Examining a lubricant’s cleanliness can tell you a lot. Microscopic particulate matter found in a sample of oil is an indicator not only of the health of the fluid, but of the overall condition of the mechanical system around it. Analyzing and quantifying fluid cleanliness can help prolong component life or warn of imminent failure. [...]
Over the past decade, heavy-duty equipment operators have made substantial efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. This is due in part to regulatory and public pressure, but also to the growing awareness that sustainability in operations is not only good for the planet, but a good business practice. As part of that effort, [...]
A worldwide energy transition to help reduce carbon emissions is underway. The renewable fuel and the heavy-duty transportation industries are both part of this effort. Heavy-duty original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and energy producers have made significant progress on finding lower-carbon alternatives to conventional diesel fuels. In this column, we look at commercially available alternatives that [...]
Grease compatibility is on the minds of a lot of maintenance managers these days. They are finding that the greases they have been using for years for on-highway, off-highway and industrial applications are in short supply. To understand why this is happening and whether compatible alternatives may be available, it’s helpful to know a little [...]
Healthy fluids are critical to the performance of a heavy-duty vehicle, whether it’s a long-haul truck or an excavator on a construction site. From the engine oil to the coolant to the transmission, gear and axle fluids, contaminants can interfere with a vehicle’s smooth and productive operation. In fact, fluid contamination is a leading cause [...]
Boating is a big part of enjoying time with friends and family. Whether you are an experienced or novice boater, nothing is more disappointing than a fuel-related mechanical problem that can ruin your entire day. This is especially true given the amount of planning and preparation that can go into a typical day on the water. [...]
Light duty, diesel-powered pickup trucks are amazingly versatile. People use them in their businesses as well as for weekend recreation – and sometimes both. You might see a carpenter or gardener using a Ford, Dodge or GMC pickup to haul a load of wood or lawn equipment, or an outdoor enthusiast using the same vehicle to tow a camper to [...]
How clean is your oil? How clean should it be? Without accurate analysis, the full value of your lubrication initiatives can be considered lost. Successful oil analysis depends on a data-rich sample. An improperly taken fluid sample can skew results, producing either costly false negatives missing possible catastrophic failure, or a false positive resulting in tying up an [...]
With the trend toward more fuel-efficient vehicle design and engine technology, automotive OEMs are increasingly specifying lower-viscosity synthetic lubricants across multiple applications, including transmission fluids. Whether in the engine or in the transmission, synthetics are known for superior all-weather performance, longer service life and excellent wear protection. That makes them well-suited to today’s newer, technologically [...]
Product Update Please be aware of the following important grease product sunsets outlined in the chart below. The color, viscosities, and thickener types of each sunsetting and replacement product can be found on a more detailed chart, linked here. Inventory of the sunsetting products will only be available while supplies last, [...]
