In addition, by manually logging engine hours, the app can calculate predicted service times and produce a list of consumables and service criteria for that engine. The app can also provide service history data for engines that have been registered, as well as local dealer contact information.
An extension to the app will follow this summer, as Perkins plans to introduce an electronic oil filler cap that can be fitted to any Perkins engine from the 0307 up to the 1206 series. Using low energy Bluetooth, the oil filler cap monitors engine hours through vibration frequencies, and feeds operational data into the app when the user’s phone is within Bluetooth range of the engine. It simultaneously gathers GPS data from the smart phone, providing a low-cost basic tracking function.
The electronic oil filler cap will be available to buy, and any registered app user will be able to read the electronic oil cap data of any engine – useful for those buying second-hand Perkins-powered equipment.