Smarter maintenance

The concept of TBO (Time Between Overhauls) might well soon only be found in old technical manuals and technology archives. It indicates how long an engine may be used before it is overhauled and parts have to be replaced. Digital tools and new analytical methods increasingly mean that parts no longer have to be changed or serviced in line with strict schedules but only need servicing when it is actually necessary.

“Rigid maintenance schedules will soon be a thing of the past,” predicted Christian Frey, project manager in the Digital Analytics team. They are in fact no more than average values that apply for all users – whether their haul trucks (for example) operate mostly on the flat or mostly on slopes. In future, sensors will be used to monitor the actual condition of individual components. The engine control system and the mtu connectivity tool ‘Go Connect’ will transmit sensor data either to mtu or direct to the customer. “The experts in our Customer Care Centers can monitor and analyze these data and use them to recommend when customers should carry out which maintenance operations or exchange particular components,” explained Frey. At the same time, mtu specialists will be able to develop models that predict how long an engine component will function reliably under given operating and ambient conditions.