The Heat Is On

With the summer comes heat, heavier waste loads, and longer workdays.  

“Warm weather brings the gardens back to life along with an increase in yard trimmings. Long-ignored projects like cleaning out the garage finally get the attention they deserve,” notes James Rimsa, Perkins Manufacturing engineering manager. 

“Expect heavier loads, more bulky items, and an upswing in contamination coming from old paint cans, batteries, tires, and other miscellaneous items that find their way to the curb,” he says.   

The preventative maintenance program (PM) is a cornerstone of reliability, performance, and cost, notes Jerry Milano, director of field service for Autocar Trucks. 

“You have to have a good PM program scheduled, followed with a complete inspection of trucks and components. Repairs of things you find bad from the inspection need to be addressed.” 

“Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Maintenance intervals are developed from years of testing and experience,” notes Josh Seiferth, Mack Trucks' refuse product manager. “Following these intervals will keep trucks running longer and more efficiently. Equipment and software should also be kept up to date.” 

Basic summertime maintenance to ensure year-round reliable operation includes checking torque values of fasteners on the engine and chassis and inspecting rubber components, steering, brakes, and fluids.

“Remember to always follow safety procedures like lock-out/tag-out before performing any maintenance,” notes Tony Sablar, vocational marketing manager for Peterbilt.

The COVID pandemic brought on long wait times on parts availability issues, "so starting your maintenance early would be beneficial this year," advises Bud Corkins, inside field service technician for New Way Trucks.  

“Make sure all lifters are well maintained during these periods of high use and keep lifter wear items like rubber pads, plastic slides, bumpers, rollers, and hardware stocked at all times to reduce downtime,” Rimsa says.  

Rimsa notes that with Perkins lifters, operators should check that slides are greased and that spring-loaded components move freely and spring back as they should.  

“Review the lifter’s condition and replace any missing hardware or worn and damaged rollers/bumpers/belts,” he adds. “A good power washing also can help reveal the lifter’s structure for an up-close inspection.” 

With more people outdoors enjoying the summer weather—including children—it's essential that operators double-check cameras, mirrors, and related recording systems for optimal visibility, Rimsa says.  

Part of a thorough body operation maintenance is looking for bad wear pads, bearings, and improper or not enough lubrication, all of which leads to friction that will cause more heat in the operating system, says Corkins.  

“Operators are usually aware of the engine temperature and oil pressure gauges, but if the truck is not equipped with optional shutdowns for the hydraulic fluid level, high fluid temperature, or filter bypass they should be aware of where to monitor those functions on the hydraulic system,” says Corkins. 

The hydraulic fluid tank has a fluid level sight gauge with a built-in thermometer. 

“At 180 degrees Fahrenheit, some seal compounds can start to break down,” says Corkins. “The internal tank return filter head has a gauge to monitor return pressure. Continued operation of the truck with the hydraulic fluid too low, too hot, or filters plugged will result in the very expensive replacement of pumps, valves, and cylinders." 

Checking the oil level is important, notes Bernie Hall, general manager, Checkfluid. 

“If leaks are apparent around the equipment, clean around the equipment and add a fluid dye to better diagnose the source of the problem. Low oil levels mean inadequate lubrication and premature failure. Overfilling will ruin seals,” he says. 

Hall advises setting a scheduled time in late April or early May to inspect equipment with a portable UV light. Problems could be as minor as tightening fittings that have vibrated loose, he adds. 

“In mid-May, consider taking another fluid sample to establish any trending that may suggest more immediate attention,” says Hall. “Minor fixes or replacement of breathers or seals can avoid major overhauls. Inadequate lubrication on equipment often ends up as a major capital cost to the company.” 

A late-summer sampling routine in August can highlight equipment needing more major repairs, lubricant upgrades, or more frequent condition monitoring, he adds. 

Lifters always should be re-greased following a heavy summer rainfall or a power washing, notes Rimsa. 

“As summer temperatures continue to climb year after year, it is important to maintain the lube and cooling systems of municipal waste haulers,” notes Hall.  

He suggests sampling oil or coolant condition in mid-February or early March to ensure time to change fluids or filters before the full heat of the summer by using a fluid valve such as the Checkfluid KP Pushbutton to assess fluid and component conditions. 

“Sample taking can be done in seconds with a single person using a remote access line for difficult to reach transmission or hydraulic ports,” Hall says, adding that frequent fluid sampling is cost-effective by preventing downtime. 

A "spring cleaning" of grime accumulated on the cooling system’s radiator fins can keep the radiator performing efficiently in the summer months and prevent engine over-heating or premature radiator replacements, says Sablar. 

“This is especially important in the refuse industry due to typical refuse duty cycle and high idle times. Check for any leaks in the system, especially around the hoses. Check the engine fan belts and tensioner pulley. These drive the A/C compressor, which is often required more during the summer. 

“When blowing out the radiator core, remove the charge air coolers and A/C system components for a more efficient cleaning,” notes Sablar. 

“Replacing the radiator cap is an inexpensive seasonal maintenance trick,” he adds. “It helps retain the correct pressure levels needed in the cooling system. This is also a good time to pressure test the cooling system.” 

“Anytime you overheat a truck, you severely reduce engine and component life,” says Milano. “Many trucks now have extended coolant life, but that doesn't mean it's totally maintenance-free. 

“Pressure test the cooling system for leaks; replace all hoses as needed,” says Milano. “Check that fan clutch, belts, and belt tensioners to make sure they're in good shape.” 

Clean the cooling pack in front of the truck including the charged air cooler and air conditioner condenser. 

“The trucks are in a harsh environment and also running through transfer stations and landfills. They’re picking up dust and debris that can drastically reduce cooling system performance,” says Milano. 

The air system requires attention.  

“Good air system maintenance is a year-round necessity, but the cyclic cooler temperatures of the winter months can lead to some condensation in the system,” says Sablar. 

Another key element of summer maintenance is to ensure the driver is happy, Milano notes.  

“Check the HVAC system for proper cooling operation,” he adds. “Check the operating pressures. Make sure there are no leaks.” 

Air-conditioning units should be serviced before and during the high-use summer months, including maintaining and frequent change-out of filters, notes Seiferth. 

Larry Rambeaux, sales application engineer for Purkeys, notes that the two times in which a solid waste management fleet operation should review its entire electrical system is during the fall before entering into extremely cold weather and in spring before entering the extreme heat of summer.  

Batteries are a key part of summertime PM. 

By checking and cleaning batteries, harnesses, connectors, sensors, and battery cables routinely throughout the winter, spring cleaning is easier, notes Sablar. 

“After going through a winter, a truck has been exposed to all of the ice treatments and will have the propensity to have corrosion,” says Rambeaux. “Do a load test on the battery and clean everything. 

“In hot weather, batteries are going to discharge on the road a lot more. In today's times with COVID, there are vehicles parked and not being utilized. An important thing to remember when doing all of these checks is to charge the batteries. If a vehicle is going to sit for long periods, pull the battery cables.” 

Another alternative is to use Purkeys’ Solar Dash Charging System. The Solar Dash works with most heavy-duty vehicles, avoiding jumpstarts by helping vehicle batteries maintain a high state of charge during vehicle inactivity. 

The solar trailer battery charger comes with a 20-watt solar panel, conversion controller, and an adapter that plugs directly into a 12-volt power port or ring terminals.  

It is designed with a flex panel to counteract parasitic loads, keep trucks ready during periods of inactivity, transfer easily between vehicles, and includes grommets for mechanical fastening. 

Brakes are a key factor in summertime PM. 

“In the refuse industry, the brakes are always a high priority. They are highly used all day long in short bursts,” notes Chuck Boden, technical support for Link Manufacturing. “When you throw in environmental heat, that's when you start running into more problems where they get overheated.”  

Ensure the brake system is clean of debris and well-maintained, Boden advises. 

“Check pads and make sure they are not running down below their norm,” he adds. 

Drivers should do a daily walk-around, pre-trip, and post-trip, says Boden. A fleet mechanic should check weekly for seal damage or leaking “which could be a sign of brakes getting hot and causing trouble or brake shoes causing trouble,” he says. 

With air springs being warm because of the atmospheric temperature, “look and listen for air leaks in the air springs to make sure they are not being damaged which can happen especially in the refuse business where you've got a lot of trucks running into some nasty conditions down alleys, water in streets and out into the dumps,” says Boden. “There’s a chance for debris striking an air spring and causing some trouble.” 

“The kingpin needs to be greased a little more often in the summer because of the heat build-up," says Boden. "The grease flows a little easier, and if the seal is a little weak, it can weep out of there.” 

Ensure the engine is clean. 

“You don’t want a bunch of oil and debris on it as to allow the exchange of hot air and not have it overheating,” Milano adds. 

The evaporator core needs to be checked to ensure proper airflow for increased system performance. If the truck is equipped with a cabin air filter, make sure it’s clean. 

Monitor tire air pressure. 

“Tires pick up a tremendous amount of heat in the warm weather,” says Milano. “If you don’t have proper air pressure, you have premature wear. Excessive heat can cause blowouts and drastically compromise tires’ ability to function and get the life out of them.” 

 It is also a good idea to maintain diesel exhaust fluid levels in the warmer months, says Sablar, adding that more fluid in the tank helps moderate the temperature. 

Some operations have challenges related to new emission systems and diesel particulate filters, says Don Kanneth, Webasto’s North America director for aftermarket. 

“Idling certainly contributes to premature failure and also regeneration frequency,” he says.

“You see just as much extended idle in the summertime because of cab comfort. Operators want cool in the summer and heat in the wintertime. Newer vehicles do not do well with idling. Anything that a company can do to reduce those idle hours is money back in their pocket,” says Duane Bratvold, Western regional sales manager, Webasto.  

“You need to keep the truck clean,” says Milano. “You need to inspect everything. You need to have a good driver vehicle inspection report process where the driver is driving all day and can tell you what the truck is doing and what's happening.” 

“Warm summer weather is a good time to make sure that all the hazards on your vehicle are clearly marked,” says Rimsa. “Labels can be lost over time due to abrasion, or sometimes painted over.  

“While existing employees may know the risks, new employees may not, so it is best to replace those safety labels so everyone is informed and can steer clear of danger.” 

Additional safety checks include repainting moving parts in a high visibility color such as yellow or red, Rimsa notes. 

“Add new reflective red and white conspicuity tape where it has fallen off or been painted over,” he says. “Repair or replace any missing guards. Perform a quick check of lights and replace any unlit bulbs.”  

Rimsa suggests creating a safety checklist to be reviewed at the end of each day.  

“Check for broken-out bulbs, hydraulic leaks, missing hardware, brake check, fluid check, and other common problems,” he notes. “Create a system of communication between the operators and the nighttime mechanics so that issues the operator finds during the day can be reviewed and checked that night. Many issues can be fixed right away, allowing the truck to be ready for service the next morning in peak condition.” 

Summertime PM practices translate into greater efficiency and cost savings by fixing something in the shop instead of out on the road and risking service interruption. 

“Companies that have a very rigorous maintenance program and stay up on their maintenance have fewer breakdowns and less cost per mile. But the ones that put a bandage on a truck and send it out on the road are the ones where, in the long term, it costs a fortune to keep that equipment on the road,” says Bratvold.  

Software is helping solid waste operations prevent unscheduled downtime and keep trucks at peak performance.  

It is critical with today’s modern trucks that software be kept up to date, says Seiferth. 

“Connected services like our telematics solution, Mack GuardDog Connect, will predict when maintenance will be needed, allowing the truck to be scheduled for maintenance when it does not interfere with normally scheduled routes,” he adds. 

Connected services also can instantly detect problems that arise and call them into a service center for the driver, increasing uptime, Seiferth says. 

“Mack Over The Air remote programming can keep trucks updated in real-time rather than requiring the trucks to come out of service for software updates,” he says. 

The company also offers end users service management teams for ongoing support. 

“It’s imperative that technicians receive training so they are up to date on the latest repairs, which will speed them up as well as help to avoid repeat repairs,” Seiferth says. “It's also critical to have regular meetings with the drivers to go over their issues, update them on new maintenance, and go over trends with their trucks.” 

 Peterbilt’s SmartLINQ remote diagnostic system is a tool designed to help maintenance managers leverage and drive uptime year-round throughout their fleet, notes Sablar.  

“The SmartLINQ web portal and separate emails inform you of the operating health of your trucks while they are in operation so you can conveniently schedule preventive maintenance before they turn into larger issues,” he adds. 

And as important as it is to take care of summer vehicle maintenance, so too is it important that employees exercise self-care in the heat. 

 Rimsa points out that intense heat calls for employees to stay well-hydrated and pace themselves in their work.