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Choosing the Right DEF Solution for Heavy Equipment

Whether you are one of those who handle heavy machinery compatibility whether you are at a building site, farm field, or industrial plant you know how important it is to have your equipment in the best running condition. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) has been added in the recent past to the modern-day diesel engine package. It is not extra fluid that you need to refill; it is one of the aspects that ensure that your equipment is emissions-regulation ready and runs efficiently.

The majority of equipment owners don’t even have a clue what DEF is, why they would need it, and, more importantly, how to choose the correct one. If that’s you, don’t panic, you’re not the only one. Choosing the proper DEF solution can come a long way in defining the way your heavy equipment will perform in the long run. There are a lot of solutions out there in the market, some of them confusing. That is where this guide comes in to clear the haze, provide you with good guidance, and keep you away from expensive errors when selecting the right DEF product for your business.

Understanding What DEF Is

DEF refers to Diesel Exhaust Fluid. When injected into the exhaust gas of a diesel engine, DEF is converted to ammonia. The ammonia is utilized to work on the nitrogen oxide gases in the catalytic converter and disassemble them into nitrogen and water vapor, both of which are neither toxic nor harmful to the environment. This prevents heavy equipment from having to compromise performance for emissions. In a world where emissions regulations are tightening tighter by the day, utilizing DEF is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity. Maybe most of all, it pays for itself by doing so specifically to protect our environment, to our benefit.

To begin with, the thing that people don’t understand is the fact that DEF doesn’t literally take a bite out of power or fuel efficiency but if not maintained, the emissions system will cause engine issues, such as lower power. That is why you can understand why you treat it seriously and handle it with the same respect you would give to fuel or oil

DEF Products by Type

Although DEF is manufactured under stringent regulations, there are still some differences in packaging, handling, and quality. Some are in drums or jugs, while others are offered in bulk handling systems. Some are produced in first-class conditions, but others are prone to contamination or bad storage conditions. The most critical aspect to be mindful of when purchasing DEF is certification. Always work with a product that is ISO 22241 certified. This international standard guarantees the fluid is clean and produced in a clean plant. There are various sizes of packages based on various business requirements. If you are a small company, you only need DEF in 2.5-gallon. Big fleets can be economical if they purchase DEF in bulk or 275-gallon totes. Big or small, however, quality should never be compromised. Spoiled DEF not only becomes ineffective it actually ruins your equipment. And whereas you can “clean” out a fuel system in case of contamination, you can’t with a DEF system. Better still to avoid it in the first place. 

Storage and Handling Play a Larger Role Than You Might Appreciate

Then, after you get a good quality DEF, proper storage and handling of the same also becomes necessary. DEF is heat-sensitive and can deteriorate if mistreated. It would be better to keep it in a dry, shaded place, away from the sun. High temperatures can break down the composition of the urea and depreciate the fluid. Never use other hardware or vessels other than those especially made for DEF either. Any metal particulate or lubricant, regardless of how minute the quantity, will taint the fluid. If DEF is stored in totes or drums, maintain dispensing nozzles and pumps clean and covered when not being used. You can train your employees to use proper handling as a good practice. People will have accidents when they think DEF can be dispensed or stored like other liquids. Use an example like don’t move diesel or oil with an expired funnel. An error is making contamination that cannot be reversed. Finally, always label your storage so you do not mix your DEF with other chemicals in your facility. These easy steps prevent you from having expensive repair work in the future.

How Often To Refill DEF?

It will depend upon how much fuel your equipment goes through and how frequently you will need to resupply with DEF. Most diesel equipment goes through DEF in a ratio of around 2-5% of fuel burned. If your bulldozer uses 100 gallons of diesel fuel in a day, you might need to replace 2-5 gallons of DEF. But other machines, finely tuned machines, will get along on DEF for even more time. Others, especially in temperatures below freezing, can be special situations because DEF will freeze around 12°F (-11°C). Luckily, most newer DEF systems have heaters, so this won’t be a big issue.

Nevertheless, it’s wise to have a strategy for maintaining DEF on hand throughout the year. If you’re operating machines continuously 24/7, being out of DEF even once can be lost time that costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost production. Consider tracking DEF levels like fuel or oil. Some fleet managers even use computer software that warns them when they’re low on levels. It’s preventing downtime before it occurs.

Errors to Be Avoided

The operator’s worst error is mixing DEF with other liquids. DEF is not an additive. Never inject it into the diesel tank or mix it with any other liquid. This can lead to a huge loss for your SCR system in your engine. Another extremely frequent mistake is bulk DEF buying without storage arrangements. Save on a bulk purchase, yes, but poor storage will spoil it. Have clean, sealed tanks and properly trained staff handling the liquid. Secondly, some people use containers to recapture fluids before refilling them with DEF. Big no-no. The smallest traces of oil, gasoline, or cleaning solutions can destroy the integrity of DEF. One error is ignoring expiration dates. Believe it or not, DEF expires! Check the label and cycle your inventory like perishables in a warehouse. And perhaps the most devious sabotage of all? Keep quiet if warning lights or codes show. If your equipment is indicating something’s amiss with DEF, listen and investigate now.

Tips for Selecting the Best DEF for Your Equipment

In selecting a DEF product, begin with quality. Find the API certification mark, which means it’s to spec. Don’t settle for off-names unless proven to be ISO 22241 compliant.

Then, think about how much DEF your company will need. Small operations can work with 2.5-gallon cans, but larger jobs will enjoy bulk systems or 55-gallon drums. Whatever, make sure it fits into your company. And find a relationship with a qualified DEF supplier. They can provide greater prices, more rapid delivery, and even assist in regulation. Some suppliers will even audit your existing DEF practices and recommend enhancements. And lastly, compensate your employees. Educate your mechanics and operators in DEF so they will not blindly “top it off.”. A well-informed staff is your best defense against expensive errors.

Conclusion

In heavy equipment, every little bit adds up definitely, that’s true with DEF. Choosing the proper DEF solution isn’t the box to check off for emissions regulation compliance; it’s the assurance that your equipment runs safely, efficiently, and with no surprise downtime. You may have one bulldozer or fleets of excavators, but investing the time to understand DEF how it operates, how to use it, and what to use is going to be a whole lot easier. DEF is the smallest component of the puzzle, but it keeps the whole puzzle intact when it comes to emissions systems. Show it respect, and it will give you respect for your equipment. Choose and select carefully, purchase and sell with integrity, and always add DEF types and heavy equipment compatibility into operation for your business. Your engines and your profit margin will reward you.

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