Challenge

Jay and Joe Coughlin, owners of Quinn Brothers, were seeking ways to increase the efficiency of the company’s vehicle maintenance program. They were initially interested in automatic lubrication systems for their truck chassis. From an oil and reliability concept, that would extend their drain intervals and protect the engines and chassis components.

LE Solution

In 2003, Dave Piangerelli, the local LE lubrication consultant, contacted Quinn Brothers and offered a solution that would increase the reliability of their tractors and trucks while reducing total life cycle maintenance costs. Dave recommended installing Interlube multi-line central lubrication systems on the trucks, along with using LE Almagard® Vari-Purpose Lubricant (3750). The lubrication system delivers a precise metered amount of Almagard to each lubrication point, including the six grease points on the fifth wheel.

On this particular multi-line central lubrication system, each lubrication point is served by its own individual feed line via a dedicated positive displacement pumping unit. This system ensures that any accidental line damage affects only one lubrication point and not the entire system.

Dave also recommended converting to Monolec Ultra® Engine Oil (8800). Monolec Ultra Engine Oil is designed for heavy-duty, long-drain service in diesel and gasoline engines. It improves fuel efficiency, reduces wear, and provides all-season, all-weather performance.

Lubrication Points:

Each centralized lubrication system is used to lubricate the entire tractor chassis, including:

• Kingpins – upper and lower: 4 points
• Steering drag link: 2 points
• Slack adjusters: 6 points
• “S” camshaft bushing: 6 points
• Tie rods: 2 points
• Spring pin hangers: 6 points
• Clutch cross shaft bushings: 2 points
• Suspension trunnions: 2 points
• 5th wheel plate: 6 points
• Fifth wheel pivots: 2 points Total: 38 points

Results

• Oil change interval on tractors: Previously performed at 150 to 250 hours. With Monolec Ultra Engine Oil, drain intervals have been extended to 600 hours, saving $3,500 per year. Total savings to date: $24,500.
• Oil change interval on Ford Super Duty F-550 trucks: Previously performed every 5,000 miles. With Monolec Ultra Engine Oil, drain intervals are now every 10,000 miles, saving $2,500 per year. Total savings to date: $17,500.
• Time savings on service intervals: Trucks are now serviced every two months, saving $100 per truck x 7 trucks = $700 every two months. Savings of $4,200 per year. Total savings to date: $29,400.
• Chassis component replacements: Previously replaced on at least one or two trucks per year. Since 2003, no components have needed replacement, saving over $3,000 per year. Total savings to date: $21,000.

“We cannot say enough about the service Dave Piangerelli provides, as well as the top-notch products. The installation of the lubrication system is the single most cost-effective option on a truck,” said Jay and Joe Coughlin.