Written By: Corey Foy

Determining the optimal drain interval for your lubricants is crucial for maintaining equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and controlling operating costs. Many people tend to use OEM specified drain intervals however, there are numerous factors that influence this decision. This includes equipment specifics, operating conditions, cost considerations, performance implications, and the insights gained from oil analysis. This blog will explore some of the factors that influence your decision when choosing the optimal drain interval, and you may find that the OEM recommended drain interval is not always the best for you. While the blog is focused on construction, the information can translate to industries such as agriculture, trucking, manufacturing, and mining.

Another very important consideration is that if your equipment is on warranty, it is imperative that you follow the OEM recommended drain interval. Failure to follow these directions could void your warranty claims. Given this, it is important that you consult our team before making the decision to change your drain interval. Furthermore, to learn more about warranty, check out our deep dive on the topic here.

Equipment-specific factors

Construction equipment operates in demanding environments, subjecting components to heavy loads, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. These factors accelerate lubricant degradation.

  • Equipment Type: Excavators, loaders, and haul trucks face distinct challenges. For instance, hydraulic systems in excavators are exposed to high pressures and contaminants, while diesel engines in haul trucks operate under heavy loads and high temperatures.
  • Equipment Age: As equipment ages, wear and tear increase, introducing metal particles and contaminants into the lubricant. Components such as seals and gaskets deteriorate, allowing contaminants to enter the oil.
  • Component Complexity: Equipment with complex hydraulic systems or intricate engine designs may require more frequent oil changes due to the potential for faster contaminant buildup and lubricant breakdown.

Cost considerations

Balancing the costs associated with lubricants, filters, labor, and potential downtime is crucial for effective drain interval management.

  • Lubricant and Filter Costs: While high-quality lubricants and filters often have a higher upfront cost, they can extend drain intervals, leading to long-term savings. For example, synthetic lubricants offer superior resistance to oxidation and breakdown, potentially doubling drain intervals.
  • Labor Costs: Frequent oil changes increase labor expenses, including technician time and equipment downtime. This can disrupt operations and reduce productivity.
  • Downtime Costs: Unexpected equipment failures due to lubricant-related issues can result in significant production losses and repair costs. Adhering to optimal drain intervals helps prevent costly downtime and maintain operational efficiency.

Performance and reliability

Lubricant condition directly impacts equipment performance and reliability.

  • Wear and Tear: Lubricants form a protective film on metal surfaces, minimizing friction and wear. Insufficient lubrication accelerates component wear, leading to premature component failure and increased maintenance costs.
  • Equipment Life: Proper lubrication extends equipment life by preventing premature component failure. Adhering to recommended drain intervals contributes to a longer service life for construction equipment.

Oil analysis

Oil analysis provides invaluable insights into lubricant condition, enabling data-driven decisions regarding drain intervals. By examining wear metals, additive depletion, contaminants, viscosity changes, and other parameters, oil analysis reveals the lubricant’s health and remaining useful life.

  • Predictive Maintenance: By identifying potential issues early, such as excessive wear or contaminant levels, oil analysis allows for proactive maintenance planning. For instance, if oil analysis is trending with some tin wear in your results, and starts to include copper or nickel wear, maintenance crews can start planning scheduled repairs, instead of having a bearing fail in the field. 
  • Extended Drain Intervals: In some cases, oil analysis may reveal that the lubricant is still in good condition beyond the recommended drain interval. By extending drain intervals based on data-driven insights, construction companies can optimize maintenance schedules and reduce costs.
  • Troubleshooting Equipment Issues: Oil analysis can help identify the root cause of equipment problems. For example, elevated levels of certain wear metals might indicate specific component wear, guiding maintenance efforts.

How can 49 North help?

49 North has a team of professionals that are able to order and interpret oil analysis samples for your company. Furthermore, our team has a deep knowledge about the factors that influence your drain interval and may be able to improve your efficiency and save you money.

By carefully considering these factors and implementing a proactive maintenance strategy that includes regular oil analysis, construction companies can optimize lubricant management, extend equipment life, and reduce operational costs. Finally, to see what kind of services our technical specialist can offer, check out this blog here.

For more information, do not hesitate to reach out to our technical specialist, Corey Foy at info@49northlubricants.com. Alternatively, feel free to browse our online store here.