6 FARM NEWS
FEB/MAR 2020 • farmers-mart.co.uk
HOW TO PROLONG THE LIFE
OF FARM MACHINERY
THE UK’s unpredictable weather can
make it difficult to plan for, so it’s worth
taking advantage of any downtime
caused by bad weather and checking
all farm equipment to avoid untimely
breakdowns during busy periods.
Machinery downtime can be a costly
inconvenience, and according to lubri-
cant manufacturer the Witham Group, is
often caused by improper lubrication.
“Using the right oil will help avoid the
need for costly repairs. Engine oil is the
life blood of any vehicle and engines can
become seriously damaged without the
right oil, often with costly downtime.”
said Witham MD Nigel Bottom:
It’s possible to extend the life of farm
machinery by reviewing your fleet of
vehicles and machinery to ensure only
recommended quality lubricants are
being used.
Why does machinery
need lubricants?
Expensive engines and machinery
require lubricants for them to run properly
and maximise performance. Lubricants
perform a variety of crucial tasks:
• Reduce Friction - The main role
of oil is to lubricate the engine parts
to reduce friction and wear and
tear, which in turn keeps everything
working well and reduces mainte-
nance costs.
• Cooling - Engine oil traps heat
caused by combustion and friction
between mechanical parts and
releases it through the lubrication
circuit to help cool the engine. This
helps to supplement an engine
coolant, which can only cool certain
parts of the engine.
• Cleaning - Microscopic deposits
consisting of combustion residue
and dust build up in the engine as
it runs. Engine oil carries these
impurities to the oil filter, where
they are trapped rather than
clogging the engine and affecting its
performance.
• Corrosion protection - Metal
engine parts can be damaged by
corrosive acids generated by fuel
combustion. Modern engine oils
contain additives that neutralise
acids, reduce oxidisation and stop
parts rusting. However, engine oil
does oxidise over time from expo-
sure to oxygen, so it’s important to
change your oil regularly.
Using the right lubricant
Older equipment’s needs are very
different to modern, more sophisticated
applications, including complying with
the latest emissions standards. There
is much confusion and choice of lubri-
cants out there from synthetics to semi
synthetic and mineral oils.
A trusted oil manufacturer uses
approved formulations approved by
the OEM and knows which machine or
vehicle needs which oil. This helps ensure
that warranty conditions are not jeop-
ardised, and servicing costs are kept to a
minimum. Always choose a lubricant that
meets the appropriate quality standard
specified by either the OEM or one of the
industry bodies such as ACEA or API.
Get the right viscosity of oil
Oil is to an engine what blood is to the
human body. If it’s too thick it can cause
the engines oil system to clog (think heart
attack); too thin and you risk uncontrolled
wear. So, selecting and maintaining the
consistency (viscosity) is key. When oil
viscosity is too low or high, it may be
detected as a loss of pressure in the oil
supply to the engine.
Resisting the urge to let price be the only
deciding factor on your choice of oil could
be your wisest financial move. Ensure you
find a reputable lubricant supplier you can
trust with good industry credentials.
The Witham Group has almost 100 years
of experience in agricultural lubricants.
A preferred supplier to most UK farming
groups, Witham has a Royal Warrant to HM
The Queen and an enviable track record
on customer service and reliability.
For technical advice or to arrange a personal
visit www.withamgroup.co.uk
Witham offers a free lubricant survey of your entire fleet,
free oil storage solutions and next day delivery.