Off-highway poses unique lubricant challenges

Operating in the off-highway industry comes with its own unique challenges, characterised by demanding conditions.

Sectors range from yellow equipment to civils, agriculture, plant hire, mining, sub-contractors, and even forestry, says Andy Weddell, local segment lead: commercial vehicles at FUCHS Lubricants South Africa.

He insists that in the off-highway or yellow metal segment, using premium lubricants is essential. These reduce friction and wear, extending equipment life and minimising breakdowns. Premium lubricants can withstand extreme ambient temperatures, maintaining viscosity and protecting components. This makes them particularly suited to arduous African operating conditions.

It is also vital that these lubricants meet the specific requirements set by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure compatibility and performance. High-quality lubricants allow for longer oil change intervals, cutting maintenance costs and downtime. “Premium lubricants improve equipment reliability, reduce maintenance, and support sustainability in the off-highway sector,” says Weddell.

FUCHS is committed to environmentally friendly lubrication solutions. Its PLANTO range of biodegradable lubricants showcases the company’s dedication to eco-friendly solutions. Latest developments in terms of energy-efficient lubricants for the off-highway sector include CK-4 engine oil (TITAN CARGO 15W40) with a Caterpillar ECF-3 specification. CAT ECF-3 is a lower sulphated ash, phosphorous, and sulphur (SAPS) lubricant specification designed for use in high-performance medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines.

Another emerging trend is calcium sulphonate grease for extended grease intervals. Demand for lithium is increasing, especially with the global shift towards electric vehicles, which means that calcium sulphonate greases offer a viable, cost-effective alternative. They require minimal additives, making them more eco-friendly. Calcium sulphonate greases are multipurpose and can be used across various applications, further enhancing their sustainability.

“In the lubrication business, especially in the off-highway sector, finding the perfect balance between wear protection, fuel consumption reduction, and product performance is essential,” Weddell explains. “We consider all OEM specifications and hold IATF 16949 accreditation, which focuses on improved quality standards, particularly in the automotive sector.”

FUCHS Lubricants offers a diverse range of high-performance lubricants for off-highway applications. The TITAN range, comprising TITAN TRUCK PLUS/CARGO, is a premium performance, fuel-efficient engine oil for various commercial vehicle diesel engines. It is specially developed for vehicles with extended service intervals, exhaust after treatment, and turbochargers. The UTTO (TO-4/MP) range, meanwhile, is a super high-performance multifunctional oil for use in transmission and hydraulic systems with integrated wet brakes, clutches, and differentials for agricultural and construction machinery.

The AGRIFARM (STOU) range is a high-performance multifunctional oil for engines, manual gearboxes, wet brakes, hydraulics in tractors, and other agricultural equipment. It is based on a selection of base oils and additive technology to improve wear protection, along with better viscosity and a wider temperature range. 

RENOLIN (HO/CLP/C) is a range of industrial oils that offers high-performance product solutions for various applications and sectors. The range includes hydraulic oils, turbine oils, and heavy-duty, EP industrial gear oils with excellent extreme pressure characteristics (EP/AW properties), high load carrying capacity, and good ageing stability based on mineral oils. In addition, RENOLIT (MP to Speciality) is a range of industrial lubricating greases that offers a host of high-performance product solutions for diverse applications and sectors, from lithium-based grease all the way to calcium sulphonate grease.