Q&A: Answering Machine Maintenance Questions on Oils, Grease and Lubricants
Maximize the Lifespan of Your Construction Equipment With Maintenance
The purchase of construction equipment is a significant investment for your operation, regardless of size or use case. Keeping your investment in its peak condition is essential for sustaining power, performance and longevity, which starts with proper maintenance. Many equipment operators may overlook one of the most critical aspects of a maintenance routine, which is selecting and using the right lubricants for the job.
Lubricants are the lifeblood of your equipment. Engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant pump vigorously through the critical components of your equipment to power the engine and hydraulic systems, while grease keeps parts moving and operating as they should. Poor-quality lubricants can cause premature wear, unexpected and costly breakdowns, and inconvenient downtime, which cut into your operation’s productivity.
We recently asked several equipment owners from around North America if they had any questions about maintenance routines and lubricants for their equipment fleets. Many were curious about maximizing the performance of their equipment, while others were asking questions about the best options for large fleets. Let’s break down their questions and see what our engineers recommend for your compact equipment lineup.
Q: Mackenzie from Alberta asked, “How can I boost performance and hours between oil changes in my equipment?”
A: Maximizing the oil change drain intervals for your machines begins with the use of genuine lubricants. Let’s use engine oil as an example. The drain interval recommended in the operator’s manual for your equipment may be 50% longer when using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) lubricants than it would be with non-OEM engine oil options. Equipment engineers determine the recommended oil change intervals published in most operator’s manuals using multiple factors, including lubricant sump size, intensity of operation, operating temperature and recommended lubricant product. The use of genuine lubricants can also provide greater oxidation control to avoid costly engine breakdown and premature wear brought on by oxidation or oil degradation.
Q: Byron from Saskatchewan asked, “Should oil keep the same viscosity throughout its lifespan in the machine?”
A: Depending on the application and lubricant product used, it is possible for the viscosity to change slightly over the course of the recommended drain interval. However, the viscosity of most genuine lubricants typically stays within a narrow range. Shear thinning or fuel dilution could cause lubricant viscosity to drop over time, while soot loading or oxidation could cause lubricants to increase in viscosity over time. To understand the current condition of the oil within a specific component of your machine, consider a routine oil analysis by a reputable program.
Q: Jocelyn from Saskatchewan asked, “We know about heat tolerance for lubricants, but what about cold tolerance?”
A: At a basic level, a lubricant is unable to do its job unless it can physically get to where it is needed. Colder outdoor temperatures lead to a higher viscosity, or a thickening of the oil, which can impede flow to critical components of your machine. Using synthetic products is one primary solution to interrupted lubricant flow. For example, a full synthetic 0W-40 engine oil would have better cold flow characteristics compared to a 15W-40 while providing the necessary protection for your equipment.
Q: Jeremy from Nebraska asked, “When should I be using lithium grease vs. regular red grease?”
A: Grease is composed of three main parts: base oil for lubricating, a thickener (i.e., lithium, lithium complex, calcium sulfonate, etc.) to immobilize the base oil, and additives to enhance the performance of the grease. The color of the grease you use is not an indication of performance level or thickener type.
There are multiple types of multi-purpose grease available for equipment owners (i.e., hi-temp, moly or premium). Each option differs based on additives, thickener and suitable use cases, like high- or low-temperature applications. We recommend reviewing your operator’s manual for guidance on which grease type you should apply based on equipment type and use.
Q: Bryce from Alberta asked, “Can you over-grease bearings or grease points?”
A: Over-greasing can lead to damage, depending on how it was applied and what component it was applied to on the machine. For example, adding too much grease to a sealed part could damage the seals, causing eventual grease leakage and potential equipment damage due to contamination or lack of lubrication. Simple pins or bushings without seals can be safely greased until the grease purges. Always reference your machine’s operator’s manual for critical lubrication type, quantity and frequency, as it often varies based on the component.
Q: Bruce from Missouri asked, “What are the benefits of small bulk vs. buying 50-gallon drums?”
A: Small bulk offerings have multiple benefits for operations using 250 gallons or more of one eligible lubricant product each year. First, cost savings: Equipment owners can get the same oil product for a lower price thanks to bulk savings. Second, it creates efficiencies for the operation. Small bulk lubricants are delivered for free and pumped directly into storage tanks on the operation.
Q: Norm from Saskatchewan asked, “How important is it to buy genuine lubricants for my equipment?”
A: Selecting top-quality genuine lubricants specifically engineered for your brand of construction equipment is recommended. Lubricants are a complex blend of base oils and additives, and genuine lubricants are designed and tested to perform best in your brand of equipment. Selecting genuine lubricants is a small investment to protect your large one.
Developing a Maintenance Strategy for Your Operation
You may be wondering where to begin with your own maintenance strategy to prioritize longevity and performance. We recommend starting with these four steps to keep your equipment running smoothly on the jobsite:
- Refer to the Equipment Manual: It has been mentioned here several times, but your equipment
manual provides directions on the right type of lubricants for your equipment, plus suggested
service intervals. - Change Fluids Regularly: Notice that engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant may have differing
drain intervals, so it is important to keep notes on when you last changed each fluid to ensure
you are keeping on schedule. When you are changing the fluids, don’t forget about the filters
too. - Routinely Inspect Your Equipment: To prevent unwanted downtime, remember to inspect your
machine regularly. Keep an eye out for broken or damaged parts that may need replacing, and
use an air hose to remove dirt and debris regularly to keep your machine in good condition. - Remember Other Maintenance Tasks: Aside from fluid and filter changes, remember to grease
regularly and check on the batteries. If your equipment is sitting for long periods of time,
consider the use of a battery maintainer to deliver a relatively low and constant voltage that
keeps your battery charged for when it is needed next.
If you have questions of your own or are due for maintenance, visit the crew at your local equipment dealer and pick up the only lubricants designed, tested and proven for maximum performance in your fleet.
Brent Battaglia is a CASE Construction Equipment Parts & Service sales leader.
