Diesel Engine Maintenance for Bucket Truck Longevity

Proper diesel engine maintenance will go a long way toward ensuring that a bucket truck, digger derrick, or pressure digger can remain in service for many years to come. Diesel engines are used in utility vehicles because they are hardy and can keep on trucking under demanding conditions for long periods of time. They also tend to require fewer major repairs than gasoline engines. When you stay on top of regular maintenance tasks, you can extend the life of your utility vehicle even further.

Fuel System

For optimal maintenance of your fuel system, it's a good idea to keep your tank full so condensation won't build and wind up in the fuel injectors, clogging them up. You might consider adding a bottle of diesel treatment every time you fill up your tank to help keep the fuel clean. Fuel filters also need to be changed on a regular basis to prevent the build up of moisture.

Oil Changes and Filter

Regular oil changes are crucial to any engine, but they're especially so to a diesel engine. It's a good idea to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles or so for optimum functioning. Oil filters also play a crucial role for diesel engines, which burn fuel incompletely and leave carbon and sulfur residue. A good oil filter optimized for a diesel engine will help keep these corrosive materials out of the oil.

Cooling System

A diesel engine runs at a much higher rate of compression than its gasoline counterpart. If it overheats, it can cause a great deal of damage. An early warning system, such as a warning light, is essential, and it must be functioning properly. The air filter needs to be changed regularly, as well, to help with the cooling system and to filter out impurities.

Other Considerations

Mounting bolts and gaskets must be regularly inspected for leaks, since they must function under tough conditions. Mounting bolts might need to be retorqued so you don't wind up with leaks. Coolant hoses need to be inspected as well, since they can quickly go bad if they aren't well-secured.

With proper care, a diesel engine can deliver reliable, high performance for many miles and many years. To help keep the diesel engine in your bucket truck or other utility vehicle functioning at its best, you'll want to follow manufacturer's recommendations for regular maintenance intervals and have the engine serviced by a qualified mechanic.