Testimonials
Monolec Ultra® Engine Oil significantly improved engine life and efficiency for Cox Wood Preserving Co.'s fleet.
key takeaways
Challenge
Switching to a more efficient oil could reduce the frequency of oil changes and consumption, potentially saving on maintenance costs and extending engine life beyond the current 9,000 hours between overhauls.
LE solution
Monolec Ultra® Engine Oil (8800) is suggested for extending oil drain intervals to 800 hours, reducing oil consumption, and increasing engine life, according to LE lubrication consultant Helmut von Schweinitz.
Results
Converting units to Monolec 8800 resulted in a 50% reduction in oil consumption, with units like #30 achieving 19,870 hours and using only one quart of oil per 100 hours, demonstrating significant efficiency and longevity.
Thanks to the efforts of Sheckie Summers, our maintenance superintendent, and Lubrication Engineers, the productivity of our plant assets have increased substantially in the past 25 years.
- Bill Cox, Jr., Ceo
Customer Profile
Cox Wood Preserving Company is a family-run business specializing in the manufacture and distribution of pressuretreated wood products. They grew from a one-plant facility with four employees in 1954 to ten locations in five states, with more than 360 employees. They have been an LE customer since 1981.
Application
The Cox Wood Preserving Co. fleet consists of five Hyster Model H190HD, eight 1998 Hyster H190XL, five 1997 H135XL and two H80XL lifts at the Orangeburg facility. The fleet is upgraded with three newer models about every three years and then older units are sold off.
Challenge
While using a commercial grade oil, the forklifts were requiring an oil change every 200 hours, with oil consumption of approximately two quarts per 50 hours of operation. Engine life was around 9,000 hours between overhauls. Sheckie Summers, shop superintendent, noted that based on the operation hours per month, lifts and other support equipment would need an oil change to the tune of one unit per day, every day of the month.
LE Solution
Monolec Ultra® Engine Oil (8800) was recommended for extending oil drain intervals, reducing oil consumption and increasing engine life. Helmut von Schweinitz, LE lubrication consultant, felt that the drain intervals could be extended to 800 hours.
Results
The first units converted showed a 50 percent reduction in oil consumption; and oil analysis showed low wear even as the units approached the first 800 hours. Based on the results of the first units converted, all units were converted to Monolec 8800 in the fall of 1987. In May of 1990, results were reviewed. The units were still averaging 45 hours per week and the average oil consumption of the fleet was less than one quart per 45 hours. In September of 2006, the results were updated. These units have been sold off but their history still stands. Unit #28, purchased new in June of 1988, had 16,341 hours before a rebuild was required. Unit #29 had 15,866 hours before the piston ring cracked from fatigue, causing the engine to be rebuilt. The lower end showed very little wear and the engine was exceptionally clean. Unit #30, purchased new in January of 1990, has 19,870 hours to date. These units use only one quart of oil in 100 hours of operation.