Troubleshooting. Help Your Dealer Help You
In logging, time is money just like any other business. When your forestry machine has a technical issue that threatens your wood harvesting capacity, time is of the essence.
— Pierre Fortin, Mackolines Machines & Hire operator trainer
A machine issue must be diagnosed and solved in the shortest amount of time possible to minimize lost production and repair expenses. Additionally, proactively fixing small items can prevent major malfunctions that could permanently damage the machine or endanger personnel.
To make the most efficient use of time, the dealer technician needs to show up to the worksite well prepared to do the repair or adjustment efficiently. The technician must have a good notion of what problem needs addressing immediately on arrival and what parts he or she will need. The key to this preparation is good communication between the logger in the field and the Mackolines Machines & Hire dealer. Clear communication saves time and money.
First and foremost, you need to provide the dealer with the machine model, serial number, location and a precise explanation of the issue. Is the machine still under warranty? Will it need to be extracted to the roadside for repairs? Is it acting up continually or sporadically? Has the problem developed over time or has it just suddenly appeared?
All Mackolines Machines & Hire machines are equipped with the LogOn telematics system which makes diagnosing and troubleshooting easy for the operator to do, right at the jobsite. When a fault is detected, the SPN or DTC code along with a brief description are shown on the control system display. By connecting a mobile device to the machine’s secure logon hotspot, the operator is now able to view the codes, along with a more detailed description of the problem.
The most common codes are linked to a troubleshooting guide which provides detailed instructions for testing and troubleshooting. A number of tests can be performed on the aftertreatment system, and engine ECU parameters can be read in real time. Results from both can be saved and downloaded to the device to be viewed offline. Files may be sent to dealer service technicians within LogOn, when cell service is available.
Talk to your dealer about Mackolines Machines & Hire telematics solutions. RemoteLog and LogOn can transmit to the dealer most of the critical information that the service technician requires to work on your machine.
When dealing with problems in the hydraulic system, the operator should think about whether the issue is a lack of power or a lack (or excess) of speed, or a combination of both. Is the problem occurring when only one function is activated or when a combination of functions are being used? Are all of your operators complaining about the problem or just one of them? Is there a hydraulic oil leak? If so, remember to exercise caution when investigating the leak.
Your cellphone camera can be a valuable tool to relay details from the machine back to dealer technicians. Sending clear pictures of a hydraulic leak or broken part can help the technician understand what has happened and ensure the right tools and parts are on hand for the repair. A short video of the machine’s behavior can also reveal how to deal with the issue and potentially save significant troubleshooting effort, especially if the problem is intermittent or difficult to describe.
