How-tos

A steady glow plug light is a normal part of the pre-heating process on most modern diesel equipment, but a flashing light is a clear warning of a fault. However, not all off-road machines have this indicator; its presence depends on the engine’s age and electronic systems. This guide will help you understand why this light exists, decode what a flashing symbol means, identify the common causes from a failed glow plug to complex engine issues, and provide the knowledge you need to prevent costly downtime.

How does your diesel engine maintain peak performance even under heavy loads? The answer lies in a key component: diesel oil coolers. As the engine’s “guardian,” they effectively lower oil temperatures, preventing overheating and loss of lubricating ability. This directly extends engine life, reduces wear, and improves fuel efficiency.

Ever wonder why there’s no Power Tool Battery Standardization? This guide breaks down the real reasons—it’s not about technology, it’s about business. Learn how ecosystem lock-in and proprietary designs cost you time and money, and discover a smarter way to manage your equipment parts.

At the heart of an excavator’s undercarriage lies the sprocket, a critical component that drives the tracks. A worn sprocket results in reduced traction, wasted power, and potentially catastrophic damage to the entire track chain. Ignoring a worn sprocket is a costly mistake. Yet, replacing a sprocket can seem like a daunting task. This guide will demystify sprocket replacement. We’ll provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you safely and efficiently replace sprockets on heavy equipment, saving downtime and protecting your investment.

An engine coolant over temperature warning on your machinery’s dashboard is a critical alert demanding immediate action. This guide helps you identify all the signs of overheating, from steam under the hood to a sweet coolant smell or the engine entering limp mode. We explore the most common causes for this warning, including low coolant from leaks, a failed thermostat, a faulty water pump, or radiator issues. Learn the correct, safe steps to take to diagnose the problem and prevent catastrophic engine damage.

The undercarriage system does constitute one of the most extravagant singular investments amidst the upkeep of excavator equipment, oft accounting for no less than half of the total expense of repair. Wherefore the span of its longevity becometh of paramount consequence. Yet, to inquire “How long endureth the life of an excavator undercarriage system?” resembleth greatly the questioning of how long a set of automobile tires may be pressed into service—there existeth no solitary answer. But, through the apprehension of pivotal variables, the discernment of tokens of attrition, and the adherence to practices most judicious, one may obtain a most precise estimation, thereby seizing dominion over the fate of one’s maintenance. This present treatise shall furnish a practical disquisition upon the life expectancy of the undercarriage system and lend succor in the prolongation of its span.

Trapped air can cripple your hydraulic system, causing jerky movements and severe damage. This guide teaches you how to bleed a hydraulic cylinder to restore performance. We provide safe, step-by-step instructions for two methods: the easy way with a bleeder valve, and the expert way without one.

Is your car cranking but not starting? The Toyota P1604 code, or ‘Startability Malfunction,’ is a common but frustrating issue that often comes with a check engine light and can leave you stranded. This guide breaks down the mystery behind the P1604 code. We explore the most frequent causes, from a simple weak battery to issues with the fuel or ignition systems. Learn a step-by-step diagnostic process to accurately find the problem and discover the right way to fix it, so you can get your Toyota starting reliably again.

For any owner of tracked heavy equipment, the undercarriage represents one of the single largest investments and ongoing costs. It can account for up to 50% of a machine’s total maintenance budget. While wear is inevitable, the rate of wear is not. By adopting a few simple, consistent habits, you can dramatically extend the life of your components, save thousands of dollars in repairs and fuel, and maximize your machine’s uptime. This guide provides 8 essential, field-tested tips to get the most out of your undercarriage, starting with the most important one.

Seeing the check emission system light on your machinery’s dash? This warning indicates an emissions system problem that shouldn’t be ignored. While it could be as simple as a loose gas cap, it might also point to more serious issues like a failed oxygen sensor, a clogged DPF, or a bad catalytic converter. Ignoring it can lead to reduced power, higher fuel costs, and expensive repairs. This guide walks you through the common causes, how to diagnose the issue, and preventative maintenance tips to keep your equipment running smoothly.

That squeal from your engine isn’t just a noise—it’s a warning. A bad idler pulley can cause belt failure and major downtime. This guide teaches you the 5 symptoms to look for, a step-by-step replacement process, and how to get the job done without paying for expensive OEM parts.

After a long day’s toil on the construction site, the undercarriage of excavators, bulldozers, or skid-steer loaders often accumulates a copious aggregation of soil, stones, and debris. Should such mud be permitted to repose upon the undercarriage, over the span of years, it shall occasion grievous attrition to the equipment. Accordingly, this guide will demonstrate the importance of undercarriage cleaning while also providing the proper procedural steps to help you save thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance expenses.