Determination of Tractor Engine Oil Change Interval Based on Material Properties

Abstract

This article focuses on the issue of motor oils used in the engines of off-road mobile machinery (NRMM), more specifically tractors. The primary goal of the paper is to determine the appropriate replacement interval for these oils. The physical properties of the examined samples were first determined by conventional instruments. Furthermore, the concentration of abrasive metals, contaminants, and additive elements were measured using an optical emission spectrometer. Lastly, the content of water, fuel, glycol, and the products of oxidation, nitration, and sulphation were determined by using infrared spectrometry. The measured values were compared to the limit values. Based on the processing and evaluation of these analyses, the overall condition of the oils was assessed and subsequently the optimal exchange interval of the examined oils was determined. In addition, a risk analysis of the outage was performed. Due to the high yields of crops, farmers can lose a significant amount of product when a tractor is not functioning during the harvest period. This loss for calculated in the paper.

Evaluation of the Impact of Tractor Field Works on Changes in Selected Elements of Engine Oils

“…(Zając et al, 2015), who tested tractors with different mileages, reported that the Fe content was 16.5-267 ppm, Cu 5.85-11.75 ppm and Pb 1.42-13.7 ppm. The analyzes of Cr, Ni Pb, Fe by (Gołębiowski et al, 2018;Wolak et al, 2018;Hönig et al, 2020) showed a similar nature of oil changes in the engine with increased mileage.…”

“…The increase in Cu content could indicate an increase in wear of one of the plain bearings (Hönig et al, 2020). The highest increase in Cu content was found during work with the cultivator (150%).…”

“…Cleaning additives are responsible for the presence of Ca in engine oil (Hönig et al, 2020). In all of the samples tested, a decrease in the content of this element was observable after the field work.…”

“…One of the most important elements of a tractor is the engine, which is mainly at risk due to the wear of the surfaces of its components in long-term operation. Testing the concentration of various metals in engine oil and knowing their limit values is an effective and practical way of monitoring engine wear, as it often provides early warning on possible component failure (Holloway, 2007;Sejkorová, 2015b;Förster et al, 2019;Hönig et al, 2020). The content of elements in the engine oil depends mainly on the intensity of wear processes, and to a small extent also on contact with fuel or cooling liquid.…”