ForConstructionPros.com

In today’s environment of increasingly tighter component tolerances and climbing fluids costs, getting equipment serviced in the field in a timely manner using clean, contaminant-free products is more important than ever.

Contamination issues have really changed the dynamics of on-site lubrication, indicates Tim Worman, product manager for commercial vehicles, Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT). “Introducing even a small amount of dirt into a hydraulic system can take a piece of equipment down, and downtime is the worst enemy of revenue generation,” he says. “Contamination control is becoming more and more important.”

Fortunately, lube skids, trailers and trucks provide you with a choice of efficient fluid delivery methods. To determine which option best fits your operation, evaluate your specific uses for the unit.

“Careful consideration of all of the factors will yield a system that is designed to accomplish the duty (or range of duties) required by the end user, making him effective and efficient in servicing his equipment,” says Phil Halt, director of marketing, Auto Crane.

Size vs. mobility

Lube skids are small in size and have the lowest price point. They can be transported on a flatbed or in the bed of a pickup and loaded and unloaded as needed. They’re also a great complement to mechanics trucks, where they can be used for fluid top-offs, emergency maintenance or primary lubrication when large fluid volumes aren’t required.