Volvo Construction Equipment says it's extending oil drain intervals on articulated haulers, wheel loaders and excavators, changing them from a previously recommended 500 hours to 1,000 hours.
The 1,000-hour interval – about a year's average use depending on the application – applies when customers use Volvo Engine Oil VDS-4.5 15W-40 or VDS 4.5 10W-30 and Volvo engine oil filters. Volvo's lubricant partner is ExxonMobil.
Volvo says these lubricants suspend contaminates better and maintain viscosity. The oils resist sludge formation over the full 1,000- hour drain interval. They also provide improved oxidation and higher thermal stability in severe off-highway applications.
The oils were tested using the Volvo Group's T-13 engine test, which measures piston ring wear, cylinder liner wear, lead corrosion, oil consumption, oxidation and nitration. Volvo says no measurable component wear was observed, even after the full test period was completed.
These extended-oil filters can be ordered on models A25G through A60H articulated haulers, L60H through L350H wheel loaders and selected excavator models ranging from EC140E through EC950F. The extended drain interval recommendation does not apply to older machines.
Volvo says the extended drain recommendations can save customers up to 50% on maintenance costs and downtime.
