Choosing the right lubricant and monitoring oil condition can help farmers prevent costly equipment failures and maximize uptime during critical seasons.
Agricultural equipment is becoming more powerful, efficient, and technologically advanced, and those changes are creating new demands for lubricants. As tractors, combines, sprayers and grain-handling equipment operate under greater loads, lubrication systems must provide reliable protection under increasingly demanding conditions.
Farms.com recently had the opportunity to interview Connor Canfield, Product Line Analyst for the CHS Lubricants team. Canfield explained that modern equipment places more stress on lubricants than equipment had in the past. Machines are producing greater power while manufacturers are reducing sump sizes to lower overall weight.
At the same time, tighter equipment tolerances require lubricants that are increasingly specialized for specific applications and original equipment manufacturers.
Hot weather can add another challenge Canfield explained. Higher operating temperatures can reduce lubricant viscosity, potentially lowering hydraulic pump performance, and reducing the protective film that helps prevent engine wear.
Evolution of Lubricants
As a result, lubricant technology continues to evolve, with more refined and synthetic products becoming available for demanding agricultural applications.
One of the most common maintenance problems is failing to service equipment before planting or harvest. When machines are operating continuously, producers may run lubricants beyond their recommended service intervals or have to stop during critical fieldwork to perform maintenance.
Canfield recommends completing routine maintenance before busy seasons and selecting the correct lubricant for each machine and component.
Farmers managing a mixed fleet of older and newer equipment may also benefit from modern synthetic lubricants that can cover a broader range of applications. While some machines still require specialized products, choosing versatile lubricants can simplify storage and maintenance.
Producers should consult equipment manufacturers or lubrication specialists when determining the appropriate product and viscosity.
Hydraulic Fluids
Hydraulic systems deserve particular attention because tractor hydraulic fluids often serve several functions, including hydraulic systems, transmissions, and wet brakes. Using the fluid specified by the equipment manufacturer is essential for maintaining long-term equipment performance.
Warning Signs
Visual inspections can also provide useful warning signs. Excessively dark or thick oil may indicate overheating, oxidation, or an overly long drain interval.
Sparkling particles visible during an oil change can indicate abnormal wear. However, oil analysis provides a more complete picture by identifying wear metals, lubricant degradation, and other changes that may signal developing problems.
Canfield recommends making oil analysis a regular part of farm maintenance. Testing samples at oil changes can establish equipment health trends, identify problems early, and, in some cases, show whether drain intervals can safely be extended.
Looking ahead, lubricant technology is expected to continue advancing alongside precision agriculture and increasingly efficient equipment.
A new diesel engine oil specification expected in 2027 is designed to improve oxidation stability and wear protection, highlighting the continuing evolution of lubrication technology.
Watch the video interview with Connor Canfield, Product Line Analyst for the CHS lubricants team below.