When it comes to servicing and maintaining your generator, LionHeart has expert diesel mechanics who are committed to providing unparalleled service. With over 20 years of working on a wide variety of engines, Chad is EGSA certified and is one of our team experts at diagnosing and fixing any issue with your critical service equipment.
Below is a fireside Q&A with one of LionHeart’s favorite mechanics.
How did you get interested in becoming a mechanic?
I don’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t fascinated by machines. I’ve been fixing things for as far back as I remember. Even as a kid I was always fixing stuff. I started by fixing bicycles, then moved to dirt bikes, ATV’s, and later to cars and trucks.
What experience did you get before coming to LionHeart?
I graduated from Universal Technical Institute where I mainly took auto and diesel engine classes. I then went to work for Zingg in Whitewater, Wisconsin. After a few years, I left and went to Bryden Motors in Beloit, Wisconsin. I’d work on anything that came in, such as any vehicle in the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, or Plymouth fleet. The staff knew I could work on and fix anything, especially diesel engines.
How did that experience prepare you for LionHeart?
All the diesel repairs and maintenance that I performed at the dealerships translated to the problems that arise in diesel generators. Much of the work I did on diesel engines at the dealerships was on the 5.9 Liter Cummins engine which has proved very useful at LionHeart.
What advice would you give a new FSE in the backup power industry?
Be ready to work hard and learn every day, but don’t try to learn everything at once, let it come to you. Make sure to ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask the more experienced FSEs what they think and how to approach a problem.
What do you like most about working for LionHeart?
I enjoy going to different places every day and not knowing what problems I might encounter. I also thoroughly enjoy working with all the guys. And of course, I love fixing things!
Chad Q&A on importance of servicing and maintaining your generator.
What are some things that slow down the performance of a generator?
- Don’t use your generator room as an extra storage room. Putting junk all around the generator really hampers the air flow and can present a fire hazard.
- Some customers will exercise the generator with no electrical load, which isn’t good for it because the engine doesn’t get to full operating temperature, leaving unburnt fuel in the exhaust system.
- Don’t allow animals to make nests in outdoor generator enclosures. Mice will get into everything and cause extensive damage. If there is a dumpster with food in it nearby, you are basically giving an invitation for animals to come in.
Why are Field Service Engineer (FSE) recommendations so important?
When a customer gets regular maintenance, budgets, and has FSE repair recommendations performed, they give the equipment the best opportunity to run at optimal levels when needed. It is highly recommended to give your equipment the chance to work at peak performance, so it’s prepared when it gets called upon.
How are generators different today than when you first started?
Generators and automatic transfer switches are more advanced now than when I started as a technician 13 years ago. We are seeing more with electronic fuel injection versus mechanical injection.
The control panels and controllers are far more advanced and user friendly. If a location has an old outdated control panel, consider upgrading to a modern control panel. At LionHeart, we can put a new modern control system on an older generator to make it easier for the customer to operate and get more accurate readings.
Here’s what our clients and team members are saying about Chad:
“Chad came out on-site and was very helpful and friendly. He was able to effectively troubleshoot and locate the problem with our generator that others couldn’t figure out.”
“Chad did a fantastic job on the radiator repairs. I am extremely happy with the work he did.”
LionHeart’s Technical Communicator, Andy Kolls, “Chad is always fun to work with. He has a ton of experience with all engines which makes him an excellent resource. Chad is a straight shooter and you always know you will get an honest opinion.”
LionHeart’s General Counsel, Joe Egloff, “Chad is an excellent leader at LionHeart. He is very detailed and skilled in the field. He was instrumental in the development of LionHeart’s proprietary safety program.”
To learn more about servicing and maintaining your generator, contact us 24 hours a day at 844.LHPOWER.
