december2022 - 16

Cummings added that technicians can no
longer get by just working on mechanical components
if they hope to be strong contributors to a
winning shop.
" You have got to have some level of comfort
with the computer, and that has presented some
challenges, but nevertheless, that is where we are
today, " Cummings emphasized.
Cummings also related that all-makes diagnostic
software has its place in the service bay as well.
" We are very diverse in what we work on, and we
work on far more than just our own brand at every
Rush Truck Center dealership, " he said. " So, we do
purchase and use all-makes diagnostic software. "
Cummings said that Rush uses TEXA across many
locations but offered some insight on how individual
shops can determine the best all-makes
option for their operations: Shops should bring
in different software and let the technicians pilot
them to find out which is most effective for the
work they do.
James Rolsing, operations manager at Ryder,
stated that he prefers the service bay tools from
Noregon Systems as his choice of all-makes diagnostic
software.
Rolsing and team use the software to diagnose
check engine lights from various manufacturers,
among other processes, multiple times a day. He
appreciates the " step-by-step " diagnostic procedures
provided and the software's ability to work
on multiple manufacturers from the same tool.
" [It is an] all in one, " he said. " [We] do not need
multiple scan tools and manuals. "
Column lifts
Kanitz stated that his shop has seen tremendous
efficiency gains using wheel lifts, or column lifts,
as his shop leverages the equipment for both
engine and chassis repairs.
" Having a good set of wheel lifts-because
oftentimes you may be accessing the bottom end
» As today and tomorrow's commercial vehicles
become further 'electrified' and 'sensorized,'
technicians must have proficient capabilities
in using digital multimeters and voltmeters.
234310758 | Maxim Lupascu | Dreamstime
of the engine, or you may happen be pulling out
a transmission-really helps from an efficiency
standpoint. Being able to get the unit up safely and
also being able to get in and out of that quickly is
definitely a big benefit, " he said. " That helps a lot
from an efficiency standpoint versus putting your
technicians in a scenario where they are having
to try to figure out, 'How do I get in and out from
under the vehicle?' or 'How do I remove a component
and get it out from under the vehicle?' "
Because of the size of his shop, Kanitz said they
have multiple sets of column lifts, and that on any
day one may see four sets being utilized at a time.
Cummings related that Rush uses a mix of Gray
Manufacturing and Rotary lifts throughout its
network, and often both within some shops.
" I absolutely love those things simply because
they're very efficient in terms of getting access to
the part of the vehicle that you're attempting to
service, but also, they're very safe, " he continued,
speaking on column lifts. " I have a much higher
comfort level having our technicians under a
vehicle using column lifts than your typical jack
stand configuration. That's why they are my favorite
tool because of the safety and efficiency that
they bring. "
Rolsing agreed column lifts are efficient
» The Gray Manufacturing line of wireless
mobile column lifts feature a wireless
communication system and touchscreen graphic
control system. Capable of lifting a variety
of vehicles, these lifts have no external wires
or cords, and when used at a full operating
height can provide a lift height of 69 " .
Gray Manufacturing
pieces of equipment. His preference is StertilKoni's
Mobile Column Lift, No. ST 1075. Rolsing
said the lifts are used for plenty of repairs such
as clutch or transmission work, driveline repairs,
starter replacements, preventive maintenance,
and so much more.
As Ryder shops use the lifts daily, promotion of
efficiency is crucial with the equipment. Rolsing
said such efficiency is achieved through the lifts'
ability to allow the technicians to operate in a
standing position versus on their back, on a creeper.
" Plus, with low profile vehicles, it is the easiest
way to get underneath, " he added.
16 Fleet Maintenance | December 2022
Technician essentials
Beyond shop equipment and software subscriptions,
technicians must use a litany of tools to
execute their duties on a regular basis. However,
some tools stand out from the pack as to their
importance and impact on a technician's ability
to do their best work.
Electrical service tools
FedEx Freight's Greenwood said her number one
essential tool is a multimeter of any reputable brand.
" Typically, I use my multimeter every day for
electrical troubleshooting on everything from
forklifts to tractors, and for anything from lighting
issues to engine fault codes, " she said. " My multimeter
allows me to get to the root of electrical
problems quickly so that repairs can be made in
an effective manner. "
Greenwood related that the multimeter she uses
today is the same model she used back in trade
school, as she is comfortable using it and knows
she can trust the readings.
Rush's Purcell said a good digital voltmeter
is essential; and he isn't so much brand specific
when it comes to the tool, but just needs it to be
of quality.
" There are so many sensors and different
systems on vehicles now, whether it's engine,
transmission-everything is electronic, " he said.
" You have got to have a good voltmeter to do the
voltage checks, resistance checks, and things of
that nature. "
At the top of Purcell's checklist when determining
the best voltmeter to choose from is auto
ranging capabilities. Furthermore, he makes sure
he has a wide range of test leads to avoid damaging
connectors.
Ryder's Johnson concurred that multimeters
are a must-have. His favorite is Mac Tools' Digital
Multimeter, No. EM710, as it has excellent battery
life, he attested.
Johnson uses his multimeter for diagnosing electrical
systems from simple light circuit faults to
complicated CAN datalink communication faults.
Though his use of the tool varies from several times
december2022

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