How Do Cummins Engines Reduce Downtime?
We’ve previously looked at the top 5 most common problems that can lead to engine downtime, but how do Cummins engines help to reduce downtime?
Here, we explore Cummins engine solutions and technologies that keep your operations running smoothly, and offer our top tips for reducing engine downtime.
Cummins spare engines
Did you know, Cummins offers over 1000 support engines within the mining industry? These are used when your excavator or dozer’s engine is undergoing maintenance or servicing and allows your machinery to continue running smoothly, eliminating the need for downtime. Reducing engine downtime by simply swapping out the engine for a temporary support engine means that both scheduled and unscheduled servicing doesn’t disrupt your operations and you can still stick to project deadlines.
Cummins engine rebuild centres
Cummins engines can be rebuilt in specialised Cummins rebuild centres, 16 of which exist across the world. These are located in strategic places near to mining hot-spots across the globe, making access practical. Booking your Cummins engine to a rebuild centre while using a support engine will reduce downtime and also help to reduce the life cycle cost of your machinery as you won’t have to purchase a brand-new engine. This is also a more environmentally sustainable and less wasteful approach to engine maintenance.
PrevenTech
PrevenTech is maintenance technology developed by Cummins to reduce downtime with Cummins engines. It works by tracking your machinery’s engine and searching for both immediate and potential problems, as well as providing recommendations to help improve the performance of your Cummins engine.
Technology like PrevenTech helps engines run for longer and downtime can be planned better, with more advance warning. The reporting and rules of the system can also be customised, so you benefit from the exact data that will optimise your operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Cummins describes it as ‘data driven’ maintenance, whereby unnecessary maintenance and material wastage is reduced.
GUIDANZ®
GUIDANZ® is another piece of technology developed by Cummins to help reduce engine downtime. A mobile app is used with the INLINE mini adapter, GUIDANZ® takes remote maintenance to a new level. It facilitates engine maintenance in even the most remote locations, including troubleshooting, ordering parts and getting Cummins technicians on-site. The app also offers different features depending on the user: dealers, distributors, fleet and mechanic shops.
Our tips for reducing engine downtime
- Train your operators and teach them how to do a walkaround. Operators should begin the working day with a walkaround of their machinery, looking out for things like oil on the ground (this is a sign of a leak).
- Reduce engine idling. Did you know, 1 hour of engine idling is the equivalent of approximately 25 miles of driving? Idling can wear your engine, leading to expensive, premature failure.
- Degrease and clean your engine. Degreasing gets rid of oils, helping your engine to run more efficiently. It’s also important to clean your engine air filters as this improves both engine performance and fuel economy.
- Winterise your engine. As the weather gets colder, this involves using a suitable antifreeze, changing to winter-grade oil and using engine heaters. Looking after your engine over the winter will reduce wear on it and keep your projects running smoothly, no matter how harsh the weather.
- Use genuine parts. Always use genuine replacement engine parts purchased from authorised suppliers. For example, at Jaytrac we supply genuine Cummins engine parts and we have the whole range covered!
At Jaytrac, we supply a range of Cummins engine parts for construction machinery, so please do get in touch with any enquiries if you’re in need of Cummins replacement parts. Fill out a contact form with details of your enquiry, or reach us on +44 (0) 1604 491133 or at sales@jaytrac.co.uk.