Telematics For Maintenance: Not Just For Full-line OEMs

Telematics services geared toward monitoring machine health and encouraging preventive maintenance are no longer just the purview of big-name, full-line OEMs.

We’re seeing a growing trend toward specialty equipment makers increasing the amount of data available to their customers through dedicated systems. This can be a boon for maintenance managers who previously thought smaller brands couldn't dish the data like the traditional titans.

Compact equipment maker Takeuchi is the latest to step into the telematics ring, with Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM). The system’s hardware comes standard on select excavators and compact track loaders in the Takeuchi lineup.

The monitoring system checks the health of Takeuchi equipment and provides managers real-time machine information.

Features include remote diagnostics that reduce service trips by capturing run hours and equipment data, and utilization tracking that not only allows the operator to make decisions based on actual equipment use, but also schedules maintenance. In addition, TFM enables identification of many problems as soon as they start. This allows the service person to bring the correct tools and parts the first time, limiting any downtime. 

“The new TFM feature will provide operators a greater capacity to maximize profitability, reduce downtime and improve efficiency,” said Jonathan Martinez, project manager at Takeuchi. “It eliminates any guessing game to make TFM users aware of any issues in real-time. This is an exciting new addition to our lineup.”

Machines equipped with TFM hardware as standard equipment will also include two years of standard service--just like the big boys.