Coming up on harvest time when the fields are ripe with combines toiling into the night. This is the time when drapers, corn heads, and augers get a real workout, typically non-stop in dusty conditions. Time is money, and this is the critical time to keep equipment in the field where it belongs, not in the shop due to frozen gears, overheated transmissions, or failed bearings.

According to this study, machine downtime reduces the potential in-season harvesting area by 20% and increases costs by 6–7%. In a business driven by season-specific demands, machine downtime can lead to avoidable losses, including premature wear and tear, energy losses, and inflated fuel consumption.

Take a few minutes to double-check all the lubrication areas of your equipment:

Motor Oil or Engine Lubricants

Proper engine lubricants reduce friction and extend engine life. It's also a lubricant that's easy to check, change or top off.

Transmission Oil

Transmission oils help ensure gears and bearings within the primary and secondary drive units are turning efficiently, with less wear and tear. According to research by SKF, about a third of the bearing failures are due to improper lubrication.

Greases

Farm equipment travels through water, mud, dust, and dirt, elements that can stress even new machinery to the point of failure if not properly protected. Grease is highly viscous and forms a protective layer over the parts preventing not only friction but can offset the strains placed on the equipment.

Check the label to see if your lubricant meets OEM specs. And use fresh oil, lubricants, and grease. Don't just reach for dust-covered can in the back of the barn.

Everyone at Major Brands appreciates the hard work and dedication of the American farmer. And if you can help you in your lubricant decision, we will most certainly will. If we can't, we'll get the answer from our support team back at the Shell labs. Chances are we stock what you need. So visit majorbrandsoil.com and choose the proper lubricant for your farming machines.