Belmont Diesel – Relocated

BRENDAN GELLION, Belmont Diesel General Manager reports on maintenance required for mobile plant.

Belmont Diesel commenced operations in 1992, and until recently operated from a small workshop facility in Belmont, Geelong. In May this year the business moved to a much larger, more modern premises in Nobility St, Moolap.

Services include, in shop powertrain component repairs (i.e. Allison transmissions). Differentials and final drive repairs and parts, hydraulic component repairs and replacements. Importation of specific components, parts and machines per customer requirements. Assistance with machine maintenance issues and problems.

Two commonly overlooked maintenance items on mobile plant are;

• Hydraulic Accumulators
• Air Dryers

HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATORS

The most common types are the neoprene bladder and piston type. Both types are precharged with Dry nitrogen; with precharge pressures being determined by system requirements (refer to Maintenance manuals). The most common uses are in steering and brake systems. When the machine is started the hydraulic pumps fill the accumulators, compressing the nitrogen until system pressure is reached. In the steering system this oil provides two functions:

1. Provides additional oil supply at low engine speeds to maintain system performance
2. In the case of engine failure it also provides emergency steering oil supply

In the braking system it is a similar situation. Accumulators provide an immediate supply of oil for braking applications, as well as emergency braking in case of engine or mechanical failure. In both cases the accumulators are constantly being recharged by the hydraulic system during use. When the vehicle is shut down the stored oil is discharged back into the hydraulic reservoir through dump valves. Lack of routine maintenance can result in poor system performance and little or no emergency reserve. Always refer to the equipment manufacturer’s maintenance manuals for correct procedures and safety guidelines when servicing any stored pressure systems.

AIR DRYERS

Air dryers provide a very important function in the equipment which they are fitted to. Most have a desiccant cartridge inside which removes moisture and contaminants from the system before they can damage components, resulting in expensive repairs and downtime. As with accumulators, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for correct maintenance procedures and service intervals.

It has been quite common for people to call with problems which directly relate to lack of maintenance with the above components. Often these are overlooked due to time constraints when services are due, or simply lack of knowledge of their functions.

For further information contact Belmont Diesel on Phone: 03 5248 7253.

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