Where we work there is a large fleet of various types of equipment. Times are slow and we need to decide if we can park our equipment and not change the fluids as recommended by the manufacturer. Our fleet is located in the desert with low humidity levels. And why is it ok to store bulk fluids in large tanks and not worry about contamination?

Properly set up bulk tanks will have tank breather filters on them. Along with filtering out particle contaminates they also absorb moisture thereby preventing it from entering the tank.

Do you currently have a UOA (used oil analysis) program in place? If not you will probably find that it can save you quite a bit of money over the life of a piece of equipment. Along with extended drain intervals you can monitor wear metals often finding problems when they are small and long before a catastrophic failure.

Hey, thanks for the reply. We do have a used oil analysis program provided by our local Caterpillar Dealer. With each oil change we send in a sample. What I am trying to find out is if we can park our “off status” equipment for a longer period of time without having to continue to spend money on fluid replacements. We are faced with the problem of having to maintain the equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations with zero hours. I was hoping a little common sense would help in making this decision. I know that there will be an issue of seals drying out, and we will have to probably start and circulate the fluids. Surely this is not an new issue with large fleets needing to mothball some of its equipment.

Thanks, Bud

For equipment that will be setting for extended periods of time that you want to keep "ready" for use I would recommend a procedure much like used for back up generators. Once a month start the equipment and cycle it's systems. Let it get to operating temperature and then shut back down. If your talking a period of years I would take a oil sample at least once a year and monitor the fluids condition. Let the oil analysis dictate when and if the oil needs to be changed.

Bud,

You may also want to consider Agricultural style oils - engine oils, transmission/hydraulic oils and diff oils. Most oil companies specially make them. Alot of these oils have an internal corrosion protector or vapour phase inhibitor additive in them.

It's design to be used in mobile farm equipment that only work part of the year.

Now we are getting some where. I like the idea of setting up a scheduled monthly start and cycle. And at six month intervals do a “Bleed and Feed” along with oil samples. Now I need to do a cost break down and compare.
Another problem is the “bio-fuel” we are using. At extended shutdown periods we are experiencing a “gumming” up of the fuel system. We were hoping to find a fuel additive to slow this down.
Thanks to all. Feel free to add to topic if you can.

If your using bio-fuel and plan on leaving it in the tank for extended periods of time I highly recommend the additive route. Your going to need something to help stabilize the fuel for extended storage. If you have moisture problems with your fuel I would also recommend using a biocide in diesel fuel to combat microbial growth. Along with a good fuel additive it should prevent fuel problems. You can check out my website for some options in fuel additives.