Oils & Lubricants Extending Equipment Life
Construction equipment and
machinery operate under demanding conditions, requiring reliable lubrication to
ensure smooth operation, minimize downtime, and optimize performance. Well-lubricated
construction equipment last longer and perform better.
Lubrication products play a
vital role in the efficiency and productivity of any construction equipment.
Inefficient lubrication results in a wide range of performance issues, such as
short drain intervals, premature equipment damage, and machinery breakdowns.
They further lead to unplanned downtime, loss of productivity, and expensive
repairs.
One way to keep on track is
with a preventive maintenance program, which can include scheduling engine
oil-drain and greasing intervals and making sure coolants are at the proper
mixture and freeze point. Regularly checking lubricants is an easy way to provide
protection for engines and chassis drivetrains. Regularly scheduled maintenance
intervals for lubricants can help reduce equipment ownership costs, improving
equipment life and efficiency.
Construction equipment and
machinery uses a wide range of specialized lubricants, including engine oils,
hydraulic oils, industrial gearbox oils, industrial greases, coolants etc. for
equipment upkeep.
Engine
Oil
Construction vehicles,
machinery, and equipment require high-quality engine oils, specifically designed
for on road and off-road required applications. Engine oil serves as a lifeline
for heavy-duty engines, performing a multitude of vital functions. The single
most important function of the engine oil is engine lubrication and protection.
Additionally, they increase fuel efficiency, remove deposits, and prevent heat
buildup.
Monitoring oil levels and
conducting oil analysis are essential diagnostic tools for assessing engine
health. Regular oil analysis can detect contaminants, assess oil condition, and
identify any potential issues or abnormalities within the engine.
Regularly changing engine
oil and filters at recommended intervals is the foundation of good engine
maintenance. Fresh, clean oil optimizes engine performance, protects against
wear, and enhances fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, selecting the
right engine oil with the appropriate viscosity grade and other properties as
specified by engine and equipment manufacturer is crucial for matching the
specific needs of the engine. By using the right oil, engine efficiency and
protection can be maximized.
Hydraulic
Fluids (Hydraulic Oil)
Many industries have taken
advantage of hydraulic power, and construction is no exception. Modern
construction and earthmoving machines are equipped with innovative hydraulic
systems that make operations safer, faster, and more efficient.
The hydraulic system of
construction machinery uses hydraulic oil as the fluid lubricating medium.
Hydraulic oil has good incompressibility and good fluidity. The primary role of
hydraulic fluid is the transmission of power within hydraulic machinery. It can
not only transmit power but also has functions of lubrication, cooling,
protection, sealing and filterability in hydraulic system.
With regular maintenance of
hydraulic fluid, hydraulic systems will operate efficiently. The most common
maintenance is checking the fluid level. Low hydraulic fuel symptoms include
sluggish performance, strange noises, and leaks. A system operating on
inadequate hydraulic fluid can lead to erratic operation or cause serious
damage to the hydraulic system.
Neglecting hydraulic fluid
maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or total equipment failure. Pumps,
cylinders and valves, some of the costliest components of a hydraulic system,
can be damaged due to poor fluid condition, leading to downtime and increased
repair costs.
Transmission
Fluid
A transmission fluid with
good frictional properties and high fluidity can provide excellent protection
for heavy-duty transmission systems and help keep equipment running efficiently
for longer, which can improve productivity.
Dirt, dust and water on a
jobsite can break down oil in equipment, limiting its effectiveness and
exposing the transmission to premature wear. A high-quality transmission oil
with good oxidation resistance can limit this fluid degradation, reducing downtime
by extending oil change frequency.
Transmission fluid is
responsible for many purposes, including: lubrication, cooling, cleaning and
protection. Transmission fluid serves as a crucial lubricant, dramatically
reducing friction between the transmission's moving parts. Within the
transmission fluid are powerful detergents and additives that clean and protect
the transmission's inner sanctum, defending it against harmful deposits and
contaminants.
Properly maintained
transmission fluid isn't just about preservation; it's also about performance.
It plays a pivotal role in achieving smoother gear shifts and operations,
enhanced fuel efficiency, and an all-around boost in the equipment's
capabilities.
Greases
The primary purpose of
grease, as with most lubricants, is to reduce the friction between moving
equipment components, thus reducing the wear on the equipment, but it also
serves other purposes, including acting as a contamination barrier and as a
vehicle for heat transference. When applied correctly and at the appropriate
intervals, grease can increase construction equipment performance and lifespan.
Pivot points, joints,
hinges, bearings and linkages need to receive grease regularly in order to stay
lubricated and prevent metal components from grinding against each other.
Equipment components that have been allowed to run dry will grind against each
other during operation, causing metal particles to contaminate the grease and
other areas of the equipment.
Choosing the grease with
the right viscosity, additives and thickening agent will minimize the
maintenance downtime and prolong the replacement intervals. Additionally, it
will maximize the working life of equipment by reducing wear and tear.
It is important to consider
a range of greases that can deliver a reliable level of performance, mechanical
stability to avoid breakdowns, oxidation stability for system efficiency and
water washout resistance for corrosion protection.
Coolants
Coolants are one of the
most essential fluids used in construction vehicles and machinery. They play
multiple roles in the system, including water pump seal lubrication, heat
dissipation, freezing prevention, and corrosion prevention. They also increase
the lifecycle of plastic and rubber components in the cooling system.
In addition to protecting
an engine from heat and cold, a properly formulated coolant serves as a carrier
for additives such as pH stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, and protection
agents for rubber and plastic components. It also contains additives that inhibit
corrosion within the heat transfer system that typically includes components
made of copper, brass, steel, cast iron, aluminium and solder. Without that
protection, corrosion can block the narrow spaces in a radiator, which can lead
to overheating of the coolant causing damage to water pumps, oil coolers,
cylinder heads and gaskets.