The 1-2-3s of Lubricants for Agricultural Equipment

May 18, 2023


Article courtesy of CHS and Cenex.com

A SOLID LUBRICANTS plan with a definitive maintenance schedule can help you reduce downtime and extend the life of your equipment. The summer months are a good time to create that maintenance schedule, reevaluate your products to ensure you’re using the right ones for your operation and start a routine to keep your equipment running smoothly. Here is a quick guide to help you get started.
 

A “SOIL TEST” FOR YOUR ENGINE 

First, you should conduct an engine oil analysis. Like the testing you do to gauge the nutrients in your soil, an engine oil analysis takes a sample of used oil to provide you with valuable information about the condition of your equipment. The LubeScan® used oil analysis kit—available at every Key Cooperative location—offers a proactive approach to oil analysis for various equipment components, including engines, transmissions and hydraulic systems. A LubeScan kit analyzes oil samples and provides you with a report, alerting you to any concerns about your equipment before they become catastrophic. These tests can be used for any brand of oil, not just Cenex brand oil. They are sent to a third-party lab for quality testing. 
 

WHAT LUBRICANTS ARE RIGHT FOR MY OPERATION?  

You should also check what the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommends in terms of lubricants and other products for your equipment. Cross-reference the OEM recommendations with recommendations from Key’s Certified Energy Specialists. Cenex lubricants are tested and proven to meet or exceed OEM manufacturer specifications. 
 

TOP LUBRICANTS FOR AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS 

There are three types of lubricants every operation needs to keep farm equipment running at peak performance: 

1. Diesel engine oils: Cenex offers three advanced diesel engine oils. Maxtron® Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil comes in two varieties: Maxton DEO, a synthetic blend, and Maxtron Enviro-EDGE®, a full synthetic diesel engine oil. These engine oils operate in the toughest conditions and provide up to seven times more shear stability than competitor oils with less advanced formulations. The third engine oil Cenex offers is Superlube TMS®, which is formulated with para-synthetic base oils to provide enhanced engine protection and improved operability in the dirtiest conditions. 

2. Tractor hydraulic fluids: A quality tractor hydraulic fluid is essential to keeping moving parts lubricated and helping reduce friction. This lubricant can minimize downtime by reducing friction and providing superior pump, gear, brake, transmission and hydraulic system protection, all increasing the longevity of your equipment. Premium tractor hydraulic fluids also significantly reduce noise and damage caused by wet brake chatter. Cenex offers two premium tractor hydraulic fluids: Maxtron THF+, a full synthetic multifunctional product for enhanced all-weather performance, and Qwiklift® HTB®, a universal tractor transmission and wet brake fluid.

3. Greases: Cenex has a variety of greases, including Blue Gard® 500+™, a multipurpose lithium complex that’s flexible enough for most applications but tough enough to handle severe conditions. Cenex also offers Red Protect XT®, an extra-tacky lithium complex that’s long lasting and water resistant and protects equipment from rust and corrosion.

Performing regular maintenance and using premium products will help keep your equipment operating at its full potential. The Cenex premium line of lubricants can help you minimize downtime and maximize field time for optimal profitability. 

CONTACT YOUR KEY CERTIFIED ENERGY SPECIALISTS FOR MORE INFORMATION: 
  • Rick Kucera, 641-780-1624 
  • Chad Larson, 515-290-0009 
  • Bob Rabey, 641-521-6318 


DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SUMMER FARM OIL FILL DISCOUNT

Place your order by June 13, 2023 to receive $0.25 off per gallon. Delivery takes place June 19 - 23, 2023. 

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