The Spark that Started it All
Q: What led you to decide to start a DPF cleaning operation?
A: Our journey into DPF cleaning began with my father, who spent 35 years in the trucking industry. Growing up, I often heard about the challenges he faced when his truck needed service—especially the high costs and prolonged downtimes that kept him off the road, sometimes for days or even weeks, particularly when he was far from home. When he retired in 2022, I asked him, ‘What was the repair that cost you the most?’ He replied,
“There were many, but the one that hit me by surprise was my DPF.”
His biggest frustrations were the lack of knowledge about aftertreatment systems, and the expenses and delays involved in servicing the DPF, especially with limited service providers available.
After researching the industry, we saw there was a real need for quick-turnaround, cost-effective solutions. With the help of my partners, I learned about Filtertherm Aqueous cleaning, which offered us the capability to provide same-day service. Our goal is not just to offer an efficient solution but to educate fellow drivers, helping them minimize costs and reduce downtime.
Filtertherm: Covering the Bases
Q: What made Filtertherm the best choice for your new DPF Cleaning operation?
A: Filtertherm was the clear choice for us because of the accessible resources available online. Comprehensive educational materials made it easy to understand the technology and its benefits, giving us confidence in our purchase.
Having immediate access to knowledgeable representatives who answered our questions over the phone was another key factor. This direct support set Filtertherm apart from other options, where inquiries often required form submissions and waiting days for a callback.
Filtertherm’s combination of reliable resources and responsive service made our decision straightforward.
Q: After 1 year, what do you like best about your Filtertherm DPF Cleaning set-up?
A: First and foremost, the support from Filtertherm has been invaluable. Coming from a different industry without prior knowledge, their team has been available to answer our questions and guide us through any issues, making the transition much smoother.
The setup itself is another highlight—both easy to operate and highly effective in cleaning DPF systems for light and heavy-duty vehicles. We’ve been consistently impressed with its performance.
Lastly, the operational costs are surprisingly low. Despite high energy rates, the energy efficiency of the equipment—especially the oven, Aqueous cleaner, and dryer—keeps our costs down, making it not only effective but also economical to run.
Q: What made you decide to use both the Aqueous & Thermal DPF cleaning systems?
A: We initially chose the Aqueous cleaner to offer same-day turnarounds, especially for light-duty DPF systems that don’t require cutting and welding.
Adding the Thermal oven came as a recommendation to help remove baked-in contaminants. It turned out to be an excellent choice, allowing us to expand our capabilities to include cleanings for the Detroit One Box system.
Using the thermal oven to pre-treat especially dirty filters before the Aqueous cleaning has also minimized the need to frequently change dirty filter socks on the Aqueous, significantly improving our workflow efficiency.
Q: Has Filtertherm been worth the investment? How so?
A: Absolutely, in multiple ways. Having both the Aqueous cleaner and Thermal oven has equipped us to handle both light and heavy-duty applications, greatly expanding our service range.
This dual capability allows us to effectively clean even contaminated filters, which is a valuable offering for our customers. Additionally, it has enabled us to offer specialized cleaning services, including solutions for the Detroit One Box.
Q: How many DPFs have you guys cleaned in this first year?
A: We have done a total of 109 cleanings. 84 for Heavy Duty applications, 19 for Light Duty, and 6 for Off-road applications.
Q: Have you been well-supported and informed as a Filtertherm customer?
A: Yes, we do feel well-supported. Anytime we’ve encountered an issue with the equipment, a representative has been available to guide us through troubleshooting and repairs, which has been invaluable.
Filtertherm + REP = Less Downtime
Q: What benefits helped you to choose to stock REP parts?
A: We wanted to offer a complete solution, including parts, beyond cleaning services. Being a REP distributor gives us access to a wide range of DPF/DOC filters for light—and heavy-duty applications, as well as various sensors.
Additionally, we stock gaskets and clamps—parts that many of our competitors don’t offer. Our customers appreciate the convenience of getting everything they need from us instead of making additional trips to the dealership.
Q: What aspects of the REP product line stand out to you?
A: Our favorite things about the REP product line are product availability, the all-in-one gasket and clamp kits for the Detroit One Box, and the packaging quality.
The all-in-one kits for the Detroit One Box are a standout feature, as they streamline our inventory and simplify the purchasing process for customers.
Additionally, the quality packaging keeps parts secure and organized, making handling and storage easier.
Q: What are some of the most commonly needed REP parts?
A: So far, it’s the gaskets, clamps, and EGT sensors for the Detroit One Box.
Q: What has been your experience with REP tech support?
A: Whenever we encounter challenges, such as identifying the correct part number or thread pitch for bung replacements, we can rely on REP support. A representative is always available to assist, which makes a big difference in resolving issues quickly.
The ability to order parts for emergency repairs has also allowed us to meet urgent customer needs effectively, further reinforcing our reliability and commitment to service.
FilterTrak: Data Wrangler
Q: How has using FilterTrak benefited your DPF Cleaning operation?
A: FilterTrak has brought great value to our operation and received excellent customer feedback.
The ability to provide before-and-after photos along with key metrics and detailed comments during inspections enhances transparency and trust.
One of our partner mechanics even shared that our report comments helped him identify a coolant leak on a customer’s truck. When we noted residue on the DOC, he investigated further and found a minor coolant leak he might have otherwise missed.
Q: What specific features of FilterTrak do you find most useful?
A: The photo storage and cleaning report generation are features that are what we value most. Storing photos allows us to maintain a detailed record of each filter we service, while the reporting feature helps us pull cleaning records easily for follow-ups and routine maintenance reminders.
This functionality not only keeps us organized but also supports proactive customer service.
