In earthmoving and construction, equipment reliability is paramount. Every hour of downtime can mean lost productivity and increased costs — which is why fleet managers increasingly turn to telematics as an enabler for proactive maintenance and operational efficiency.
According to Garry Moore, Customer Support Manager for Scottish articulated dump truck (ADT) brand Rokbak, telematics is no longer a “nice to have,” but an essential tool for business success.
At Rokbak, “More and more customers have been engaging with our Haul Track telematics system over the last few years,” Moore said. “Some even have full ‘command centers’ filled with screens as they monitor data from their fleets in real time.”
Telematics takes data from the machine’s onboard diagnostics system and combines it with GPS and wireless communication to monitor performance. Fleet managers can access telematics via any internet-connected device. User-friendly interfaces provide access to actionable insights that support data-driven decisions about fleet management and maintenance.
At Rokbak, Haul Track comes standard on the RA30 and RA40 ADTs. “Our customers are hardworking people who need hardworking trucks — and Haul Track ensures they can optimize their operations without adding complexity,” Moore said.
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Telematics systems include fleet management and fleet tracking tools that allow users to customize dashboards according to their priorities and targets, set maintenance parameters, and receive automated reports and email alerts. Many telematics providers offer comprehensive onboarding and training to help users tailor the system to their specific needs.
For instance, at Rokbak, “We work closely with our customers to ensure Haul Track fits seamlessly into their operations and that they’re getting the most value from it,” Moore said.
When fleet managers have an accurate picture of machine health and status in real time, they can stay on top of regular maintenance requirements and address minor issues before they turn into serious and expensive problems. This proactive maintenance approach leads to greater equipment uptime and a longer lifespan, as well as a reduced total cost of ownership.
“There are so many instances where timely intervention can protect crucial components and prevent major failures,” Moore said. “The drop box, for example, requires precise oil levels and has a short service interval. Haul Track helps ensure routine servicing is completed on schedule by sending timely email reminders for maintenance. This prevents unnecessary wear on components and promotes the longevity of the drivetrain.”
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Besides service reminders, telematics systems can also be configured to directly alert fleet managers via email to fault codes that signal potential issues before they escalate. This capability not only protects key components but also helps maintain effective operation, minimize downtime, and protect your investment.
“To give further examples, issues with the clutch or injector in the engine could result in significant downtime and costly repairs if left unnoticed,” Moore said.
When telematics systems identify problems like that early on, timely maintenance interventions keep the equipment running efficiently over the long term.
Because many contractors operate mixed-brand fleets, telematics systems like Haul Track are integrated with the AEMP 2.0 API, the industry-wide standard that enables seamless management of telematics data across various equipment brands.
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Some OEMs also offer an onboard load weighing system that coordinates with telematics. For instance, Rokbak’s On-Board Weigh system comes with a separate HMI (human machine interface) screen that connects to Haul Track to provide live payload data.
“It’s important to strike the right balance between productivity and machine longevity,” Moore said. “On the one hand, carrying too little load can actually increase wear and tear on your machines because operators will be making more journeys than needed to transport the target volume of material. On the other hand, excessive loads risk overburdening critical systems and compromising safety.”
The combination of onboard weighing systems and telematics helps operators maintain the ideal payload, promoting efficient operation, protecting key components, and supporting the long-term health and reliability of the equipment.
