How lubrication can reduce farming total cost of ownership
With farmers under pressure to meet growing demand and manage tight margins, they must produce more for less. Explore how you can improve operational efficiency and make cost savings by focusing on your equipment total cost of ownership (TCO).
The role of lubrication in lowering TCO
Farmers rely on their equipment to operate as efficiently as possible, helping them to work productively and cost effectively. However, they should beware of cheaper lubricants, which can come at a price. Unexpected breakdowns and higher repair costs can often lead to increased TCO.
In agriculture, there are two key ways to reduce equipment TCO:
- Use the right lubricant for each application across vehicles and machines
- Implement effective lubrication management
Effective lubrication programmes are essential in lowering TCO across an agricultural fleet. By extending equipment life, minimising unplanned downtime and reducing oil consumption, the right lubricant products supported by expert-led services can all make sure equipment works harder for longer – driving productivity while making cost savings.
of farmers understand how high-quality lubricant products can keep their machines running for longer by providing better protection against wear.1
of farmers realise that effective lubrication can help to drive optimum equipment performance in the extreme weather conditions they face.1
of farmers recognise that high-performance lubricants can help to reduce their operating costs by delivering greater energy efficiency from their machines.1
of farmers identify their lubrication programmes as a way to deliver cost savings by extending oil drain intervals and reducing oil consumption.1
of farmers realise the positive impact that oxidation prevention can have on their operating costs by reducing unplanned downtime and improving equipment utilisation.
of farmers understand how higher-tier lubricants can extend equipment life by providing contamination control that enhances protection in challenging conditions.
Six steps to effective lubrication management
Right storage and handling
Lubricants must be stored in the right conditions and handled correctly to avoid contamination and preserve their key characteristics – maintaining their ability to offer effective protection.
Right place
Equipment cannot get the protection it needs if lubricants are applied to the wrong area. To avoid this, oils and greases need to be properly applied to components.
Right time
Delays in the frequency of oils changes or re-greasing can lead to accelerated wear in equipment. Making sure the lubricants reach the surface at the right time is vital in keeping machinery running smoothly.
Right amount
Over-application or under-application can cause severe equipment issues. To protect moving parts effectively, the correct volume of oil or grease should be applied at each interval.
Right monitoring
Regular sampling and analysis can make sure that lubricants remain fit for purpose, check for early indications of equipment wear and provide confidence that application practices are correct.
Right people
Effective lubrication relies on the skills and knowledge of the people applying the oils and greases. This makes lubrication expertise essential for keeping machines working harder for longer.
Reducing TCO through preventive maintenance
Discover how a preventive approach to maintenance can help farmers to improve the reliability of their equipment, reduce unplanned downtime and lower their overall costs.
Reducing TCO through preventive maintenance
Discover how a preventive approach to maintenance can help farmers to improve the reliability of their equipment, reduce unplanned downtime and lower their overall costs.
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Disclaimers
1Shell global survey of lubricant decision-makers in agriculture on their understanding of how lubricant product features can correspond to TCO savings - March-May 2018
