Mounting concerns suggest AdBlue may be causing significant breakdowns in mobile cranes and trucks.
- A trade group reports that nearly a third of on-road breakdowns are linked to AdBlue issues.
- AdBlue is intended to reduce toxic emissions but malfunctions can lead to engine shutdowns.
- The ESTA is conducting a survey to gather data on these breakdowns.
- Figures in the industry, like Nick Higgins, cite AdBlue as a major operational hurdle.
Recent reports underscore a growing unease within the construction and heavy transport sectors regarding the use of AdBlue, an engine additive designed to reduce harmful emissions by converting nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water. There are assertions from a trade group that approximately a third of all road breakdowns in mobile cranes across Europe are attributed to AdBlue malfunctions.
The AdBlue system is intended to mitigate emissions from diesel engines, yet when it malfunctions, it can lead to substantial operational failures. For instance, should the system fail—potentially due to cold engine conditions—it can result in a loss of engine power or even a complete shutdown, circumstances that pose significant safety risks. These issues are not confined to cranes but extend to trucks and self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs) as well.
In light of these issues, the European Special Transport Association (ESTA) has initiated a data-gathering survey to better understand the scope of the problem and determine subsequent actions. The Heavy Transport Association in the UK has actively encouraged both its members and others to participate in this crucial survey, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
From within the industry, Nick Higgins, a manager at Raptor Plant, provides a poignant testimony on the implications of AdBlue malfunctions. He elaborates that these faults account for about half of the downtime in his fleet of excavators, including renowned brands such as Hitachi, Case, and Komatsu. Higgins remarks on the challenges posed by the need for high cleanliness levels in environments characterised by ubiquitous dust and dirt, deeming AdBlue systems incompatible with such conditions: ‘It must cost the industry a colossal amount of money in repairs and lost production,’ he asserts.
As the industry confronts these persistent challenges, the need for comprehensive data and solutions becomes increasingly imperative.
