Case IH Engineers Answer Your Maintenance Questions

Earlier this year we asked you, our customers, to submit your maintenance questions for our engineers to answer. Now we are back with the answers! A good, thorough maintenance routine is critical to maximizing uptime, improving performance and extending the life of your equipment.

At the core of every maintenance routine are lubricants—engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant and grease—and we always recommend the genuine choice. Read through the answers to find out why genuine lubricants are the best option for your Case IH equipment.

Q: Mackenzie from Alberta asked, “How can I boost performance and hours between oil changes in my equipment?”

A: Maximizing the oil change drain intervals for your equipment begins with using genuine lubricants. Let’s use engine oil as an example. The drain interval recommended in the operator’s manual for your Case IH equipment may be 50% longer than it would be with other engine oil options. The recommended oil change intervals published in the operator’s manuals are determined using multiple factors, including lubricant sump size, intensity of operation, operating temperature and recommended lubricant product.

Q: Byron from Saskatchewan asked, “Should oil keep the same viscosity throughout its lifespan in the machine?”

A: Depending on the application and lubricant product used, it is possible for the viscosity to change slightly over the course of the recommended drain interval. However, the viscosity of our genuine lubricants typically stays within a narrow range. Shear thinning or fuel dilution could cause lubricant viscosity to drop over time, while soot loading or oxidation could cause lubricants to increase in viscosity over time. To understand the current condition of the oil within a specific component of your machine, consider a routine oil analysis by a reputable program, like CNH Systemgard™.

Q: Jocelyn from Saskatchewan asked, “We know about heat tolerance for lubricants, but what about cold tolerance?”

A: At a basic level, a lubricant is unable to do its job unless it can physically get to where it is needed. Colder outdoor temperatures lead to a higher viscosity, or a thickening of the oil, which can impede flow to critical components of your machine. Using synthetic products is one primary solution to interrupted lubricant flow. For example, a full synthetic 0W-40 engine oil would have better cold flow characteristics compared to a 15W-40 while providing the necessary protection for your equipment.

Q: Jeremy from Nebraska asked, “When should I be using lithium grease vs. regular red grease?”

A: Grease is composed of three main parts: base oil for lubricating, a thickener (i.e., lithium, lithium complex, calcium sulfonate, etc.) to immobilize the base oil and additives to enhance the performance of the grease. The color of the grease you use is not an indication of performance level or thickener type. Case IH offers several types of grease, including multi-purpose, hi-temp multi-purpose, multi-purpose moly, premium multi-purpose and others. Each option differs based on additives, thickener and suitable use cases, like high or low temperature applications. We recommend reviewing your operator’s manual for guidance on which grease type you should apply based on equipment type and use.

Q: Bryce from Alberta asked, “Can you over-grease bearings or grease points?”

A: Over-greasing can lead to damage, depending on how it was applied and what component it was applied to on the machine. For example, adding too much grease to a sealed part could damage the seals, causing eventual grease leakage and potential equipment damage due to contamination or lack of lubrication. Simple pins or bushings without seals can be safely greased until the grease purges. Always reference your machine’s operator’s manual for critical lubrication type, quantity and frequency, as it often varies based on the component.

Q: Kyle from Kansas asked, “How much oil do you need to purchase in a year for small bulk oil purchases to be a good investment?”

A: The Case IH small bulk program is designed for operations using 250 gallons or more of one eligible lubricant product each year. Purchasing engine or hydraulic oil in bulk offers multiple benefits for equipment owners with multiple pieces of equipment, including cost savings and efficiencies for your operation. When ordered from your local Case IH dealer, bulk oil is delivered to you for free at a lower price, thanks to bulk-price savings, and pumped directly into easily stackable storage tanks on your farm. The design of these small bulk storage containers reduces waste from leftover oil residue, lowers packaging waste and minimizes contamination risk.

Q: Norm from Saskatchewan asked, “How important is it to buy Case IH lubricants for my Case IH equipment?”

A: At Case IH, we recommend selecting top-quality genuine lubricants specifically engineered for your Case IH equipment. Lubricants, like engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant, are a complex blend of base oils and additives. Our engineers developed and tested our line of genuine lubricants to maximize drain intervals and machine life. The lineup, which includes No.1 Engine Oil™, Hy-Tran® Premium and Extended-Life OAT Coolant, promotes optimal equipment efficiency and lowers the risk of equipment failure. Selecting genuine lubricants is a small investment to protect your large one. Visit your local Case IH Dealer to stock up today. If you have questions of your own or just want to learn more about the Case IH lubricant lineup, visit mycnhstore.com/us/en/caseih/leadinglubricantscih.