System Engineering Analysis of Construction Equipment Operation in the Latin America

Abstract

The Latin American region has many important ongoing infrastructure projects. It is a global source of mining materials such as copper and iron. Thus, the region is an important market for construction equipment manufacturers such as Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo, and CNH. However, it is not financially feasible for these manufactures to test construction machines in all 33 countries. Consequently, there is a significant lack of engine system understanding in this region due to its diverse operating conditions. This research provides a system engineering analysis of how diesel engine durability is affected by the environmental factors such as altitude and fuel quality in Latin America. Examination of engine oil analyses shows that oil condition provides a leading indicator of premature internal engine wear in Latin America. The study further relates environment factors in Latin America such as altitude to machine diagnostic trouble codes.