Businesses with off-highway vehicles must re-consider the engine oils they are using, as the Stage V emission standards take force.

That’s the message from FUCHS’ UK Automotive Technical Manager, Andy Brown, who worries that the off-highway sector is underestimating how the changes affect the engine oil required.

The next stage of EU emission standards is now in force for non-road diesel engines. This includes machines for construction, agriculture, materials handling, industrial use and generators.

It means that all off-highway vehicles manufactured from 2019 / 2020 (subject to power output) must comply with the Stage V emission standards, which includes reduced Particulate Number (PN) alongside continued control of PM and NOx.

With the introduction of the PN, all newly produced off-highway vehicles must now have a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Andy said: “Off-highway vehicles have generally all been able to run off one oil – but that’s not the case anymore.

“Stage V, and particularly the need for a DPF, has added an extra layer of complexity to the oil choice.

“Just like with road vehicles, it’s now vitally important that the correct oil is used for each vehicle – and that will depend on the OEM, the type of engine and the use.

“Failure to use the right oil could lead to breakdown and, consequently, costly downtime of machinery.  Oil must now be considered a critical component.”

Andy said there are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure the correct oil is being used.

“The first thing to do is to check the manufacturer’s handbook,” he said. “That should provide clear information on the oil specifications required.

“We also have an online tool which advises on the correct products and the recommended oil change intervals simply by inputting the vehicle’s basic details.

“Perhaps, best of all, speak to your oil supplier for expert advice. If they are not willing or available to provide that advice, then that should be a concern.”

Andy said FUCHS Lubricants has been running technical training courses for its larger customers to help them with their oil dilemmas.

FUCHS is the largest independent oil manufacturer in the world with industry-leading products in all sectors, including off-highway, passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, industrial and mining.