Equipment Glossary

Common terms used in heavy equipment maintenance and fleet management.

Cost Per Hour

The total operating cost of a machine divided by its hours of use. Includes fuel, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, and other expenses.

DPF

Diesel Particulate Filter. A device that captures soot from diesel engine exhaust to reduce emissions.

DEF

Diesel Exhaust Fluid. A solution used in SCR systems to reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines.

Hour Meter

A device that tracks the total operating hours of a machine. Used to schedule maintenance and calculate cost per hour.

Hydraulic System

A system that uses pressurized fluid to power machine movements like arms, buckets, and attachments.

Preventive Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance performed to prevent equipment failures. Includes oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections.

Service Interval

The recommended time or hours between maintenance tasks. Often specified by the manufacturer.

Undercarriage

The lower portion of tracked equipment including tracks, rollers, idlers, and sprockets.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer. The company that originally made the equipment or parts.

Fault Code

An error code displayed by the machine's computer system indicating a specific problem or malfunction.