Don’t Wait Too Long! 6 Risks of Delaying Heavy Equipment Oil Changes
United Tractors, Jakarta – One of the series of maintenance that should not be ignored for heavy equipment, trucks, and buses is changing the oil. In heavy machinery, oil is a lubricant that protects components from corrosion and dirt that might threaten damage, lowers friction between components, and helps to maintain engine temperature so that it stays stable.
The oil used in heavy equipment is obviously different from the oil used in other motor cars. Because heavy equipment has more pressure and lubrication load, oil for heavy equipment has specific characteristics with better lubrication strength.
Apart from the engine, oil is crucial in many parts of heavy equipment, including hydraulics and transmissions, in addition to the engine in heavy equipment. In hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, and cylinders, heavy equipment hydraulic oil serves as a lubricant that can prevent oxidation and excessive friction.
Transmission oil functions to lubricate gears and components in the transmission system, lowers the risk of wear during tool operation, and ensures smooth clutch and transmission component operation.
If their conditions are always maintained, engine oil, hydraulic oil, and transmission oil can perform their purposes. The tank’s cleanliness must be monitored, and the oil must be replaced regularly according to the available procedures. Both of them are important parts for heavy equipment maintenance to be done regularly so that the equipment components stay durable and free from damage.
Before changing the oil, you should check to see if it is still good to use. When the oil quality doesn’t seem good enough to be used anymore, that’s the time you should change it. In heavy machinery, engine oil should ideally be changed when the operation spans 250 to 500 hours.
If the oil is not replaced within the estimated operating time, it will cause consequences. What are those consequences? Let’s have a thorough discussion in the section below.
- Overheating
The most common problem with heavy machinery that doesn’t get its oil changed regularly is that the engine goes overheating. Overheating occurs when the engine’s temperature rises above the normal operating temperature. Long-term high engine temperatures can cause engine performance to drop, and heavy equipment will no longer be useful for operation.
Moreover, overheating raises the wear risk, which will eventually shorten the service life of the engine. Moreover, too much heat in the engine will increase the effort of the cooling system. The coolant can leak, or even the hose and radiator can break. - Decreased Engine Quality
The recommended way of taking care of heavy equipment is to maintain the engine in good condition. Changing the engine oil is one of the several ways one can maintain engine health. The engine oil consumed defines the quality of the engine in heavy machinery. Regularly changing the oil helps to slowly decrease engine quality.
If the oil is not changed and used in dirty conditions, its ability to perform its functions decreases over time. As a result, the engine will wear out faster, and other risks of damage will arise. - The Engine Sound Sounds Rougher
Not replacing oil will not only lower engine performance but also produce a rougher sound from heavy machinery. Too long time oil left in the tank will leave dirt settling from the failed combustion process. This dirt might be abrasive and generate more friction. This friction can make the engine sound rougher. - Heavy Equipment That Are Difficult to Start for the First Time
Oil left in the tank for too long will change viscosity, or flow ability. The longer the oil is used, the thicker the texture becomes as a result of dirt settling or molecular damage.
This oil fluid’s viscosity makes it more difficult for the oil to flow to every part of the engine, especially in low engine temperature environments (when the engine is first turned on). Regular maintenance of your heavy equipment is highly recommended if you want not to go through the same thing. Usually, a set of regular maintenance includes tank cleaning and oil changes. - Fuel Consumption Becomes More Wasteful
Increased fuel consumption is the next risk should the oil not be changed for a long period of time. Long-used contaminated oil will not be able to provide efficient lubrication to every part of the heavy equipment components.
Suboptimal lubrication causes increased friction between components, which can reduce engine performance. Because the engine needs more power to overcome this friction, lowered engine performance can result in increased fuel consumption. - Causes Corrosion and Rust
Many business people service excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and other forms of heavy equipment because the equipment rust and cause corrosion, especially in the engine parts.
Rust and corrosion are happening because the oil wasn’t changed properly or on time. Long-used oil will be contaminated and will be unable to protect metal components from moisture and oxidation.
One reason to replace old oil with new oil at the proper time is that the new oil has additives that protect metal parts from corrosion. Lack of enough protection will raise the engine’s potential for rust and corrosion, reducing the performance of heavy equipment.
These are some of the reasons why you should change your oil on time and regularly. Don’t you want to face the risks mentioned above? Change the oil in your heavy equipment on a regular schedule.
If you don’t have much time to change your oil, take advantage of United Tractors’ excellent after-sales service and join the Lubricant Analysis Program (UT PAP Services). Simply become a United Tractors customer and get your ideal heavy equipment together with several regular service programs, including oil change services, following the recommended schedule.
UT does more than just oil changes and lubricant analysis. They are also a distributor that sells genuine heavy equipment spare parts online and ensures they will arrive on time.
Maintaining Your Heavy Equipment with United Tractors
Periodically scheduled heavy equipment maintenance is required to avoid unexpected damage to the machinery. United Tractors allows you to rely on timely and comprehensive heavy equipment maintenance. Following UT’s after-sales program will help you get a long-life heavy equipment warranty.
Your heavy equipment will be continuously monitored by a Tool Monitoring Program (PMA), and an Undercarriage Inspection Program (P2U) especially for clients purchasing excavators or bulldozers with track types. Furthermore, UT offers your mechanics and operators product support training.
Are you interested? Don’t hesitate! Immediately contact UTCall service at 1 500 072 or visit the closest United Tractors branch now and consult about your heavy equipment requirements.
