keeping your equipment operating at peak performance (and keeping you profitable) when the mercury is on the rise.

 

  • Make sure coolant is properly mixed. You can find the correct proportions for your machine in the owner’s manual.
  • Keep your radiator clean. Carefully remove any debris that has collected on the outside so that airflow is unobstructed.
  • Check the condition of the radiator pressure cap and replace if necessary. A poorly sealed cap can result in overheating (and NEVER remove the cap when the engine is warm).
  • Inspect radiator hoses.  Look for cracks or leaks and replace hoses if necessary.
  • Make sure all belts are tight. A loose belt can make the water pump ineffective, which can lead to overheating.
  • Check air and fuel filters. Dirty filters will adversely affect engine performance.
  • Check Air Conditioning Filters.  Get plenty of clean air to the A/C unit so it can do its job in the cab.
  • Check brakes and make sure brake fluids are at their proper level. Be aware that brakes can become dangerously hot during summer months.
  • Properly inflate tires. Under inflated tires overheat more easily, which can ultimately lead to failure.

 

 

 

How do you keep your equipment performing at its best when temps reach the boiling point? Give others the benefit of your experience by commenting below.

 

Comments
by must2211 on ‎06-28-2011 02:56 PM

good article and useful

by benhannarabeh on ‎11-18-2011 07:19 PM

hi hallo


RoyBrookhart wrote:

blogger-headers-roy.jpg

 

Summer is the busiest time of year in the building and construction industries, and of course, agriculture goes year-round. Heat-related downtime is the last thing you need. You can avoid the summertime blues by following a few simple preventive measures during your daily operator checks or regular maintenance. Here are tips for keeping your equipment operating at peak performance (and keeping you profitable) when the mercury is on the rise.

 

  • Make sure coolant is properly mixed. You can find the correct proportions for your machine in the owner’s manual.
  • Keep your radiator clean. Carefully remove any debris that has collected on the outside so that airflow is unobstructed.
  • Check the condition of the radiator pressure cap and replace if necessary. A poorly sealed cap can result in overheating (and NEVER remove the cap when the engine is warm).
  • Inspect radiator hoses.  Look for cracks or leaks and replace hoses if necessary.
  • Make sure all belts are tight. A loose belt can make the water pump ineffective, which can lead to overheating.
  • Check air and fuel filters. Dirty filters will adversely affect engine performance.
  • Check Air Conditioning Filters.  Get plenty of clean air to the A/C unit so it can do its job in the cab.
  • Check brakes and make sure brake fluids are at their proper level. Be aware that brakes can become dangerously hot during summer months.
  • Properly inflate tires. Under inflated tires overheat more easily, which can ultimately lead to failure.

 

 

 

How do you keep your equipment performing at its best when temps reach the boiling point? Give others the benefit of your experience by commenting below.

 


 

About the Author
  • I am an expert Operator and Application Specialist for Caterpillar concentrating on products used in the construction trades industry. I operate, evaluate and train on Cat machines and Work Tool Attachments worldwide. I have a Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Craftsman Certified and was named Apprentice of the Year 1981 at the University of East Anglia, UK.
  • I am the National Association Manager for Caterpillar and have responsibility for customer associations and partnerships in multiple industries for Caterpillar. I have 12 years of experience at Caterpillar, and have spent most of those years in the field with dealers and customers around North America. I have always had a passion for equipment and find myself fortunate to be able to work with dealers and customers almost every day.
  • I am a Product and Application Specialist with over 30 years experience at Caterpillar. I focus on helping you to determine the best Cat machines, work tool attachments, and services for you to use in the building and general construction, landscaping, specialty trades, and agricultural industries.
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