Lubricant selection

Lubricant selection for engines

Effective engine lubrication is critical to protect high-cost equipment, and minimise downtime due to frequent oil changes, maintenance or even component failures.

1. Wear protection
   Viscosity Control in Extreme Conditions: Engine wear as a result of metal-to-metal contact can occur at low speeds, high loads or cold starts. In construction equipment, where engines are
   subject to heavy loads, shock loading and extended periods of idling, wear protection is particularly important. At engine start-up, particularly in cold climates, the oil must remain thin enough to circulate quickly to protect critical components. Once the engine is operating under full load,
   the oil must remain thick enough and provide the necessary protection to help prevent abrasive wear.
   Soot build-up: Accumulation of soot can lead to oil thickening and abrasive wear.
   This is a particular challenge in countries with high-sulphur diesel fuels, and when exhaust gas regeneration (EGR) is applied as an after-treatment system. Extended periods operating at idle
   load makes an engine particularly susceptible to higher rates of soot generation.
2. Corrosion protection
   Gases and acids are generated as a natural by-product of the combustion process. The lubricant neutralises these acids to help avoid corrosion. This is particularly important in engines with
   Babbit-based plain bearings, which can be very susceptible to acid attack.
3. Long Oil Life
   Oxidation, soot accumulation and oil thickening, and the build-up of acids in the lubricant all contribute to oil aging. High quality synthetic engine oils with the right base oil and additive technology -including anti-oxidant additives - can maintain performance characteristics for longer in the presence of contaminants and by-products (compared to lower quality mineral oil alternatives).

Lubricant selection for hydraulic pumps

The hydraulic system is at the heart of many critical pieces of construction equipment. Hydraulic fluid plays a vital role in ensuring continuous and smooth equipment operation, energy savings and long machine lifespan.

1. Wear protection
   Any damage to hydraulic pumps can significantly reduce equipment efficiency and service life. The hydraulic fluid helps keep moving components apart to avoid metal-to-metal contact and wear.
   To ensure equipment remains protected in all conditions, it is important that the hydraulic fluid is
   able to remain thin enough in cold environments to circulate quickly
   to critical components, and then thick enough when equipment is operating at higher temperatures to continue to protect against abrasive wear.
2. System Efficiency
   A hydraulic fluid needs to protect, lubricate and transmit power efficiently. When equipment
   works on hilly terrain, it can result in air being injected into the oil, which may cause cavitation in hydraulic pumps.
   The right hydraulic fluid must therefore offer reliable air release, excellent filterability and improved cleanliness.
3. Oil Life
   An oil that resists degradation can help to increase oil drain intervals (ODIs). Longer oil life can enable equipment to operate for longer without interruption, for reduced maintenance requirements and enhanced productivity. 

Helping improve productivity by extending maintenance cycles

Shell Tellus S3 V achieved up to five times longer oil life in the industry-standard oil life test than the industry minimum.

Lubricant selection for axles and transmissions

Driveline technology is critical to construction equipment. Component life, equipment downtime and oil drain intervals - and therefore TCO - can be significantly impacted by the quality of the oil.

1. Friction characteristics
   Powershift transmissions use a series of friction plates to help engage and disengage gears. The lubricant plays a critical role in transmitting frictional force, so its frictional characteristics are important for effective operation and smooth shifting. Too little friction and the plates can slip,
   making gear changes difficult. Too much friction, and excess heat generation can cause damage to equipment and shortened lubricant life.
2. High loads and contact pressures
   In gear motors, the lubricant must help improve bearing life, and give excellent protection against gear wear and pitting. Low temperature performance, shear stability and high oxidation stability are also important. In differential gears, specific contact pressures can be so high that the transmission oil is squeezed away, allowing
   metal-to-metal contact. The use of lubricants with extreme pressure additives helps prevent the contact areas of the teeth microwelding together.
3. Wear protection
   Oxidation stability and corrosion protection are also important to maintain oil performance. High quality transmission oils with good oxidation resistance can resist degradation and break-down
   over time (compared to lower quality mineral alternatives), thereby reducing downtime required for frequent oil changes.
4. Long oil life
   Oxidation stability and corrosion protection are also important to maintain oil performance. High quality transmission and gear oils with good oxidation resistance can resist degradation and break-down over time, thereby reducing downtime required for frequent oil changes.

Lubricant selection for heavy duty greases

Robust, high-performing greases are essential to keep heavy duty machinery working efficiently.

1. Contamination control
   Contamination ingress is a common cause of equipment failure. Exposure to high levels of dust,
   dirt, rain and snow requires greases that can maintain an adequate lubricant film and continue to flow while also flushing out contamination.
2. Grease life
   The longer a grease lasts, the longer components last and the less lubrication maintenance is required. Extra-long-life synthetic technologies can double grease life for some applications,
   helping simplify maintenance procedures and reduce operating costs.
3. Wear Protection
   Protecting components from wear is fundamental to prolonging equipment life and preventing
   costly delays from unplanned downtime. Greases must therefore be able
   to protect bearings and other vital components under extreme temperatures, heavy loads and contaminated conditions.