Smoke wagon

nounShop talkShop Slang

A piece of heavy equipment or a vehicle that burns excessive oil.

A derogatory nickname for an engine-driven machine that belches thick exhaust smoke due to worn piston rings, blown seals, or poor tuning. The term is usually aimed at older diesel forklifts, site trucks, or generators that pollute the workspace and require constant fluid top-ups.

Heard on the job

I refuse to drive that smoke wagon in the warehouse, it gives everyone a headache.

Also heard as

  • smoker
  • oil burner