John Paglia III
How can we deal with the struggles that go with electronic components on our trucks?
Today鈥檚 electronics play an integral part in allowing the truck to operate in a more efficient, safe and eco-friendly manner. The new trucks of today, no matter the manufacturer of your choosing, have many options when it comes to electronic upgrades. These electronics include, but not limited to: multiple cameras, onboard computers, lighting systems, backup sensors and all of the electronics that control the new truck engines. Needless to say, our trucks have changed but our environments have not.
Causes of Wire Wear
These new garbage trucks of today are still picking up the trash of yesterday鈥攁 mixture of acids and bases (no I鈥檓 not a scientist) that will always continue to corrode wire harness after wire harness. We also have to deal with increased heat from these new motors and the easier potential for fires, which will destroy a wiring harness in just seconds. If these outside factors aren鈥檛 enough already, let鈥檚 not forget our furry little rodents that love to gnaw on wiring harnesses and cause short after short in our electrical system until we can track down their location of damage.
Cut Down on Electrical Problems
We have found that by having our employees follow a few simple reminders, it usually cuts down on electrical problems. These include:
- Remove all food and drinks from inside the cabs daily.
- Remove and clean waste from behind the blade daily (this promotes longer hydraulic life and less chances of punctured hydraulic lines).
- Pressure wash exterior of truck daily.
- Perform thorough pre/post trip inspections. Remove any debris that may promote a fire, inspect all wiring that may have come in contact with tree limbs or obstacles in a day鈥檚 work.
These four simple guidelines can help prevent and diagnose a repair. When employees consistently abide by these rules, these types of problems can be monitored daily. If our employees perform these tasks day in and day out along with attendance and safety, they are rewarded with a monthly safety bonus in addition to their normal base pay. We have seen many benefits by using this strategy.
Maintain Electronics Properly
There is no doubt increased electronics makes our jobs safer and more efficient. Just as much as they can help, they can hurt. With the introduction of new electronics there are also hundreds more feet of wiring harnesses snaked through the truck. When making electrical modifications during a repair, I suggest never having your maintenance staff cut a corner. A simple butt connecter that wasn鈥檛 heat shrunk could cost you thousands of dollars in downtime while trying to diagnose the problem. Repair all electrical repairs properly and make sure they are routed to avoid as much contact with weather and 鈥済arbage juice鈥� as possible. By following these simple practices, you may take more time during a repair, but you鈥檒l save money from avoided downtime in the long run.
John Paglia, III is a 4th generation garbage man. Before he climbed the ranks to become Florida Express Environmental鈥檚 General Manager, he had a successful career in college and professional athletics. John has been around the garbage industry since his car seat days. Currently, John is focused on growing his company and offering the highest level of customer service and prolonging the world we live in today. John wakes up every day knowing the impact professional haulers have on their community is far greater than most realize. He can be reached at (352) 629-4349, e-mail [email protected] or visit .
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