John Deere 

Has established a mobile version of its parts website which allows customers to manage their operations more efficiently. The new site allows customers to view critical equipment parts information from nearly any location. 

Simply head to jdparts.deere.com on any smartphone or tablet. Like the desktop version, the mobile version allows customers to quickly access parts information, pricing, availability and order parts online.  Customers can search by parts catalog, model number, part number or keyword to locate  the appropriate parts and attachments. 

John Deere states our customers are usually on the go, at a job site or traveling between sites, They asked us for a mobile version of the parts site so they could place orders when and where they needed to, so we responded. 

When your car's "Check Engine" light comes on 

It's usually accompanied by a OH NO feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. But in many cases, it means at minimum that you'll be visiting the car dealer to locate the malfunction and get the light turned off.

The Check Engine light — more formally known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) — is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong. 

Prior to 1996, carmakers had their own engine diagnostic systems, primarily to ensure their cars were compliant with Environmental Protection Agency pollution-control requirements. Starting with model-year 1996, automakers standardized their systems under a protocol called OBD-II, which stipulated a standardized list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) and mandated that all cars provide a universal connector to access this information. It's usually located under the steering column and is easy to access.

Deciphering the Code

The Inspectors can buy inexpensive code readers that connect to this standardized onboard diagnostics (OBD) port and search for the code's meaning on Web sites such as Engine Light Help. The Check Engine light can even be turned off by some code readers, even though this action alone does not actually repair the underlying problem. In many such cases the light will simply come back on later.

Experts say that many drivers confuse the "service required" light on the gauge cluster for the Check Engine light. These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine maintenance. It is not the indicator of trouble that the Check Engine light is.

Check Engine lights come in orange, yellow or amber, depending on the manufacturer. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter. These emissions devices operate at high temperatures to cut emissions, but can pose a fire hazard if faulty.

If your smart phone is a Apple product Look in the itunes store under OBD Car Doctor or Fuzzy Codes, there are a few available. Look at the Google play store if your phone is a Droid there are a few free ones available there.

2008 Porsche Cayenne

Verified the drive-shaft center support/carrier bearing bushing is split all the way through.  As a result, the shaft is moving excessively and causing a loud clunking on acceleration.  Verified the bearing/bushing is not available separately.  No physical damage or other failures seen or demonstrated.

Inspectors opinion of the cause of failure = Material failure of the drive-shaft center support bearing.

A Relaxing Celebration

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.

A Holiday for Workers

A New York City carpenter named Peter McGuire is credited for coming up the idea for Labor Day. In 1872, after working many long hours under poor conditions, McGuire rallied 100,000 workers to go on strike. The workers marched through the streets of New York City, demanding a better work environment.

McGuire spent a decade fighting for worker's rights. In 1882, he proposed the idea to create a special holiday for workers. On Tuesday, September 5, 1882, more than 10,000 workers hit the streets of New York City for the first ever Labor Day parade. Two years later the celebration was moved to the first Monday in September. And in 1894, the United States Congress passed a law making Labor Day a national holiday.

Bank of America Corp:  

Is closing two Cleveland-area locations, laying off a total of more than 1,000 employees who work in home loan fulfillment and consumer banking services. 

The Charlotte, N.C.-based firm recently disclosed 543 Fresno, Calif., layoffs; 469 Newark N.J. terminations; 113 Addison, Texas, job cuts; and 411 North Texas layoffs. 

In addition, BofA recently notified 209 Upper St. Clair, Pa., employees that they would be let go, while 53 Central Florida employees were recently given pink slips. 

The latest casualties involve several mortgage operations centers, including a mortgage fulfillment center in Beachwood, Ohio, that handles Home Affordable Refinance  Program production, an impacted employee told Mortgage Daily. 

Around 700 employees are impacted by the latest round of job cuts, according to the employee. 

Chrysler Group 

says it will recall 45,961 Ram 1500 4×4 trucks over concerns the vehicle’s electronic stability control systems may not turn on when the vehicles start.

Trucks involved in the recall were built between June 26, 2012, and Feb. 5, 2013.

Chrysler says a software glitch might disable the electronic stability control system when the pickup starts.

Electronic stability control helps vehicles stay upright and maintain the correct direction even if the driver swerves or loses control. A disabled system increases the risk of a crash, Chrysler says.

Chrysler began investigating after following up on warranty complaints, and says no accidents or injuries have been reported due to the problem.

Dealers will update the software for free.

Chrysler says it will begin notifying owners next month.

Show Customers Your Expertise

Join the more than 330,000 automotive professionals nationwide who have earned the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence. Register today https://www.ase.com/home.aspx

A Telescopic Handler

Also known as telehandler, is a machine widely used in agriculture and industry. It is similar in appearance and function to a forklift but is more OF a crane than forklift, with the increased versatility of a single telescopic boom that can extend forwards and upwards from the vehicle. On the end of the boom the operator can fit one of several attachments, such as a bucket, pallet forks, muck grab, or even a  winch.

In industry the most common attachment for a tele-handler is pallet forks and the most common application is to move loads to and from places unreachable for a conventional forklift. For example, telehandlers have the ability to remove palletised cargo from within a trailer and to place loads on rooftops and other high places. The latter application would otherwise require a crane, which is not always practical or time-efficient.

In agriculture the most common attachment for a tele-handler is a bucket or bucket grab, again the most common application is to move loads to and from places unreachable for a conventional machine which in this case is a wheeled loader or backhoe. For example, telehandlers have the ability to reach directly into a high-sided trailer or hopper. The latter application would otherwise require a loading ramp, conveyor, or similar type of machinery.

Have you ever wondered whats really going on?

We have developed a non-invasive site visit.  These inspections are scheduled in advance with the  borrower and offer an insightful look into the daily business practices and operations. Interior and exterior photos accompany this general inspection of the physical business location.  

Observations such as the number of employees, years in business and whether or not they share the space with others can be very informative. Due diligence is imperative.  Have Accurate Measurement Inspection Services do the site visit for you, and help you with the puzzle.

Forklift Design

The most common type of design forklift is the counter balance. Other types of designs include the reach truck, side loader, and rough terrain which use air filled tires. Most manufacturing, and warehouse forklift applications use solid non marking tires. One of the most important aspects of forklift operation is the rear wheel steering.

Forklifts are available in many types and have different load capacities. In the average warehouse setting, most forklifts have load capacities of around five tons. This information is located on the nameplate that is provided by the manufacturer with safety in mind, loads cannot exceed these specifications. 

There are seven different classes of forklifts. In general the classifications are based on the type of propulsion electric motor, internal combustion engine which could be gasoline or diesel, and also propane. Another factor is the tire design as mentioned above. The propane forklift is usually identified by the silver, or white color tank located behind the operators seat.  When working around, or performing inspections on forklifts that are battery powered it is always important to not come in contact with the battery acid as the acid will burn your clothes, and skin. Also there never should be a open flame, etc. around these types of equipment. It is always worth mentioning to take all precautions not to have loose hanging clothing around moving machinery parts.