Significant oil losses - where do they come from and how to deal with them?
In this article you will learn:
- What are the reasons of oil losses?
- What are the consequences of oil losses?
Have you noticed that you need to change your oil more often than usual? Or do you notice a difference in the cost you incur to operate your agricultural machine? These are alarm signals that may indicate that you are dealing with excessive oil loss. What could be the cause of such a condition and what could be the consequences? Find the answers to these questions below.
Leak or normal oil consuption?
The first doubt faced by owners of agricultural machinery is whether oil consumption is standard or abnormal. At first glance, this is difficult to distinguish, after all, refills are often made between changes, so it's worth knowing a few rules of thumb.
Consider whether you are sure the engine is not overloaded. Extremely hard work affects the higher temperature of the oil, and therefore its increased evaporation. The cooling system in the summer season has something to do. The coolant level should be adequate.
Pay attention to whether oil consumption is fairly even. Anything that can be characterized by the words "sudden", "unusual", "unusual" falls into the category of "large oil loss". In such situations it is necessary to react quickly.
Reasons for sudden oil loss
Leaks are most often the bane of owners of older models of agricultural machinery, but this is not the rule. They also occur in vehicles that are several years old and designed for field work.
There can be many causes. In addition to obvious, visible leaks, the ultimate reason for excessive oil loss can only be determined by a mechanic at an agricultural machinery service center. Examples of malfunctions include worn valve seals, turbocharger failure, worn-out old seals. Leaks are a problem not only with the engine, but also with the transmission, hydraulic system, drive bridge or exemptions. So the topic is broad. It certainly cannot be ignored.
Few people realize that the amount of oil that is lost also depends on its parameters, the so-called "evaporability according to Noack." The lower it is, the better. Advanced products evaporate less than simple ones. For example, AGRIFARM MOT X-LA SAE 10W-40 has extremely low evaporability. In this category, it exceeds the requirements of the latest standards of agricultural manufacturers. This directly translates into savings and easier operation of the machine. You simply have to add less oil.
When it comes to transmission and hydraulic systems, we strongly recommend taking an interest in oils such as AGRIFARM STOU MC SAE 10W-40. The letters MC in the name mean that the product's composition includes third group base oils. Compared to typical mineral oils, they are characterized by greater durability and less evaporation.
Serious consequences of oil loss
Negligence can lead to serious consequences. If the source of the leak is not quickly located and sealed, the drive unit can seize. We suggest checking the oil level in the engine regularly. For refills, use oil that meets the required standard. Let's also remember that refills - although beneficial - are not a substitute for replacement.
LEAKS ARE A PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH THE ENGINE, BUT ALSO WITH THE GEARBOX, HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, DRIVE BRIDGE OR EXEMPTIONS.
Not only the engine
The owner of an agricultural machine has a huge influence on the daily operation of the hydraulic and transmission system. It is very important, for example, to control the correct operating temperature of the oil. Lubricants degrade due to high temperatures or because of the oxidation process. Unfortunately, even a brief overheating of the drivetrain can severely affect the condition of the oil. A burning smell, black color, or visible deposits are signs of significant degradation.
Another issue is taking care to check the oil level regularly. If it is too low, it is difficult to achieve optimum operating temperature. The same happens in the engine if there is too little lubricant in the gearbox or hydraulic or hydraulic-transmission system. Then it will wear out faster. So from the point of view of oil life, it should be around the maximum capacity of the system. Also remember to check the oil level according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the machine is standing on a steep incline, crooked, there is no way to effectively verify how much oil is in the system, and therefore whether and how much should be added.
In agricultural machinery, both the oil and the drive train are often subjected to extreme stress. Under hard work, the lubricant heats up to high temperatures. In order for it to effectively lubricate components, the amount of lubricant must be in accordance with the designers' specifications. Hence, it is extremely important to regularly check the oil level and make the necessary refills.
The quality of the lubricant used plays a key role when it comes to the longevity of components and reducing potential failures. For agricultural machinery of any type, we recommend using FUCHS premium brand oils from the AGRIFARM series, which supports the daily work of farmers. By using premium brand products, you are sure to provide your machine with ideal conditions, for which it will certainly repay you with reliability.
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