Engine Lubrication is it all Created Equal?
That’s like saying all engines operate the same or all operating conditions are the same or all fertilizers are the same or even, all people are the same.
What is the truth? All vehicles operate under very different conditions. Look in your owner’s manual; you will see “Heavy” or “Dirty” or “Extreme” and sometimes “Normal”. Each of the condition requires many different procedure changes for each situation. After all, if there wasn’t any difference, than the O.E.M’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) probably would not spend valuable resources informing you that there are differences, right? Right!!
Now, as a challenge compare your personal car operating manual to your heavy equipment operator’s manual. See even more differences? I would bet you see many. Types of oil, ratings of oil, how long between oil changes and most will state that if at least most of this is not adhered too than you could have troubles with your warranties. Ever studied the 30—60—90 rule?
We all know they will not or even can’t say it, but I will point out one obvious fact, not one of the OEM operation manuals tell you to run down to your local auto parts store and buy whatever is the cheapest! The real facts are…many factors must be taken into consideration including affordability.
Furthermore, Diesel engines run much higher compression ratios than gasoline engines and they run a lot hotter, so the oil must be formulated to deal with this. Plus they produce a lot more dirt in terms of combustion by-products. Diesel-rated oils typically have more detergents in them to deal with this. It’s not unheard of for diesel oils to clean a gasoline engine so well that it loses compression. Diesel-rated oils also have an anti-foaming agent in them which is unique to diesel engines, and not needed in petrol engines.
Ever studied the 30—60—90 rule? Large companies that run heavy equipment know it well. Quite well! Why? Because they know that Preventative Maintenance saves them big dollars over the lifetime of the equipment that is earning them money. They also understand that in order to keep Preventative Maintenance cost affordable it has nothing to do with the cost of the lubricant or filter but the length of time these products can run before they stop being effective or start becoming part of the problem.
Study the chart and examine your car, harvesters, tractor and off-road equipment.
Make sense? While you’re driving to dinner tonight, notice your tachometer never gets much over 30% of the available range. Different than what your tractor or loader did today in the field? Remember, you ran the rpm’s clear to the max to achieve maximum torque and horsepower to pull that harvester or implement.
I’m sure you will agree that each of these engines is going to require different care and maintenance’s.
So, if you are in the 60 or 90 categories and are not currently using high TBN oil or heavy duty equipment filters then you may just be flushing money down the drain!
For this we suggest using Lucas Oil Products. They provide a full range of quality products at affordable prices. Used in conjunction with high quality filtration and oil testing at each interval your Preventive Maintenance schedule can be tailored to your equipment and budget needs.
Lucas offers a full line of quality products for all your equipment needs.
EmersonAG: We have FREE delivery and additional tax incentives available if you are a Farmer or Harvester in California. If you are in the 916, 707 or 530 area codes (our local area), call or email me to start your professional fleet direct service.
All Fleetguard Filtration product can be purchased at our online store or by contacting us with your equipment list, for a free quote.
Title: All Engine Lubrication is Created Equal…Or Is It?
Author: Craig M Emerson
Date published: Dec 20, 2013 @ 1:20
Category: Lubrication