You should replace air filters based on how they look, not based on a set schedule. Get new ones when they’re dirty. Air filters prevent dirt and other particles from reaching your engine, and they allow clean air to pass. Changing the air filter in heavy equipment will prolong the engine’s life, reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. You should use new air filters as replacements. Used filters will cause more damage and decrease an engine’s performance.
Diesel engines typically have two batteries to power the starting system and supply energy to the electrical components within your heavy equipment machinery. The average OEM battery lasts between 4 to 5 years, but you should replace as a new part when necessary.
Off-road heavy equipment typically uses a serpentine belt that powers the air conditioning, power steering pump, compressor, air injection pump and cooling fan. In the case where a serpentine belt brakes, the engine will stop working and may begin to overheat. Overheating causes severe damage to an engine that can add up to major repair costs.
Use new fluid when changing oil in heavy equipment. Oil lubricates an engine while absorbing its heat, allowing all internal parts to function efficiently. As time passes, oil breaks down and becomes less effective in lubricating and absorbing high temperatures. Recycle used oil and dispose of it in this way:
An engine starter sets the machine’s pistons, crankshaft and other components in motion. If a starter fails to ignite the engine, your heavy equipment will not start.
Although a faulty engine starter has similarities to a dead battery, the lights and horn of your machine will still work properly. To replace an engine starter, you can purchase either a new or remanufactured part. Remanufactured engine starters are tested, and faulty parts are replaced with new ones.
The purpose of fuel filters is to prevent dirt and other components from entering a machine’s fuel pump. When fuel transfers from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, it passes through the fuel filter to ensure it is clean. A buildup of unwanted particles in the fuel system will clog the system and could cause engine failure.
If the fuel filter deteriorates and becomes contaminated with debris, dirt can prevent gas from reaching the engine. Clumps of debris will affect the fuel efficiency of your heavy equipment and the overall performance of the machine will suffer. To replace fuel filters, purchase new rather than used.
Fuel injectors deliver fuel to a machine’s engine and determine the exact amount needed. In the case of a clogged fuel injector, it will not be able to supply fuel to the engine. For diesel engines, you can replace fuel injectors with new, used or rebuilt parts. This rids the shell of the fuel injector of faulty parts and replaces them with new ones.
You should replace hoses about every 4 years — but if you use your heavy equipment rigorously, hoses may wear more quickly. Hoses transfer fluids to the engine, power steering rack, hydraulics and calipers. Coolant hoses hold the fluid under pressure and are subject to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Check hoses for cracks, bubbles, or stiff textures. Rubber dry rots and is prone to wearing away quicker than other materials. Always purchase new hoses for your heavy equipment.
Hydraulic filters protect the hydraulic system from contaminated oil and debris. Maintaining a clean hydraulic filtration ensures machine efficiency. Metals, such as copper and iron, accelerate the degradation of the system, but with proper filtration the metals don’t compromise the system. Install new hydraulic filters and not used ones.
The main function of hydraulic fluid is to transmit power to the hydraulic system. It’s also useful in:
Hydraulic fluids can be petroleum-based, water-based or synthetic. Replacing hydraulic fluid in heavy equipment requires new fluid. Check with OEM specifications to determine the correct viscosity grade and type for your machine.
Oil filters help remove unwanted contaminants and debris from entering your heavy equipment’s engine. Unfiltered oil will cause particles to wear the surface of an engine, and dirty oil pumps will become damaged. The process begins with unclean oil passing through the filter and back through the central hole to re-enter the engine. Replacing new OEM oil filters expands the life of an engine.
Spark plugs create an ignition to begin the combustion needed to start your heavy equipment. Replacing spark plugs:
As spark plugs age, deposits form from air-fuel mixtures and can lead to jerky startups. To replace spark plugs in your heavy equipment, always purchase new parts.
The primary function of transmission fluid is to lubricate the transmission system. It also protects metal surfaces from wear, reduces high operating temperatures and increases rotational speed within the transmission. Automatic and manual machines use different types of transmission fluids. You should always replace transmission fluid with new fluid. When removing old transmission fluid from your machine, recycle it.
Purchase new or rebuilt equipment parts for suspension components. Never buy used.