Global Heavy Equipment Inspections

Conversion of TIER IV engines to TIER III

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Modern construction machinery requires high-quality diesel fuels with a low sulphur content. Machines in the Tier IV emissions group usually have DPF systems with AdBlue injection (SCR) installed. These have the task of cleaning the exhaust gases and reducing pollutants by injecting AdBlue and using particle filters. Some engines only work with controlled exhaust gas recirculation and can therefore still manage without AdBlue injection. This usually depends on the performance levels of the respective engines.

The problem with diesel fuels

In many countries, the quality of fuels for construction machinery is lower than in Europe or America or the sulphur content is too high, making this fuel unsuitable for long-term use. This causes major problems in the daily operation of machines and engines. If such machines are used with low fuel quality without modifications, they stop working after a while. This may be because the particulate filters are clogged, the fuel filters become blocked or the software reports an error. Another problem is that the engine control unit no longer recognises excessive exhaust gas temperatures or incorrect back pressure. Reducing the engine output to an emergency programme is the lesser of two evils. Such a problem can ultimately lead to the destruction of the engine.

What solutions are available and how do they work?

Many manufacturers of construction machinery offer solutions for downgrading (de-tiering) to lower emission standards. In some cases, complete conversion kits are offered. However, this conversion is relatively expensive and irreversible. Machines lose their CE or EPA certification. In many countries, the conversion contravenes applicable laws. This applies in particular if the machines are not exported after being converted to a lower emission standard. Many manufacturers and their concessionaires have therefore stopped downgrading engines. They often only offer downgrades to complete engines and exhaust systems with lower emission standards for export. This gap is being filled by dubious providers offering supposedly uncomplicated engine conversions. The internet is full of offers for DPF removal or AdBlue removal kits.

What are the dangers and risks of conversion?

We are regularly contacted by users of converted construction machinery because problems arise with the modified exhaust systems. Machines stop working after a repair or replacement of components or only run at idle speed. Engines overheat or have low performance. Some machines no longer start at all because the software blocks the ECU. The excavator or loader may then be parked in Africa, 200 kilometres from the nearest service base, and fail to work.

What causes this and can it be repaired?

An engine with DPF has various sensors installed. The exhaust gas pressures are measured before and after the particulate filter. Exhaust gas temperatures are checked. There is an AdBlue dosing device equipped with sensors for injection. The NOx content is measured. All these sensors communicate with the ECU of the construction machine via the CAN bus. The sensors report operating values and these are compared with the data stored in the ECU. This means that if a machine has been modified, the software also has to be adapted accordingly. Another method used is to emulate the required values. The ECU is made to believe that all values are correct. This procedure involves a fairly high risk: the biggest problem with illegal conversions is that in the event of a future fault, the service technician will not be able to trace which type of modified system has been installed. Changing sensors or installing the latest software leads to a complete breakdown in communication between the exhaust system and the engine ECU.

What does the environment say about these modifications?

It has been established that engines that fulfil Tier IV emission regulations no longer even fulfil the emission regulations of TIER II after an alleged downgrading to Tier III. It is also logical that an engine with a functioning exhaust system is less harmful to the environment. Renowned construction machinery dealers, such as the German Zeppelin-Baumaschinen and Komatsu-Europe, have completely stopped downgrading engines for this reason

Testing exhaust systems when inspecting used construction machinery

When the Heavy Equipment Inspectors of Mevas test a used construction machine for you before it is shipped or imported, the exhaust systems are also examined. The inspectors check error messages and investigate whether the exhaust aftertreatment systems have been modified. These details are included in a machine report. So, if you want to make sure that a machine you want to import does not cause any problems with the exhaust system, we recommend an inspection by our technician. This costs significantly less than installing a new DPF system! Our inspectors are available in more than 20 countries. For Caterpillar and older Volvo construction machines, we access the ECU data directly. For others, we use the information from the displays in the machine.

Download this article about DPF-removal in construction machines.

Tu trouveras ici des informations sur les détails techniques lors du contrôle et du choix des matériel TP pour tes travaux. Des documents sont régulièrement ajoutés ici. N’hésite pas à revenir pour voir ce qu’il y a de nouveau.

Les liens renvoient à des documents PDF. Ceux-ci peuvent être téléchargés gratuitement. Il est également possible d’imprimer les documents. Notre français n’est peut-être pas parfait. Nous sommes plus à l’aise avec les machines TP qu’avec la traduction.

• Adaptation d’un marteau hydraulique à la puissance de la pelle
• Quelle lame sur un bulldozer pour quelle utilisation, patins LGP ou standard ?
• Pour quelle tâche une chargeuse sur chenilles est-elle un grand avantage ?
• Le réglage correct de la tension des chaînes sur une pelle sur chenilles
• Le diagnostic des huiles sur les engins de chantier et industrie minière
• Guide de l’acheteur pour les machines TP. Évitez les escroqueries !
• Principaux composants d’une pelle hydraulique (joint rotatif, couronne orientation)
• Degré de mouvement horizontal autorisé pour une couronne d’orientation (excavatrice, grue) ?

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What is meant by oil diagnosis and what can be learned from the results?

For users of construction machinery, there is an interesting way to detect the wear of components such as engines, hydraulic pumps or gearboxes. Of course, it is not possible to open a transmission or engine during normal use to look inside for the state of wear. So, what would be a suitable way to check whether there is unusual wear? Diagnosis of oils in construction machinery!

Analysis of oils in a certified laboratory

You can find out the state of wear of components from the condition of engine oil or hydraulic oil. To do this, oils are taken from the machine and sent to a certified laboratory. Problems can be identified early on from the content of trace elements such as copper, aluminium, silicon, iron or glycol. The content of elements is given in ppm. The engineer can use the analysis protocol to determine whether certain components in an engine or hydraulic pump are subject to particular wear. It detects at an early stage whether foreign substances such as dirt or coolant are penetrating from outside and contaminating the operating fluids.

What are the requirements for a correct analysis?

When taking oils and coolants for testing, particular attention must be paid to cleanliness. Hoses, pumps and oil containers must be particularly clean. Another important factor is knowing the running time of the existing oils. It is therefore important to know how many hours the fluids have already been in use. The technician must know where in the system he can take the fluids and what operating condition the machine should be in for this. Modern machines have specific analysis plugs to drain oils.

Who benefits from oil analyses?

The most important group for oil analyses are the users of machines that are used intensively. Regular inspections are particularly recommended for machines in shift operation. Machines used in quarries or in the recycling sector are usually inspected regularly.

Another important group of people interested in oil analyses are buyers of used machines. For them, an analysis of the existing oils and coolants can tell them something about the machine.

Oil diagnosis by MEVAS

The international team of inspectors at MEVAS has oil diagnostics in their program. The certified Zeppelin Baumaschinen laboratory regularly carries out analyses of the oils of used construction machines. For prices starting at €120 per oil, MEVAS will be happy to take oil samples from the machine you want to buy. An analysis is available within a few days and the MEVAS technicians will provide you with an interpretation of the values ​​read. This allows you to accurately assess the risk associated with used heavy equipment.

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Independent Inspectors available at RB Auction

Have used heavy machinery inspected before you place your bid. Our inspectors are on site and can inspect each lot on your behalf. You will receive a brief inspection report detailing the most serious problems and a series of pictures. Depending on the local situation, we may carry out a functional test.

How much does an inspection cost at those auctions?

A Mevas inspection at RB-Auction locations can be carried out from as little as €220 per machine. It all depends on the location, number and size of the machines. Send us your enquiry and you will receive a quote within a few hours.

• August 14, Maltby, GBR
• September 6 – Sep 7, Polotitlan, MEX
• September 17 – Sep 18, Moerdijk, NLD
• September 18 – Sep 19, Ocana, ESP
• September 24 – Sep 25, Dubai, ARE
• September 24 – Sep 25, France, FRA

What to Inspect and How during an Excavator Inspection

When purchasing a used excavator, conducting a thorough technical inspection is essential. This advice also applies to other construction machinery.

Beyond evaluating external features like dented panels or paintwork, it’s crucial to delve into the technical details. For the engine, check the exhaust pattern, oil condition, coolant, and blow-by rate. A visual inspection of the boom and stick is straightforward, but a specialist should measure the play in the slewing ring to assess wear. 

One critical component is the hydraulic pump, whose performance can be evaluated through a specialized test. Ensure the hydraulic oil is at operating temperature before testing. Supplement this with measurements of the main pump pressure and control pressure. Additionally, inspect the hydraulic cylinders for internal leaks and check the travel motors and final drives. Using a professional inspection checklist will help ensure no component is overlooked.

What to Do if the Machine is Too Far Away

Regional inspection services are available in many countries, though they can be slow, costly, and not always specialized in construction machinery. MEVAS offers a more efficient solution with their international and professional construction machinery inspection services.

Professional Construction Machinery Inspection Service

MEVAS inspectors are available for Ritchie Bros. or P&E auctions in Dubai (U.A.E.), Caorso (Italy), Moerdijk (Netherlands), and many other locations. The team, based in Germany, provides inspections across all European countries, with inspectors even available in China and Chile.

Verifying Excavator Working Hours

While an inspection reveals the current state of an excavator, understanding its history can be invaluable. Specialized companies like MEVAS can download data from the internal computer of some machines. If this isn’t possible, there are often other ways to investigate the machine’s history.

What can the machine’s oil tell us?

If you know the service life of the engine oil or hydraulic oil, an analysis of the oil components can tell a story. Too much silicon in the oil indicates external contamination. Too much copper or chromium tells us something about the wear in the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinders. Soot in the engine oil provides information about the condition of the engine. And how much does the analysis cost? You can have an in-depth analysis carried out in a certified laboratory for as little as $120 per oil. Ask MEVAS for more details.

Digging even deeper?

For an in-depth analysis of the machine, you can even open the axle drives and look for chips on the magnetic drain plugs. The swing and boom lift cycle times can be compared to factory specifications. Even the engine blow-by effect can be measured.

How Much Does an Excavator Inspection Cost?

The cost of an inspection includes the travel and labor of the inspector. However, in our experience, an inspection is less expensive than repairing a hydraulic cylinder. It all depends on the location of the machine, the size of the excavator and the extent of the inspection required.

A comprehensive inspection report can help you negotiate the price of any necessary repairs to the machine. So it often pays for itself.

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Safety advice when buing used heavy equipment

In many countries, there are no high-quality used construction machines available. Therefore, it is a good idea to import them. The question is: where can you find good machines? Many websites advertise construction machinery. One example is Middle-East Plant & Equipment.

Who Provides Machine Data?

What are the risks of buying used construction machinery? When looking for machines, remember that all information is provided by the seller. Sellers may only give information that helps them make a sale. Before making any purchase, verify the credentials of the seller. Check for reviews, ratings, and any complaints from previous buyers. Trusted sellers usually have a good track record.

Repainted and Incorrectly Labeled Machines

We often inspect machines in China for our customers. We have found many copied or mislabeled machines. For example, we found a CAT 966H wheel loader that was not a real Caterpillar. It had a Cummins engine and an old air brake system. Sometimes, smaller excavators are labeled as larger models, like a Volvo EC290 labeled as a Volvo EC360.

Recommended Machinery Portals

We do not recommend a specific portal. However, it is safest to use websites where the seller’s identity and location have been verified. However, a selection of portals is visible at www.used-equipment.de

Dangerous Places to Buy From

Creating a website and selling construction machinery can be easy and cheap. Some people create fake websites, copy photos from other sites, and offer machines at very low prices. They might ask for a deposit to reserve the machine. Be very careful if a deposit is required before you see the machine.

What to Check When Buying a Used Machine

If you do not know the seller or have not received a recommendation, always send someone to see the machine. Using a professional inspection service like Mevas is a good idea. They will confirm if the machine exists and provide a detailed inspection report with photos and videos. Ask the supplier for maintenance records of the machinery. These records can provide insights into how well the machine has been cared for and if it has had any major repairs.

What to Pay Attention to When Paying

Check the seller’s account number. It should be in the same country as the seller. Call the seller’s accounting department to verify the number. Avoid paying via Western Union or with cryptocurrencies. It is better to spend an hour checking the website and the offer than to lose $10,000.

Secure Transportation and Machine Certification

Ensure that the machinery is transported securely. Hire reputable logistics companies that specialize in transporting heavy equipment to avoid any damage during transit. If you are importing machinery, be aware of the import regulations in your country. This includes understanding any duties, taxes, or restrictions that may apply. In some countries it is required to have a CE certification or to comply with emission regulations.

Inspektimi para blerjes nga ekspertët tanë

Nëse dëshironi të blini makineri ndërtimi të përdorura në Gjermani ose në një vend fqinj, sigurisht që keni mundësinë të vozitni vetë atje. ose mund të dërgoni teknikun tuaj për të kontrolluar makinën. Por shpesh ndodh që njohuritë e detajuara për testimin e makinerive të ndërtimit nuk disponohen. Atëherë mund të jetë një ide e mirë të dërgoni një ekspert në makinë për të kryer një inspektim profesional për një çmim të drejtë. Ne në mevas kemi kontrolluar gjendjen e makinerive të përdorura të ndërtimit për blerësit nga e gjithë bota që nga viti 2006. Për një çmim të drejtë ju merrni një raport kuptimplotë inspektimi. Na kontaktoni sot nëse dëshironi të merrni një inspektim profesional për një makinë të përdorur. Performanca kushton më pak se një cilindër hidraulik me defekt.

Ku mund të gjeni pajisje të mira ndërtimi të përdorura?

Klientët tanë na pyesin gjithmonë se ku mund të gjejnë makineri të mira ose nëse ne mund t’ju rekomandojmë një makinë. Si vlerësues, na është bërë zakon të mos flasim për makineri dhe shitës makinerish ndërtimi. Ne nuk i tregojmë askujt kur kemi inspektuar një makinë të mirë diku. Për të ndihmuar klientët tanë të gjejnë makina, ne kemi krijuar një faqe interneti të veçantë. Ju mund të filloni kërkimin tuaj për makineri ndërtimi këtu.

Mos blini makineri ndërtimi të përdorura pa i kontrolluar nga ekspertët

Si funksionon inspektimi me inspektorët e Mevas?

Nëse dëshironi të kontrolloni një makinë, është më mirë të plotësoni formularin tonë të kërkesës. Aty mund të na dërgoni një lidhje me makinën dhe detajet tuaja të kontaktit dhe do të merrni një ofertë brenda pak orësh. Nëse jeni dakord me çmimin tonë, ne do t’ju dërgojmë një faturë proforma dhe ju do të paguani për shërbimin tonë. Dy ose tre ditë më vonë, tekniku ynë është në makinë dhe bën një inspektim. Një ditë më vonë do të merrni një raport të detajuar të inspektimit, foto dhe një video. Kështu që ju mund të vendosni nga shtëpia nëse kjo makinë ia vlen apo nëse shitësi nuk ju ka thënë të vërtetën. Ju mund të përdorni raportin tonë të inspektimit për të negociuar riparimet dhe një zbritje. Kjo do të thotë që ju do të fitoni më shumë para sesa keni paguar fillimisht për inspektimin.

Ne inspektojmë ekskavatorë, ngarkues me rrota, ngarkues skafoni, kamionë, buldozerë, shtrues asfalti, rula, gradues motorësh dhe të gjitha makineritë për kantieret e ndërtimit ose guroret. Ne jemi specialistë në makinat e ndërtimit të rrugëve. Ne inspektojmë vinçat dhe pajisjet e tjera ngritëse.

Ekziston një faqe interneti e veçantë për inspektimin e vinçave të lëvizshëm

Përsemtarët e blerjesë së makinerive të përdorura të ndërtimit nga një ekspert

Kur bleni makineri të përdorura ndërtimi, është thelbësore të bëni një inspektim të plotë nga një ekspert. Kjo do të ju ndihmojë të siguroni që makina të jetë në gjendje të mirë punë dhe të vlerë paratë tuaja.

Eksperti do të jetë në gjendje të identifikojë çdo problem potencial me makinën, siç janë:

• Dëmet: Eksperti do të kërkojë çdo shenjë të dëmit, siç janë thyerje, vrima ose gërvishtje. Ata gjithashtu do të kontrollojnë për shkrirje të metaleve ose shenja të tjera të veshjes.
• Problemet mekanike: Eksperti do të dëgjojë makinën për zhurma të çuditshme ose vibracione. Ata gjithashtu do të kontrollojnë nivelet e lëngjeve, presionin e gomave dhe funksionimin e të gjithave komponentëve.
• Problemet elektrike: Eksperti do të kontrollojnë cablazhët elektrike për dëme dhe do të sigurohen që të gjithë sistemet elektrike të funksionojnë siç duhet.

Një inspektim ekspert do t’ju japë juve paqë mendore që bleni një makinë të përdorur ndërtimi që është në gjendje të mirë punë dhe që do të ju zgjasë për shumë vite. Gjithashtu mund të ju ndihmojë të negocioni një çmim më të mirë për makinën.

Në këtej vijë, këshillohet që të angazhoni një ekspert të pavarur për të kryer inspektimin. Kjo do të sigurojë që inspektimi të jetë objektiv dhe pa paragjyke.

Duke blerë një makinë të përdorur ndërtimi, është gjithmonë më mirë të jetë i sigurt se sa të jetë keq. Një inspektim ekspert është një investim i vogël që mund të ju kursejë shumë para në afat të gjatë.