You are correct in being"pricey", however it's what you make of it and what or how you sell it to a customer. It can save thousands when used in the right enviornment. I agree that InfoLink used just for HM readings is a waste of its potentials.

From what I know, Infolink is pricey system and for Crown trucks. Just to collect HM, I don't think dealers can justify that cost.

There are several ways of recording/receiving HM readings. Crown now offers " InfoLink " systems which use operator sign on/off tools, impact sensors, and HM readings that wirelessly transmit data to the company's server, repairers server, or anywhere you set it. Like a Shock Watch on steroids it can be a valuable tool. Most newer Crown trucks have settable PM alarms. I am seeing more and more big box companies going to an off site maintenance managing company that requires HM readings from the fleet and then will call for maintenance.

I use software with variable settings - i.e. every 300 hrs/3 months (which ever is first)
Getting the data into the system is a little trickier. There are systems out there that will let you know hours of use (normally they are also shockswitch/operator sign on off systems) if you have a large fleet or use these type of devices, the small (or no) cost difference is a no brainer.
If you don't do it that way then it's the hard way, find and record each piece of equipment
The third choice is to have the operators put the HM on their vehicle pre use inspection. The data is captured and then just pick a day to update the system every couple of weeks or so.

Thanks. Your comment on environment is important. Do you use any hardware tools now to schedule PM?

If you get notified via email based on actual usage, at what cost can you justify such system?

HM based service is the most cost effective/equipment friendly way to go. We've all seen the over SM'd truck, done every 30 days because that is what the CSR wrote and had the contract signed for..
If the dealer/service company has been doing the work for a while it should be easy to look at the history and work out a useage sheet - i.e. Lift # 1 averages 100 hrs between services every 30 days. Lets do it every 2 months. Lift #2 averages 250 hours a month and needs to be sm'd every month.
The service comany should look at the hours of use, the operating environment AND the age/condition of the truck and make those recommendations. I used to service a brake manf company. We serviced the lifts every week not based on hours of use, but to clean the radiators of carbon dust to stop them overheating..

Its a two way street if you have older well worn lifts pm service at calender base will help to keep it going.Oil leaks ect. if it runs out of oil you wont ever need it serviced.Other hand I check about 30 lifts in an hour, half will require service.So customer saves but these lifts are 2004 and are in fair shape.The tech you have will determine if you should stay as normal or change.Ie he help you out by doing repair during pm at pm rate which is cheaper than labor rate.Plugs wire ect not total brake job.Also if you have electric lifts the operators charge the snot out of but never water the battery.If you have a good service man he will let you know if you can extend the service interval.I personaly would rather customer would save on service so he can afford replacement or repair of the lifts he has.