Did you know that California is home to the only region where almonds are grown commercially in North America?
It’s true, and it’s just one reason why the team at Greg’s Petroleum Service is so proud of the role we play in the community. We’re a leading commercial fuel delivery service provider and a major source for the oils and lubricants used to maintain local agricultural equipment.
As we head toward the spring months, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the local almond industry and producers.
Fun facts: In the past 30 years, California has seen amazing growth from agricultural producers in the area between Bakersfield and Red Bluff, including approximately 450,000 acres of area between the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. During those three decades, the yield of almond crops has quadrupled.
At the end of February and beginning of March, almond producers look forward to the bloom of the trees, as they get ready to pollinate and move into another season. (We’ll cover more about the almond bloom in one of our next blogs).
In a nutshell (if you don’t mind the pun), what that means for local farmers is that we’re heading into prime time to be savvy about protecting equipment – from the standpoint of machinery care and maintenance – used in a wide variety of applications to maintain productivity during the coming spring months, and beyond.
What types of equipment does that include? Machine shakers for tree nuts. Pickers, harvesters, hopper trailers and feeders, tractors and trucks, belts, mulching machines, air compressors and vacuum pumps, and so much more.
That’s where we come in. We’re here to provide products, service and expertise to support the growth of the local agricultural industry, including local almond producers.
How? Read on for information vital to maintain agricultural fleets. There are practical applications to consider in your choice of oil and lubricants. Here are just a few of the tips we can give, and important items to consider when making choices for an almond producing fleet.
Use Of Oils And Lubricants For Agricultural Equipment and Processing
First, consider the following: will the piece of equipment come into contact with corrosives, such as the use of fertilizers and chemical spraying? Agricultural producers often choose oils and lubricants with additives to counter rust and oxidation.
Next, consider whether the machine or piece of equipment will be subject to temperature changes leading to condensation. Will the truck be making lots of cold start-ups, and short trips? Does the gear in your machine run all day and generate high temperatures? Look for a lubricant with a higher viscosity.
Is the equipment likely to be subject to much dust and dirt contamination? It’s likely in agricultural settings. In these cases, it’s a better choice to pick a mineral based oil based on cost, as you’ll be changing oil more frequently.
Finally, don’t forget to consider use of food grade oils and lubricants. The food industry has a need for gear oils, chain oils, compressor oils, hydraulic fluids and vacuum pump oils for equipment, just as any other manufacturer would. There are also specialty uses, such as can seamer oils. Although there aren’t currently penalties or requirements to use food grade lubricants, the market is moving in that direction due to increasing demand from both manufacturers and consumers.
And if you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Greg’s Petroleum Service. As your commercial fuel and lubricant supplier, we are available to help answer any questions you might have. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more.