Run Hour Monitoring - Construction Equipment Tracker Australia

The Importance of Run-Hour and Odometer Monitoring for Equipment

Stop guessing and start knowing. With Keep Track GPS, get real-time run-hour and odometer data to plan maintenance, reduce breakdowns, and increase ROI on every asset.

Whether you're managing a fleet of excavators or a few mobile pumps, knowing exactly when and how your equipment is used can make or break your bottom line. That’s where run-hour and odometer monitoring with GPS tracking come in.

In the world of heavy machinery and Equipment trackers, efficient operation and maintenance are crucial. Tracking run hours and odometer readings is essential to ensure that equipment remains in optimal condition, minimising downtime and maximising productivity. Advanced GPS tracking devices, such as the Keep Track GPS devices, Dart3, G70, and G150 Extreme, play a pivotal role in this process. This blog will explore the benefits of run-hour and odometer monitoring and how these GPS devices facilitate effective equipment management.

Understanding Run-Hour and Odometer Monitoring

Run-Hour Monitoring:

This involves tracking the total time that equipment has been in operation. It provides valuable data on usage patterns, helps schedule maintenance, and prevents overuse or underuse of machinery. Run-hour monitoring is particularly crucial for equipment that operates on an hourly basis, such as generators, compressors, and construction machinery.

Odometer Monitoring:

This involves tracking the distance travelled by equipment. It is essential for vehicles and machinery that move frequently, such as trucks, bulldozers, and agricultural equipment. Odometer readings help plan maintenance, manage fuel efficiency, and ensure compliance with operational standards.

How are Run Hour and Odometer Values Tracked?

Our devices have a multitude of options that can be used to determine how often assets are being utilised.

Wired Ignition

Many devices have digital inputs, which can be wired directly to an ignition feed. This is the simplest and most reliable way to determine if the engine runs for powered devices. This is still not infallible, as leaving a vehicle engine running to warm up or due to lazy operators can result in additional hours being logged.
This can be circumvented by wiring additional digital inputs to other parts of the equipment that are only active when the asset is actually in operation, not just idling. This also has the benefit of being able to detect idling – if the ignition is active and the GPS speed is below a threshold, we can say that the vehicle is idling. Engine hours will be recorded when the asset’s ignition is switched on and off.

Run Detect

If a device is connected to an external power source (e.g., vehicle battery), this voltage can be used to start and end a ‘trip’ or record run hours. This is handy as an option where an ignition feed is inaccessible and lends itself to idle monitoring. This assumes that the alternator will lift the external voltage to charge the battery when the ignition is turned on.
Note that this assumption does not always hold. Over time, voltage thresholds for ignition off and on may change as the battery ages, and new vehicle batteries are getting smarter. Often, they will turn off the alternator once it is detected that the battery is charged.

GPS Movement-Based Tracking

Our devices will use their GPS receivers and 3-axis Accelerometers in tandem to determine movement. Small movements or bumps will be filtered out, and a trip will begin to log run hours and distance travelled only once the device has crossed a configurable distance from its initial resting place. Learn more about Adaptive Tracking.

Accelerometer Based Tracking

Our battery-powered devices can also be configured to log run hours when accelerometer movement is detected. This is perfect for tracking run hours on stationary assets, such as pumps that vibrate when in operation.

Benefits of Run-Hour and Odometer Monitoring

Enhanced Maintenance Scheduling:

• Predictive Maintenance: By monitoring run hours and odometer readings, operators can predict when maintenance is due, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
• Optimised Maintenance Intervals: Maintenance can be scheduled based on actual usage rather than arbitrary time intervals, ensuring that equipment receives attention precisely when needed.

Increased Equipment Lifespan:

• Preventative Care: Regular monitoring helps identify wear and tear early, allowing for timely interventions that prolong the equipment's life.
• Balanced Usage: Ensuring that all equipment is used evenly prevents the overuse of specific machines and distributes wear and tear more evenly.

Cost Savings:

• Reduced Downtime: Predictive maintenance and early problem detection mitigate the chances of equipment failure, minimising costly downtime.
• Fuel Efficiency: Odometer monitoring helps manage fuel consumption, identify inefficient practices, and optimise routes for mobile equipment.

Operational Efficiency:

• Improved Scheduling: Accurate data on equipment usage helps plan operations more efficiently, ensuring that machinery is available when needed.
• Better Resource Allocation: Understanding usage patterns allows for better resource allocation, ensuring that the right equipment is available for the right task.

GPS Tracking Devices for Run-Hour and Odometer Monitoring

Keep Track GPS Tracking Devices

Keep Track GPS devices offer advanced monitoring solutions for run hours and odometer readings. These devices provide real-time data, allowing maintainers to make informed decisions about equipment usage and maintenance. Key features include:

• Real-Time Tracking: Continuous equipment monitoring provides instant on location updates and usage.
• Detailed Reports: Comprehensive reports on run hours and odometer readings, aiding in maintenance planning and operational efficiency.
• Alerts and Notifications: Customisable alerts for maintenance due dates, excessive usage, or deviations from planned routes.

Dart3 GPS Tracking Device

The Dart3 GPS Tracker is a versatile and compact GPS tracking device for monitoring heavy equipment. Its features include:

Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for construction and agricultural machinery.

Accurate Data: Provides precise run-hour and odometer readings, ensuring accurate equipment usage tracking.

Easy Installation: Simple to install and configure, allowing for quick deployment across a fleet of machinery.

G70 GPS Tracking Device

The G70 GPS Tracker is a robust GPS tracking device for industrial and heavy-duty applications. Its capabilities include:

Advanced Monitoring: Offers detailed insights into equipment performance, including run hours and distance travelled.

Remote Access: Enables remote monitoring and management, allowing operators to track equipment anywhere.

Customisable Reports: Generates customisable reports that meet specific operational needs, facilitating better decision-making.

G150 Extreme GPS Tracking Device

The G150 GPS Tracker is a high-performance GPS tracking device designed for large-scale operations. It features:

Comprehensive Tracking: Monitors parameters such as run hours, odometer readings, and engine performance.

Scalability: Suitable for large fleets, offering scalable solutions for extensive operations.

Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with existing management systems, providing a seamless flow of information.

Dart3 Bluetooth®

Robust and affordable equipment tracking device with inputs/outputs, remote immobilisation for fleet management

Key Features

• Engine Hours, Secondary Run Time, ODO
• Cellular LTE-M (Cat-M1)/NB-IoT Connectivity
• Backup battery in case of loss of power or tampering
• High-performance, high-precision GPS tracking device
• 1 x Ignition Digital Input, 3 x Digital Inputs, 1 x Analog Input, 1 x Switched Ground Digital Output, Switched Power Out

G70 Bluetooth®

Rugged vehicle, trailer, or heavy equipment tracking device with inputs/outputs, remote immobilisation for fleet management, equipment monitoring, driver ID, theft recovery

Key Features

• Engine Hours, Secondary Run Time, ODO
• Backup battery in case of loss of power or tampering
• Waterproof and ultra-rugged (IP68)
• 1 x Ignition Digital Input, 3 x Digital Inputs, 1 x Analog Input, 1 x Switched Ground Digital Output

G150 Extreme Bluetooth®

Robust real-time GPS tracking device and Bluetooth® gateway with global connectivity — plus optional Iridium satellite backup.

Key Features

• 4G LTE CAT-1 bis and 2G fallback
• High-precision GPS and Bluetooth® Gateway for vehicles and equipment
• 4 x Digital Inputs, 1 x Analog Input, Switched Outputs, Ignition Input, RS232
• Internal 3500mAh rechargeable LiPo backup battery

Implementing Run-Hour and Odometer Monitoring with GPS Devices

Selection of Appropriate Devices: Choose GPS tracking devices that meet the specific needs of your equipment and operations. Consider factors such as durability, accuracy, and additional features.

Installation and Configuration: Install the devices on your equipment and configure them to track the desired parameters. Ensure that they are correctly set up to provide accurate data.

Data Collection and Analysis: Regularly collect and analyse data from the GPS devices. Use this data to identify trends, predict maintenance needs, and optimise equipment usage.

Maintenance Scheduling: Based on the collected data, create a maintenance schedule aligned with equipment usage. Ensure that maintenance is performed on time to prevent unexpected failures.

Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitor the equipment and adjust the monitoring parameters as needed. Stay proactive in addressing any issues that arise to maintain operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Run-hour and odometer monitoring are vital components of effective equipment management. By utilising advanced GPS tracking devices like Keep Track, Dart3, G70, and G150, operators can gain real-time insights into equipment usage, enhance maintenance practices, and improve overall operational efficiency. Implementing these monitoring practices leads to longer equipment lifespans, reduced costs, and increased productivity, ensuring that your machinery remains in top condition and operates at peak performance.

Ready to improve your equipment maintenance strategy?

Explore our full range of GPS tracking solutions or get in touch for a custom solution tailored to your fleet.