MAINTENANCE TIPS FROM EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS AND OUR READERS
Choosing the right fluids for your heavy equipment
BY DAVE NYCZ
Do you know how many brands of diesel engine oil are available today? More than 100. There are countless drive train fluids on the market, too, and dozens of hydraulic oils and coolants. With
that many options, it’s easy to understand why some
aggregates equipment owners struggle with their fluid
purchase decisions.
But choosing the right fluids for your quarrying
machine doesn’t have to be a challenge. There’s one
sure-fire way to simplify the selection process. Follow
the OEM’s requirements.
Each OEM’s product designs are unique, and, as a
result, the fluid requirements are different, too. Many
of the larger international manufacturers – Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Caterpillar, Mack, Cummins, Detroit
Diesel – have developed specific requirements in addition to those included in the standard industry classification. Your OEM establishes these requirements
because they want to help you get the highest possible
return on your equipment investment, as well as the
investment you make in maintenance products. So
they recommend fluids that will enhance performance,
provide protection, increase uptime, extend component
life and reduce operating costs.
OEMs identify what they believe are the optimal fluids
for their products. They also understand you may have
additional needs, so they provide specifications to guide
your decisions. Although many brands may meet those
specs from a technical standpoint, it’s important to realize that some fluid suppliers blend to the high end of the
specifications, while others develop lower-end products.
The industry doesn’t differentiate between
higher and lower performing fluids, though,
so it’s up to each equipment owner to discern the differences.
It’s important to use the proper hydraulic oil for your system.
Take note
Engine oil: Beyond CI- 4
In 2002, the American Petroleum Institute
(API) released a new classification for die-
sel engine oil – the CI- 4 standard. CI- 4 oil
was formulated especially for new engines
equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) technology. EGR technology has prov-
en to be one way to reduce emissions. How-
ever, it can create problems in an engine. For
example, EGR causes the formation of acidic
gases. These gases find their way into the
crankcase and cause premature valve-train, piston-ring and
liner wear. EGR can also increase combustion soot. With
more soot in the lubrication system, oil flow can be impeded
and there’s a higher risk of filter plugging problems.
Engine oil that
meets the CI- 4
standard may not
deliver acceptable
performance and
life – no matter
what brand of equipment you’re running.
So before you buy
diesel engine oil,
check your OEM’s
recommendations.
