A fuel-tax rebate exists for VAT registered farmers, who can claim money back on their diesel purchases — 40% from the fuel levy and 100% from the Road Accident Fund levy. Find the Diesel Refund Guide, downloadable in pdf format, on www.sars.gov.za.
The equipment owner should always select and use oil that at least meets the minimum API Engine Service Classification recommended by the engine manufacturer. Most gasoline engines require motor oils designated “API Service SG or better”. Farm diesel engines require oils designated “API Service CF-4 or better”.
This system, developed by the American Petroleum Institute, provides a guide for the selection of crankcase oils suitable for various service conditions. It classifies general ranges of engine service needs based upon:
Here’s how it works. Each service class is designated by letters, the first letter being “S” for petrol and “C” for diesel engines. The higher the second letter the higher the performance level of the oil. This provides a convenient means for the engine manufacturer to indicate the service characteristics of his various engine designs and hence their lubrication requirements.
No. The SAE numbers refer to the viscosity of oil only, as defined in the SAE Crankcase Oil Viscosity Classification. “Viscosity” is a measure of the “resistance to flow”, or you might say it is the “body” or “thickness” of the oil. A poor quality oil can have the same SAE viscosity classification as a good oil.
A multi-grade oil is one which meets an SAE viscosity requirement at both 0oC and 100oC. It does not thin out as much when heated or thicken up as much when cooled as a single viscosity oil. For example, SAE 15W-40 oils meet cold cranking requirements of SAE 15W at 0oC and high temperature viscosity requirements of SAE 40 at 100oC. Thus, a multi-grade oil stretches the usable temperature range. It provides easier cold-weather starting, quicker, more efficient lubrication, reduced engine wear, and better fuel economy.
If your tractor is in A-1 mechanical condition, operating on the recommended type crankcase oil, and under normal operating conditions, follow instructions in the owner’s manual. If any of the conditions vary greatly, the drain period should be reduced accordingly.
The functions of the engine oil are to lubricate, cool, seal and clean. When an oil loses its ability to perform any of these functions, it is worn out. Contamination of oil occurs in all engines. The contaminants are unburned and partially burned fuel; fuel combustion products, including water; dirt and dust. These contaminants eventually destroy the oil’s capability to function efficiently. Oil should be drained before it reaches this condition. Engines will run better – longer, when the oil is changed as recommended.
Oil filters should be serviced in accordance with instructions contained in the service manual. When properly serviced, they do an effective job of removing the larger solid particles contaminating the oil, thereby reducing wear and increasing engine life. Oil filters cannot, however, remove the need for changing the oil at proper intervals.
Excessive thickening of lubricating oil in service is associated with the amount of contaminants it contains and how much the oil has oxidized. For example, solid contaminants such as finely dispersed carbon in diesel engine oils can cause severe thickening. The thickening of crankcase oil in service is generally associated with infrequent oil drain practices.
Many engine oils are naturally dark in colour even before use because of their additive content. Further darkening of engine oils is normal in use. Marked changes in colour are caused by even minor amounts of contaminants. Dispersed carbon (fuel soot) causes diesel oils to become extremely dark very rapidly. Combustion residues from the antiknock additive in gasoline can cause a grey appearance. Water can cause a cloudy or emulsified appearance.
The most common cause of motor oil thinning out is an excessive amount of unburned fuel entering the crankcase. This can be a warning of a mechanical problem unrelated to the lubricant.
Generally, this is caused by contaminants e.g. dirt or water. Also, a common cause is aeration, caused from an air leak into the hydraulic system.
Yes! The source of many fuel and oil complaints is right at the fuel storage tank or oil drum, after delivery has been made to the consumer. Great care should be taken to keep water and other contaminants out of fuels and lubricants by storing drums under cover or on their sides to prevent rainwater from entering through the bung, by keeping fuel tanks filled to prevent moisture accumulation from condensation, and by keeping lubricant containers tightly closed when not in use.
Safety must also be considered in handling light petroleum products, fuel oil, diesel fuel, kerosene and gasoline. Mishandling and carelessness in handling these products are fire and explosion hazards. Never allow gasoline to mix with other products because it is a most volatile material. Only a small quantity of gasoline in diesel fuel or kerosene will lower the flash point and cause a serious safety hazard.
No, providing it is properly stored and contamination does not occur.
Source: ENGEN
Diesel is not like water, which is a simple mixture which freezes at a single temperature. Some elements in diesel freeze earlier than others and become waxy. These crystals turn the diesel cloudy, block the fuel filter and make it difficult to pump the diesel to the engine. Some companies include an additive to help this.
There are also other steps you can take:
But remember: not all cold starting problems in winter are caused by fuel. Before winter starts, ensure that your fuel filters are clean, and are replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Above all, make sure you are using a winter grade lubricant.
Source: SHELL
With pre-cleaners you can extend the life of your air filter by removing up to 90% of the dirt and contaminants before it reaches the filter. The pre-cleaners are designed especially for equipment operating in very heavy dust and debris environments such as agricultural and construction vehicles and mining equipment.
Proper filtration:
Filtration on bulk oil and diesel systems prevents the ingression of solid particulate matter into equipment when filling or topping up oil or fuel tanks. Over 70% of system failures are the direct result of poor fluid condition or management. In addition to prolonged component life, cleaner diesel gives other benefits, including improved fuel consumption and reduced service costs.
Source: Donaldson Filtration Solutions
The Agricultural Policy Action Plan (APAP) identified the increased reliance by South Africa on imported agricultural inputs (chemical fertilisers, diesel, machinery and ingredients for animal feed) as an issue requiring attention.
The government department relevant to this page is the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The “Contact Us” link on www.energy.gov.za will give you provincial contact numbers. The national telephone number is 012 406 8000 / 7798.
The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) has a mandate is to regulate the electricity, piped-gas and petroleum pipeline industries in terms of the Petroleum Pipelines Act, 2003 (Act No. 60 of 2003). Visit www.nersa.org.za.
The CEF Group of Companies is a private company, incorporated in terms of the Companies Act, and is governed by the CEF Act. It manages the operation and development of the oil and gas assets and operations of the South African government. Find contact details for and information on the following at www.cefgroup.co.za:
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) www.sabs.co.za The diesel standard (specification), SANS 342, like all national standards developed by Standards South Africa – the standards-generating division of the SABS – was developed through consensus by a national technical committee consisting of stakeholders in the field.
Further reference:
Companies
Visit the websites listed earlier on this page.
Photo by Mark Stebnicki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-shot-of-industrial-containers-against-blue-sky-11678741/
