For many years we’ve worked with a variety of customers, including members of the local agricultural community. We’ve been proud to assist our farmers by providing the fuels, lubricants, and supplies they need for their equipment. We’ve also been able to offer another valuable service, oil analysis.

Imagine two neighboring farmers, Bill and Dan, work across the road from one another. They each have large commercial farms with a variety of equipment and similar fuel and lubricant needs. Bill and Dan are so alike they each bought the same model of pickup truck for work. The only real difference between these two men: they have different fuel suppliers. Bill gets his fuel from Greg’s Petro, while Dan uses another regional supplier. Bill is slightly more cautious than Dan, so he also signs up for our oil analysis program. Through this program, oil and fluids from Bill’s equipment are tested for:

 Viscosity: We want to make sure that the thickness of the lubricant matches what the manufacturer says it should be. If the viscosity is off from the manufacturer’s specification, the lubricant will not perform as it should, which could damage the equipment.
 Acid Number/Base Number: Just like in a high school chemistry class, an acid/base test checks for the concentration of acid and the alkalinity in the oil. Oils that have too much acid may cause oil oxidation, while oils that are too basic could create engine blow-by conditions.
 FTIR: This is an instrument that tests for any contamination factors such as water, glycol, soot, or any evidence that the oil is beginning to break down.
 Particle Counting: If there are any particles in the oil, this test measures the size and quantity.
 Moisture Analysis: This test measures for any water that may be present in the oil. It can be in three forms: dissolved, emulsified, or free. A high moisture reading may indicate that water is leaking into the product in some way, or that there is a sealant problem.

Each time Bill’s equipment gets tested, our oil analysis team goes through the report with him to ensure that he understands it. Using the data from his tests, they identify lubricant related needs his equipment may have so that it can last longer. To make these recommendations, our team needs to understand a few things about the machinery:

 Environmental conditions: How Bill uses his equipment makes a difference in how long it will last. Since he works outdoors in dry conditions, it will affect the lubricants that he needs to use. If he uses his equipment in wet or cold conditions, our team will change their recommendations. Even equipment used indoors may experience breakdowns because of the area. Some lubricants have been designed for different environmental conditions or may have additives that can improve performance. Our team only recommends products that are precisely suited for Bill’s work and where he does it.
 Type of equipment: Not every car, machine, or piece of equipment is the same. Every manufacturer has their specific designs for their products and will make particular lubricant recommendations. Our team takes into account the makes and models of all Bill’s machinery.
 Maintenance history: Bill’s maintenance history is vital to engine performance. Bill passes on what his mechanic recommends and what issues are continually monitored on his machinery to our team.
 Filter history: Superior filters make all the difference. Insufficient filters will allow containments and particles into the engine, which will cause mechanical issues. Some of our most popular products are Valvoline filters because they provide guaranteed quality for our customers.
 Equipment operating time: Bill is very conscientious and keeps detailed records of how much he uses his equipment. These runtime records help our team provide accurate recommendations to prevent damage over time.
 Any unusual activity with the machinery: When something starts to make a weird sound, Bill notices. Strange noises, jerking, engine issues, smoke, or any other problems could all be a sign of mechanical problems. Bill makes a note to pass on any such occurrences to our team.

We work with accredited laboratories to test Bill’s samples and create a detailed report of the conditions of his oil and equipment. Based on the oil analysis and other information, our team helps him find the right products to prevent costly maintenance. We maintain records of all his oil analysis reports to help guide his orders. We offer a selection of products from Chevron and Valvoline, two of the leading industry providers.

Over the years, our oil analysis helps identify specific lubrication needs Bill’s equipment has. We can help prevent costly maintenance and save him so money because his machinery lasts longer and runs better. His neighbor Dan isn’t so lucky. He uses the same oils and lubricants year after year, and it’s caused him plenty of time and money for expensive repairs. The pickup truck he bought that was the same as Bill’s breaks down in five years, while Bill’s keep running like normal. Our oil analysis program really could have helped Dan.

Bill and Dan may be fictional, but their story isn’t. Oil analysis saves your business money and time spent on costly repairs. You’ve invested a lot into the machinery your business requires, protect that investment with the right lubricants and oils. Ask us today about how oil analysis can help your business.