My workplace operates a number of CAT D11R and D10T dozers which at present have oil drain intervals of 250hrs. We would like to extend this interval to 330-350hrs.
- Does anyone currently run extended oil drain intervals on dozers?
- If so, how is this being achieved?
- Does it required modification to the machine, such as a larger sump?
Any information regarding extending oil drain intervals both good and bad would be appreciated.

Hi

This will be very dependent upon the operating conditions and the "danger" we see is as the oil change is extended other areas are extended as well and we have seen catastophic failures occur again and again because air filter and oil filters are also extended without consideration of the filters becoming loaded and bypassing.
So if you wish to go down this path the air filter and oil filter life must not be extended with the oil changes or loss of an engine could occur removing any benefit the extended oil change could provide.
If, as we see, the dozer is hidden by a huge cloud of airborne dust whilst operating then if you wish to proceed the used oil filter media becomes the area to monitor by microscope as when we root cause these extended oil change failures air filters and oil filters are saturated with dirt and debris and once that occurs contaminants simply pass through the media as there are no areas left unloaded to catch the contaminants,

Regards

Rob S

Caterpillar typically allow extended oil drains if you use their larger sumps which are double the size therefore double the amount of oil to hold contaminants.

There are a number of things to consider when extending oil drains including the type of work carried out by the equipment. From my experience the dozers at Callide & other coal mines sit idling for hours beside the dragline which may lead to fuel dilution etc.

Lubrication Engineers have previously supplied LE Ultra Engine oil for long drain intervals on Cat D11 dozers operating on the Coal Stockpiles at both Howick Coal and Bayswater Power Station. They conducted an extensive trial to determine optimum drain intervals and standardized at 1,000 hour oil drains while changing filters at the 500hours.

Ideally with an extended oil drain program we recommend a used oil analysis program to gradually extend the drains to ensure there are no warranty issues. Also the fitting of spinner type centrifuge filters is of benefit to remove the solids from the oil.

Send me an email if you would like further information. rodney@lubeng.com.au

Regards,

Rodney Fitzpatrick

Hello Callide
There is a company in Toronto and Montreal that has a scientific approach to these types of applications. They have a pretty good website you can check out, a tribology firm.
www.groupelti.com, maybe they have something that can help you. Interesting reading anyways.

Best of Luck

Hi Callide,
Perhaps first, we could ask, what is the purpose to extend oil drain interval?

If the reason is to get cost saving from oil cost, then we should also consider the impact from extending the oil interval. For example, how about filter life, preventive maintenance schedule, overhaul schedule, etc. Are they compatible in term of time and effort?
Please be careful not to loss at other side (like man hours, time production etc.) while we get some savings from oil cost.

To extend the oil drain interval, I could suggest to do some oil analysis first to understand the current conditions of your oil & equipments. Then if all parameters support to do so, for example: your viscosity change or TBN drop etc. is still under limit, then you just can do it right away and still conduct oil monitoring programs. Use the condemning limit from CAT dozers, for these parameters: oxidations, viscosity change, TBN, wear metals, contaminants etc.

As long as all the parameters within range, you could extend the oil drain intervals as long as you like.

Good luck!
Dody

Callide,
If you are running with the CAT SOS oil analysis program then the task is a simple as requesting CAT to work with you on a CI project (continuous improvement) They will run the program and provide you with feedback and work with you towards your goals. 500-600 hours are reasonable and easy to achieve (with CAT support) if you are using a reasonable lube to start and your equipment is operating in “normal” conditions. CAT won't allow general oil drain extensions without testing at your site because of the variabilities inherent at different customers sites.
We are currently at 500-600 hours on some of our CAT equipment including the D11R's
Regards.....

Hello Callide

Let me know your e mail and I will send some information

Reuven, ihsil@hotmail.com

All good stuff up to now!
Usual reason for condeming oil is contamination, water soot, fuel and dirt.
Cost of an oil analysis is usually a few dollars a sample so seems essential to incorporate in any extended oil drain senaria.
As said, best to choose a drain target which fits in with other maintenance.Also reputable correct spec oil essential with no unapproved additions.