Using the correct machine lubricants for your machines can make the difference between effective, efficient performance and time consuming, costly downtime. Improper use of lubricants can lead to accelerated component wear and major repairs. To ensure optimal operation, it's important to adhere to the specifications in your owner's manual and follow our tips for choosing the right fluids and lubricants.

Hydraulic oil

Hydraulic fluid is used to transfer power from one component to another while at the same time protecting the entire hydraulic system by lubricating the parts it comes into contact with. Here are some tips for choosing the right hydraulic fluid:

• Be cautious of zinc – With anti-wear and antioxidant properties, zinc is commonly used in a variety of hydraulic fluids. The problem is that it can also cause the corrosion of yellow metals and have a negative environmental impact. For these reasons, many machine owners have turned to synthetic additives that have similar protective properties as zinc without the damaging effects. Always check your operating manual to ensure the metal of your components is compatible with zinc additives.
• Always use water emulsifiers – Water can cause real damage to equipment parts and engines. That's why it's important to use hydraulic fluids that have emulsifiers, which will disperse the water and minimize the risk of damage.
• Always filter before adding – Prior to adding hydraulic fluid to your machine, you should always filter it first. Filtering will help you avoid contamination that can lead to accelerated component wear and system failure.

Choosing transmission oil

Transmission oil is necessary to ensure optimal clutch performance and critical to protect gears and bearings from excessive wear. It also helps keep parts cool while the machine is in use.

When choosing the type of transmission fluid to add to your engine, always check your operator's manual, and consider the weather conditions. If the machine will be working in various types of environments and temperatures, use a multi-season oil to avoid unnecessary changes with each new season.

Changing transmission oil

Different machines and engines require transmission oil and filter changes at different intervals. You should always follow the guidelines laid out in your machine's operator manual to determine the right intervals.

When changing the transmission fluid, you should be careful to not contaminate the system. Wash the transmission tank before removing the cap, drain the oil as quickly as possible, keep filters sealed in their package until you are ready for them, and install filters carefully without dropping them.

Grease

Grease is required to minimize friction and wear and help ensure optimal machine performance. When deciding on which grease to use, check your owner's manual to learn the specifications that meet the engine's minimum operating needs. Choose a grease that exceeds these requirements to maximize life and performance of its parts.

Contact the experts at Pittman Tractor to ensure you use the right machine lubricant and oil!

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to reduce emissions by treating exhaust gases after they have left the engine.

DEF makeup and purpose

DEF is a non-hazardous solution made up of purified water and urea. It is not a fuel additive. Colorless and similar to baking soda in its alkalinity (pH), DEF breaks down nitrogen oxides in the exhaust stream in order to meet emissions control standards. This technology is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and is used in select models of Tier 4 equipment to meet applicable standards.

Tips for use and storage

• Store DEF at a temperature between 32°F and 86°F.
• Keep DEF out of direct sunlight.
• DEF should only be stored in a plastic or stainless steel container, as it can cause rust to form in raw steel containers.
• Use only a DEF nozzle. DEF tanks are sized to allow only a DEF fill nozzle to be inserted, ensuring that the proper fluid is pumped into the tank.
• Keep a supply of DEF available, because equipment will cease to operate once the DEF tank is dry. DEF tanks will hold between 15 and 50 gallons, depending on the size and horsepower of your equipment.

Fluid level indicators

• A DEF gauge shows the fluid level and indicates when it is time to refill.
• A series of warnings will alert the operator when the DEF fluid level is at less than 10% of capacity.
• Engine power is reduced if the DEF tank contains less than 5% of its capacity, although you will typically have enough power to travel a short distance and add more fluid to the tank.
• The DEF tank needs to be filled once for every 3 to 4 times that you refuel with diesel fuel. This frequency will vary with operating conditions.

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