Is your heavy-duty construction equipment ready for the busy season ahead? You’ve likely already performed a few tune-ups. But servicing your fleet’s radiators and cooling systems can help business run smoothly all season long.
We’ve asked our team of expert mechanics to share their servicing tips for heavy-duty construction equipment. Our mechanics have experience working on a range of OEMs, including Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, Hitatchi, and Case. We also service cooling systems on street sweepers, including Pelican.
So, here are the five ways we suggest you repair your equipment.
5 Ways to Repair Your Construction Fleet
1. DPF/DOC Cleaning
Cleaning your diesel particulate filter (DPF) and/or diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is a necessity for the construction industry.
The DPF traps soot and exhaust emissions, which can eventually become clogged with hardened ash if not serviced regularly. Our mechanics suggest DPFs for heavy-duty construction industry fleets should be cleaned every 4,000 hours.
On the other hand, the DOC is an after-treatment component of the emissions system. It is designed to convert carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. Similar to the DPF, the DOC can eventually become blocked from a build-up of debris.
We clean DPFs and DOCs that are said to be unserviceable, including oil soaked units. We use a variety of industry-standard techniques. For example, we do an overnight bake in the kiln with high heat, blow out the filters with compressed air, and perform a final testing. We also provide our customers a full DPF pressure drop reading before and after the cleaning process.
2. EGR Cleaning
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is made of two key components: valves and coolers. The EGRs system has a high pressure loop (HPL) where a portion of the exhaust is taken from upstream of the turbocharger.
Since the EGR system re-circulates a portion of exhaust gases, the valve can become clogged with carbon deposits over time. This can prevent it from operating properly. Some examples that your EGR valves may be clogged include hesitation when starting your machine and/or engine vibration.
Here is how we deep-clean EGR valves:
- Removing all bolts and gaskets
- Ensuring valves are free of any cracks or leaks
- Using a state-of-the-art cleaning system that breaks down carbon deposits
3. Fuel Tank Rebarreling
A leak in your equipment’s fuel tank can in fact be very expensive if not caught quickly, as well as be potentially damaging to the environment.
Therefore, our shop technicians are specially trained to provide long-lasting repairs to both aluminum and steel fuel tanks. First, we start with our rigorous testing process. This allows us to identify exactly where the leak or hole is. From there, we determine the best type of materials for the repair. Finally, using our CNC roller, we build custom aftermarket straps and barrels for diesel fuel tanks of various sizes.
Our gage of aluminum that we use for fuel tanks is 40% thicker than the OEM!
4. A/C Line Replacements
Performing regular checks and maintenance to ensure your air-conditioning system is working at its best is key before the busy season. Air conditioning lines can get damaged from dirt build up, leaks, and loose or broken mounting hardware.
The following effects are an indication that there’s an issue with your cooling system;
- Not cooling
- Poor A/C performance
- Warm or slightly cool air emitted from unit
- Systems only work intermittent
- A/C or Blower system noisy
We carry a wide range of A/C aftermarket replacement parts with a 1 year warranty. We also manufacture custom-made A/C lines.
5. Rad Rebuild and Repair
Finally, our speciality and main focus since we first opened our doors has been building and manufacturing custom radiators. We source high quality materials to manufacture our aftermarket rads for construction equipment. Our team of technicians can help determine whether your rad’s core can be repaired. Often times, a simple repair can do the job. Or, your rad may need a complete recore.
West End Rad will create and design a custom core for you that can handle high-speeds, constant use, and extreme climates. Our services also include complete all-metal rad conversions. We can convert your rad from plastic/aluminum to copper/brass or an all aluminum rad.
This is a plastic/aluminum rad from a 2006 Caterpillar 320 Excavator. The original rad had multiple holes in the core when it was brought to West End Rad.
We converted the rad to an all copper/brass application, including the tanks. The new metal rad is much more heavy-duty, will last longer, and will require less future down time, and is easier to repair if needed in the future.
Our Commitment to You:
- Efficient service for rush and emergency jobs
- Experts in heavy-duty industrial cooling
- 1-year warranty on all parts
- Customized repairs to fit your machine’s environment and needs
Learn more about our full list of service here. You can also browse our full line of aftermarket inventory here.