Monitoring engine hours and performance is a key task in fleet management, allowing you to analyze vehicle loads, improve their efficiency, and optimize maintenance costs. It also makes reporting on special equipment more transparent.
Telematics and GPS monitoring systems automate the monitoring of operating hours and modes, eliminating inflated engine hours and fuel consumption. The classic method of accounting via an engine hour meter does not provide data on load and idle time.
Monitoring engine run time and performance can be used for both mobile and stationary equipment, including on-highway trucks and light commercial vehicles. However, it is most useful for modern fleets.
Modern vehicles have powerful internal combustion engines, sometimes with two or three motors running for a long time. The load on such engines is uneven, as the equipment often switches between idle, optimal and overload modes.
Direct method using fuel rate measurement
DFM fuel flow meters are installed in the fuel line and measure the actual fuel consumption and engine operating time. They monitor the fuel in the supply and return lines, which allows determining the engine load:
- «Idling»,
- «Optimal», i.e. normal flow range for a given piece of equipment,
- «Overload», i.e. flow over the normal range.
The flagship models of DFM flow meters are equipped with a CAN j1939/S6 interface, which collects more than 40 parameters of fuel consumption and engine operating time.
- The data is stored in the device’s memory and transmitted to a telematics unit or GPS tracker, and then sent to a fleet management service.
- DFM flow meters are compatible with other fuel monitoring devices, such as level sensors, and can be used in a single telematics system.
Requires time and skill of installer
Direct fuel measurement principle, uses instant flow rate
Detects different engine load modes
Applicable for equipment with one, two and more engines
DFM flow meters are protected against tampering and interference
Can be integrated to existing telematics system of a fleet
Indirect way using CAN bus data
Total engine run time is determined based on CANbus data using ignition on/off and engine speed information. Formulas or manual data analysis must be used to calculate the load.
For safe connection to CAN bus J1939 or J1708 use contactless readers such as CANCrocodile or 1708Crocodile. Direct connection (twisting or soldering) may cause errors in the ECU operation.
Data analysis requires many efforts and time, or not possible at all
Some tracking units do not have required input,J1939 data converter is needed
Required CAN bus data is missing or encrypted/hidden by vehicle manufacturer
Quick installation of Crocodile contactless reader
Allows obtaining additional parameters of engine operation
Analyzing the causes and duration of equipment downtime helps the fleet manager improve work efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and improve maintenance schedules.
Real-time monitoring of equipment operation prevents overestimation of fuel consumption and unauthorized draining.
Accurate recording of engine operating time, taking into account load conditions, makes it possible to calculate the wages of machine operators depending on the actual time worked.
Engine load monitoring prevents idling from being misinterpreted as real work and helps to identify manipulations with the brush of winter equipment or insufficient plow depth on the tractor.
Engine load monitoring helps reduce careless operation of equipment, such as high revving with excessive fuel consumption, which reduces engine wear.
Recording engine operating time and performance helps plan maintenance based on load, reducing the risk of breakdowns and repair costs.