Agriculture

The agriculture industry has been a mainstay for Lubrication Engineers since the inception of the company. There is a wide variety of equipment used for agriculture. Our long lasting and performance enhancing lubricants are a natural for this industry. MONOLEC® Power Fluids (7500, 7510, 7530 and 7550) prevent seals from leaking and hoses from cracking. 8800 MONOLEC® ULTRA Engine Oil provides more protection in hot and dusty conditions than any other lubricant on the market. ALMATEK® 1233 forms a seal to keep out contaminants thus reducing the number of times relubrication is needed.

Farm equipment operates in every conceivable environmental and operating condition possible. Cultivation creates a very dusty environment. Early starts may place the equipment in very cold temperatures, while daytime temperatures may climb to over 100°F. Irrigated land exposes bearings and gearboxes to water. Deep plowing places considerable loads on the tractor.

Fertilising and chemical sprayings tend to be very corrosive. Lubricants with excellent rust and oxidation additives are imperative to protect the equipment. Dry fertiliser will tend to collect on the travelling chain in the bed of the spreader. When this occurs the chain will often break when put in action. Deep irrigation wells put loads, temperatures, and water on the bearings. Day temperatures and the cool of the night will create water in fuel tanks. Water in the fuel becomes a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. This same water creates very bad conditions in the fuel injectors, often causing blown injector tips.

Good lubrication practice requires a thorough knowledge of the machine, from the prime mover through to the final application of the force. Stationary equipment has essentially one power flow. Mobile equipment incorporates two power trains-one to propel the machine, another to do the work intended. A careful trace of the flow of power in the machine is vital, not only to recommend the proper lubricants, but also to assure that all elements in the system receive proper lubrication.

Modern machinery employs every conceivable method of transmitting power to the load or the road. Electric motors or internal combustion engines exert power through transmissions or gearboxes to final drives. They may send power through converters to chain and gears drives, or send power to do work through hydrostatic pump and motor systems. Loads are handled by wire ropes, hydraulic cylinders, and gear-cases. Power is transmitted through couplings and shafts.

All machine makers provide operator's manuals with a lubrication chart, if not for the composite machine, at least for the various components. Many of these unfortunately become outdated or become lost. If all else fails, use experience, knowledge of power transmission, and familiarity with lubricants and lubrication to see that the best lubrication practice is performed.