Somewhat On-Topic - Vehicle (Tractor) Maintenance Apps

[aeblank]

So, I got a "new" truck... (picture below so as to not interrupt the post)
I had a truck, but at 20 years old, i wasn't too worried about "preventative" maintenance.

Anyway, the point is, i have a lot of stuff with engines (2 atvs, generator, tractor, 2 trucks, 2 cars, and some non-motorized stuff that should be maintained, like my snowblower and it's sub-frame). I'd like something to remind/log the maintenance I do. Oil changes, greasing stuff, lubing door hinges, etc. etc. etc.

Does anyone have a good solution?

An (Android) app certainly comes to mind (aCar, autoSIST maintenance reminder). My dad has an access database. Just a list (in excel or whatever) can work. I try to send myself an email, and then file it away either in a folder or printout to put in the "vehicle file", which hasn't happened in a LONG time. So, my "system" blows.

Anyway, for an actual solution, I tend towards the app, but think also having a web portal would also be nice. Data entry on the phone can suck sometimes. I'm not sure how these apps would track mileage (or hours)--maybe I just enter it in once a month (just not sure).



Picture of the "new" (2014) truck:


GMC Sierra Denali with the Duramax.
I have since added OEM assist steps.

 

[RalphVa]

My wife introduced me to Outlook, mainly for its calendar. You can put reminders (date, related anyway) into the calendar. I use it all the time now. Don't know how I lived without it. Outlook's great for e-mail, too. It's on your Office stuff.

Ralph

 

[aeblank]

Outlook, mainly for its calendar. You can put reminders

Ya, I could. I use google's calendar (as an Android user). That really isn't what I'm looking for though. Some things are time-based, some mileage, some hours. Also want to have the historical record of *every* oil change, for instance. I hope (dream?) of going back and entering all my past maintenance too.

 

[blackdog2086]

Your post got me thinking so I did a search and came up with a few. I guess what's best for you depends on whether you have IOS or Android.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-minder-plus-car-maintenance/id310809791?mt=8

This looks pretty good if you're an apple guy.

http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-car-maintenance

Here's a site with a ton of Android apps. I just don'y have time to check them all out right now.

 

[aeblank]

aCar keeps showing up *everywhere*, so I installed it............and that's as far as I've made it.
based on reviews, the main issues are backups aren't in the cloud (which I can handle), old interface (i don't care), and it is made for one device--no syncing (biggest issue for me, but I guess I'll deal with it).

at least, that's what I've come up with so far. FOR SURE interested in any first-hand experience on what others do. I'm tired of my hap-hazard-ness.

 

[PHPaul]

I don't do smart phones or apps or cloud data so I should probably just shut up, bit I want to offer this one observation:

Pretty much ANY tracking system is going to depend on data input is it not? If you can't be bothered to enter data into a spreadsheet, what makes you think an app will be any better?

I'm not saying it won't as I don't know diddly about smart phones and apps, but I'm curious.

 

[bironacad]

I don't do smart phones or apps or cloud data so I should probably just shut up, bit I want to offer this one observation:

Pretty much ANY tracking system is going to depend on data input is it not? If you can't be bothered to enter data into a spreadsheet, what makes you think an app will be any better?

I'm not saying it won't as I don't know diddly about smart phones and apps, but I'm curious.

My phone is usually where I am though, lol. I just put it into my notes on the phone in a folder for the particular vehicle. I actually use a sharpie and write the date of change on the filters for my tractor, low tech but effective. I still have to look and see what the date was though, lol.

 

[aeblank]

Pretty much ANY tracking system is going to depend on data input is it not?

Absolutely.

If you can't be bothered to enter data into a spreadsheet, what makes you think an app will be any better?

Not sure where I said that (and i went back and re-read my post). The closest thing was my comment was that sometimes data entry is easier on a computer than on a phone. I prefer to type on a keyboard than on my phone's keyboard (I'm replying to this on a computer, not on my phone, but I *read* lots of stuff on my phone). Obviously a younger generation is fine 100% on the phone, and older generations are fine 100% not on either. I prefer "work/setup" on the computer and basic entry/notifications on the phone.

 

[aeblank]

I still have to look and see what the date was though, lol.

I think it'd be nice to input hours (or mileage or whatever) and have it "extrapolate" where it *thinks* the service will be required. All this based on average usage and a table of maintenance that I put in there. Also I can pre-enter all the types of maintenance, and then pick which ones were performed.

In other words, i know how I want the app made, but not if any app(s) do it. I'm no programmer either.

 

[PHPaul]

Absolutely.



Not sure where I said that (and i went back and re-read my post). The closest thing was my comment was that sometimes data entry is easier on a computer than on a phone. I prefer to type on a keyboard than on my phone's keyboard (I'm replying to this on a computer, not on my phone, but I *read* lots of stuff on my phone). Obviously a younger generation is fine 100% on the phone, and older generations are fine 100% not on either. I prefer "work/setup" on the computer and basic entry/notifications on the phone.

Ah. I misunderstood, you're most interested in being notified via phone, which WOULD be handy.

One of the many reasons I don't have a smartphone is that teeny keyboard.

Apologies.

 

[aeblank]

Ah. I misunderstood, you're most interested in being notified via phone, which WOULD be handy.

No apologies needed.

But ya. Maybe a weekly email summary with a list of "past due" stuff.
Check it off as done, enter a mileage, and its set.
Maybe a drop-down of maintenance items, so I can say that I lubed the door hinges, even though I'm a month ahead of my "April & October" schedule.

Like I said, I mostly have the functionality in my head, but not sure it exists.

 

[RaydaKub]

This isn't for tractors, but it seems like you could customize it for whatever you need, or at least you could have it related (transmission vs. HST for example).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eu.car.maintenance&hl=en

 

[Lnk]

This is probably not what you want to hear. "Spiral notebook", with a page for each piece of equipment. Log maintenance, reminder page on the front with dates, mileage and piece of equipment. Permanent record. Keep it in the house. History always available. Not lost when you drop your phone in the toilet. Does not rely on the cloud. Requires no electricity. Take a picture and email to yourself. Use your Outlook to send you a reminder to check your notebook monthly. Might even use a real paper calendar :thumbsup:

 

[TractorGuy]

I have just kept an excel spreadsheet for years. I combine that with the tried and true reminder in the top left corner of my windshield.

On the the spreadsheet I have a separate worksheet for each vehicle or machine with the tab at bottom named appropriately.

On the vehicle reminder I periodically glance at the odometer and compare it to the odometer label on the windshield.

 

[tjkubota93]

On equipment I write either the hours (if equipped with meter) or the date of service on it with a black marker or grease pencil, when it comes time for the next service, I wipe it off with brake cleaner or mineral spirits.
On cars I know that I change oil/rotate tires 7500 miles. I also tear off the top of the ac delco oil filter box and write the mileage of next oil change so wife knows. Things like transmission fluid get wrote in back of owners manual.

 

[onelostdogg]

I use the kids' old chalkboard. All equipment listed with date, oil/filter, air cleaner, plugs, etc. When time to erase, transfer it to a notebook hanging on a string nearby.

 

[newbury]

Your post got me thinking so I did a search and came up with a few. I guess what's best for you depends on whether you have IOS or Android.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-minder-plus-car-maintenance/id310809791?mt=8

This looks pretty good if you're an apple guy.

http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-car-maintenance

Here's a site with a ton of Android apps. I just don'y have time to check them all out right now.

Well what are we paying you for ?

This is probably not what you want to hear. "Spiral notebook", with a page for each piece of equipment. Log maintenance, reminder page on the front with dates, mileage and piece of equipment. Permanent record. Keep it in the house. History always available. Not lost when you drop your phone in the toilet. Does not rely on the cloud. Requires no electricity. Take a picture and email to yourself. Use your Outlook to send you a reminder to check your notebook monthly. Might even use a real paper calendar :thumbsup:

Spiral notebook in each vehicle, all important "stuff" wrote down. "Bad bathrooms at exit 84" "Best diesel on 72" oil changes, lubes, parts etc.
I've been carrying a personal computer since about 1995, started with a radio shack TRS-80 Model 100, quickly graduated to an HP 95. A computer is like a woman, love the one your with. My collection of notes on HP95's, PDA's, tablets, and now Android phones are great FOR ME. But not good for many other people.

I show my favorite mechanic my notes on when stuff got changed on my dually and he understands a spiral notebook. He "don't know" email. And if you need to leave a note for someone you can leave a piece of paper. You need to draw someone a map, do it on paper.

There's a lot I can do with a "pocket computer". I was running Unix mapping computers fielded in Tuzla, BH using an HP100 from a hotel room in Lititz, Pennsylvania in 1997. But I still record my fuel, oil, and mileage for every vehicle in a spiral notebook.

Pen and paper still have their place.

 

[bironacad]

Like the notebook. I was writing oil changes on the wall of the garage between the studs. That fills up after awhile lol

 

[aeblank]

Well, thanks for the replies guys. Guess I'm not surprised how many notebooks/pens are involved.
This is obviously a "whatever works" kind of item.
I'll experiment for myself and see what I can find that works better than my current non-system.

 

[aeblank]

I was writing oil changes on the wall of the garage between the studs. That fills up after awhile lol

need a bigger garage, obviously...