ECI – Engineers Construction

Forty percent of engine failures are related to engine coolant.  Therefore, it is necessary to check the following, particularly since we are at the peak of the summer when the coolant systems work the hardest:

• Check coolant levels in reservoir.  Caution, never open a radiator cap when the engine is hot, especially when its overheating.
• Check coolant system hoses for leaks or wear.
• Check the radiator for blockage, leaks, or damage.

Ethanol is particularly damaging to the rubber and plastic parts in a small engine carburetor.   To reduce this problem, we need to start purchasing non-ethanol fuel for our saws, tamps, generators, pumps, etc.   Non-ethanol fuel is now available in premium grade from the Champlain Oil Depot on Industrial Avenue.

Rigging of all types shall be visually inspected by the user or designated person each for shift the rigging is to be used (per ASME B30.9, the recognized standard for rigging).  The inspector is to look for the following:

• Acid or Caustic Burns
• Melting or Charring of any part of the sling
• Holes, Tears, Cuts, or Snags
• Broken or Worn Stitching in Load Bearing Splices
• Excessive Abrasive Wear

Maintenance Tip  – Theft/Vandalism Protection

We must always be aware of and take measures to protect against the potential for theft and vandalism of our equipment, tools, materials, and completed work.  We typically see a higher level of these incidents on long holiday weekends, such as the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.  So please be especially diligent on Friday.

Here the standard Theft/Vandalism Protection Tips that should be followed on every project at the end of every day:

• Park equipment in well-lit visible areas.
• Remove all keys from the equipment and lock the doors.
• Park a machine in front of the tool trailer doors to prevent access.
• Secure all tamps and other small equipment.
• Secure all copper and other valuable materials.

Rubber tracks are a convenient feature on some of our skid steers, mini-excavators, and track trucks.  They allow for low-impact travel and work on a variety of soft and sensitive ground conditions.  However, rubber tracks are a huge maintenance expense.  To prolong the track life follow these recommendations:

• Keep tracks clean.  Avoid lodging debris (logs, rocks, etc.) in the under-carriage.
• Limit travel, and especially turning, on hard pavements and rock surfaces.   When possible dress up the travel surface with a finer soil.
• Take care in working along a curb or other vertical features that can tear the track.
• Examine under-carriage components (sprockets, roller, idlers, etc) for wear that might damage the track.
• Make sure the tracks are tensioned adequately.  Check with our mechanics for details.

Cars & Trucks:

• Always check prior to starting if the vehicle has not been run recently or if you were not the last one to operate the vehicle.
• Always check when you fuel the vehicle.

Equipment:

• Check Daily

Bucket wrists should be greased two times per day.  These are high-wear items that are costly to replace.  Frequently greasings extend their life and reduce the plugging of the grease fittings.  Also remember to check the keeper pins.

Our newest diesel engines in our off-road equipment and our newest trucks involve sophisticated emission control systems which do not tolerate extensive idling.  Therefore, it is necessary to minimize idling and to run them at high rpm after an extended idling period.   However, it is also important to let any turbocharged diesel engine to cool down at idle speed for about 2 minutes before shutting down.

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Our two new Reelstrong RL8K  autoload reel trailers can provide a safer and more efficient project.  However, like any piece of equipment, proper training is required to operate it safely and to make use of the potential efficiency. The first thing to know on any piece of equipment are the technical specifications, which are presented on the attached link: Reelstrong RL8K Specs

For this trailer, the most important spec to know is that the reel capacity is 8,000 lb and the tare weight is 2,350 lb. The GVWR for this trailer is 10,700 lb which means that the trailer would trigger the requirement for a CDL driver if it is pulled by a truck with a GVWR in excess of 15,300 lb.  The other consideration for weight is the tow vehicles trailer capacity.  A quick review of the 2011 Ford Trailer Tow Guide indicates that most F150s are too light for this trailer unless they have a minimum GCVWR of 15,300 lb, a 3.73 or 4.10 rear end, and a heavy duty tow package.  Most F250 class trucks seem to have sufficient capacity for this trailer.

ECI Reelstrong Trailer

ECI’s policy is to check equipment and heavy truck engine fluids daily prior to staring the equipment.   On other vehicles, such as pickup trucks and cars that are run daily, the engine fluids should be checked at each fuel up.