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There are a lot more helpful and practical things that scan tools may be used for, despite the fact that the majority of people just use them for examining and deleting error codes. Owners of large duty trucks, which employ more complex machinery than the average car, will more readily understand this.
The possession of an appropriate heavy duty truck scanner is therefore crucial for owners or operators of heavy duty trucks. Which heavy duty truck scanner tool should you get, though? What should these scanners have as their top priorities? Furthermore, what systems may be analysed and diagnosed by a top heavy duty truck scanner?
All of these queries and more are addressed in this post.
Why Heavy Duty Truck Scanners are Important to Own
A high duty truck scanner, like any other OBD2 or automobile scanner, can be an incredible lifesaver in a variety of circumstances. You can bring many of them on any vacation with you because they are portable and handheld. They are just as valuable as a spare tyre, but they can end up costing you less overall.
Heavy-duty vehicle scanners are typically more complex and comprehensive than the more common basic code engine readers. While these common vehicle scanners can also perform diagnostics, truck scanners have a considerably wider variety of scans at their disposal.
The anatomy of a heavy duty vehicle and a typical car differ significantly, which contributes to this situation. They are very dissimilar in terms of their bodywork, chassis, and fuel systems. This implies that when parts need to be replaced, they frequently require different components. Additionally, it means that while evaluating their health, they require unique tools.
It's also vital to keep in mind that the cost of repairs or replacements for heavy duty trucks is significantly higher. It is therefore even more crucial to remain vigilant and check the condition of your truck as often as necessary.
What Kind of Vehicles can a Heavy Duty Truck Scanner work on?
Heavy duty truck scanners can actually function with a range of vehicles, despite their misleading name. A heavy duty truck scanner should operate well with it as long as they are designated heavy vehicles of some sort, come under the same classes, and follow the same regulations.
The most effective heavy-duty truck scanners on the market are compatible with a wide range of trucks and associated vehicles, including:
- School buses
- Refrigerated trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Tow trucks
- Cement trucks
- Fishing vessels
- Agricultural machinery
- Construction machinery
Remember to follow the same advice provided to those looking to acquire a conventional car scanner when purchasing a heavy duty truck scanner: always confirm the device's manufacturer and vehicle compatibility before completing the purchase. Spending hundreds of dollars on something that ends up being little more than a paperweight is not something you want to do.
Relevant:What is the Best Heavy Duty Truck Scanner?
Are Heavy Duty Truck Scanners Expensive?
Heavy duty truck scanners are in fact more expensive than their ordinary car scanner equivalents. Again, this is a result of the striking contrasts in their anatomy and constituent parts. The cost of their scanners will also be higher because big duty vehicles are naturally more expensive than cars or BMWs.
The cheapest heavy-duty truck scanners go around $100, while the lowest vehicle scanners are around $25. That shouldn't deter you in the least; a high-quality heavy duty truck scanner will pay for itself much more quickly than you might anticipate. Particularly if your large truck travels a lot of miles and experiences significant wear and tear, they are definitely worth the cost.
What Diagnostic Protocols do Top Heavy Duty Truck Scanners Perform?
To ensure that it covers as many bases as possible, keep an eye out for truck scanners that can do both fundamental and sophisticated diagnostics.
In terms of more fundamental diagnostics, it ought to have an EVAP test for the fuel tank system, an O2 sensor test, an air suspension system test, a brake test, and more. Additionally, it must be capable of carrying out fundamental OBD 2 tasks like reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes or Error Codes.
A superb heavy duty truck scanner ought to feature OEM functions for the vehicle's chassis, body, and powerplant in terms of more complex diagnostic operations. The capability to analyse DPF would be a major plus because heavy-duty trucks utilise diesel.
The Ancel HD3400 – A Truck Scanner of Immense Proportions
It is difficult to go wrong with the Ancel HD3400 if you're serious about acquiring one of the most advanced heavy duty truck scanners available. This equipment is designed for experts and individuals who take their DIY maintenance very seriously.
It contains every feature you'd anticipate from a typical automobile or truck scanner, such as live freeze frame data, reading and erasing error codes, and heavy duty engine analysis.
But it's crucial to remember that this is ultimately regarded as an all-system scanner. This is the tool to use if you're interested in anything as specific as the motor control, integrated security system, tyre pressure, immobiliser, clutch and much more.
The Ancel's HD3400 DPF regeneration feature is much more outstanding. With regard to maintenance, this truck scanner can remove extra particulate matter from the diesel filter, saving you a tonne of time and money. This is unquestionably a top heavy duty truck scanner that shouldn't be underrated because of its exceptional capacity to stabilise DPF performance.
Conclusion
You're prepared to make the most of your scanning instruments and keep track of all of your vehicle's most crucial parameters now that you know more about heavy truck scanners. Additionally, you may utilise the Ancel HD3400 to identify the precise nature of any issues you have in the future and resolve them before they worsen.
FAQs
Why are heavy-duty truck scanners important to own?
Heavy-duty truck scanners are essential for comprehensive diagnostics and maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles, which have different anatomy and systems compared to regular cars.
What kind of vehicles can a heavy-duty truck scanner work on?
Heavy-duty truck scanners are compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including school buses, refrigerated trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, agricultural machinery, and more.
Are heavy-duty truck scanners expensive?
Yes, heavy-duty truck scanners are more expensive than regular car scanners due to the complexity and unique requirements of heavy-duty vehicles, but they are worth the investment for owners of these vehicles.
