The belief that frequent oil changes make it acceptable to use low-quality oil is a common myth – and a costly one. While it might seem that regularly replacing oil would offset any shortcomings in quality, the reality is that inferior oils simply can’t provide the same level of protection and performance as premium products.
Low-quality oils often fail to lubricate and shield equipment effectively, leading to increased wear, more frequent breakdowns, and expensive repairs. Equipment efficiency also suffers, as inferior oils can lead to higher fuel consumption and greater operational costs, ultimately negating any initial savings. Eventually, inadequate lubrication can lead to equipment failures and operational disruptions, which in the mining industry can translate into substantial financial losses and even become a safety hazard.
Lubrication is evolving
The mining industry is undergoing significant transformation, with equipment demands evolving to meet the challenges of increased productivity, sustainability, and safety. As machines become faster, smarter, and more robust, traditional lubrication methods and maintenance practices are becoming inadequate.
However, by implementing an effective lubrication strategy and selecting the right products, you can help minimise friction within your mining equipment’s engines, which in turn reduces engine wear, potentially improves fuel efficiency, and ultimately results in significant time and cost savings for the mine*.
As equipment becomes more sophisticated, the need for advanced lubrication technologies increases. As equipment demands evolve, the integration of advanced lubrication solutions and predictive maintenance becomes essential for companies aiming to remain competitive in this dynamic landscape.
The hidden costs of low-quality oils
The belief that frequent oil changes make it acceptable to use low-quality oil is a misconception. While the initial purchase price of low-quality oil may be attractive, it often comes with hidden costs that can outweigh the savings. And while lower quality oil may cost less to buy, premium options, such as Mobil Delvac™ lubricants, can cost less to own.
In fact, investing in premium lubricants offers several benefits that can lead to lower overall ownership costs:
Improved high-temperature performance: Premium oils maintain their viscosity and protective qualities at higher temperatures, helping reduce the risk of engine damage and prolonging equipment life. Lower quality oils typically lack the superior base oils and additives found in premium products, which can lead to higher wear rates in machinery.
Mobil’s™ synthetic lubricants exhibit exceptional stability at high temperatures and are more resistant to thermal degradation, which causes the formation of sludge and deposits, as well as changes in viscosity that adversely affects engine efficiency. This buildup can cause blockages and inefficiencies, requiring more frequent maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, using synthetic Mobil Delvac™ lubricants may help to extend oil drain intervals, saving both time and money*.
Enhanced low-temperature effectiveness: Premium oils also perform better in cold conditions, allowing easier starts and better engine protection during low-temperature operation, crucial in many mining and heavy-duty applications. By maintaining low-temperature fluidity, Mobil Delvac™ synthetic lubricants help reduce internal friction and maintain performance. Cold starts are one of the main causes of engine wear, so keeping engine components properly lubricated can help prolong engine life.
Outstanding engine protection: Formulated to protect components from the adverse effects of soot and other pollutants, premium lubricants can help to maximise the engine life of vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. Mobil Delvac™ lubricants, for example, are designed to provide superior protection against wear and tear, which can extend the overall lifespan of engines and machinery, ultimately leading to lower replacement costs.
Premium oils in action
Mobil Delvac™ products are renowned for their hot and cold temperature properties and suffer less from shear or additive depletion.
Jory Maccan is a reliability analyst at Kearl Mine[i], one of Canada’s highest-quality oil sands deposits, being developed using next-generation mining techniques, and boasts one of the largest autonomous mine fleets in the world. However, the local environment can be very harsh, as Maccan explains: “We can go from +10°C during the day to easily -20°C overnight. Wide swings in temperature necessitate having the right products. Mobil™ helps us select those products that support our needs in this environment.”
Ryan Croll is another reliability analyst at Kearl Mine. He says that they work closely with Mobil to ensure maximum efficiency[ii]. “We work with the Mobil™ lubricants team on various projects to help make the best decisions for our business when it comes to lubricants, leveraging the technical expertise that way [means] we can aim to meet the OEM targets and exceed their benchmarks for component life.”
Croll adds, “We get the best products available on the market, and we have the support to make the best use of those products.”
Long term benefits
While the initial cost of premium oils may be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of equipment reliability, efficiency, and lifespan can make them a more cost-effective choice*. By choosing higher-quality lubricants, mining operators can help enhance performance, reduce downtime, and save money over time, making premium products like Mobil Delvac™ a smarter investment in the long run.
For more information on how your mining operations can benefit from lubrication solutions from the experts, download the free paper below.
[i] https://www.imperialoil.ca/company/operations/kearl The Kearl Oil Sands Mine is jointly owned by Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil is the parent company of Imperial Oil.
[ii] https://us.lubricants.mobil.com/mining/hub/digging-deeper’
Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.
*Maintenance costs may vary and are based on application-specific operating conditions. Not a guarantee of financial performance. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used. Refer to OEM application requirements and oil drain intervals for your equipment.
