A new agreement between Kramp and oil and machinery lubricant supplier Shell will make ordering a barrel of engine oil as simple as buying a new pair of overalls.
This is according to Kramp Group, an agricultural spare parts and accessories specialist, that has over 3,500 dealerships.
The agreement will see Kramp offer UK farmers access to Shell’s range of heavy-duty engine oils, transmission oils and greases, which are all designed specifically for use in agriculture, it said.
Kramp hopes the agreement will encourage farmers to prioritise good lubricant use, as it can work out cheaper for maintenance costs in the long run.
Kramp’s assortment manager, Craig Marsh, said: “It’s easy to think of oils and lubricants as a commodity item and indeed they might cost only 1-2% of a farm’s total maintenance costs.
“Yet good lubricant practice is inextricably linked to lower total cost of ownership (TCO).”
Machinery maintenance
Kramp said that, while farmers recognise the benefits of a proactive maintenance approach, figures from Shell have revealed that not all are succeeding in its implementation.
77% of those surveyed believe that effective maintenance generates cost savings, but 48% feel that maintenance is often ignored until there’s a breakdown.
Further results from the survey suggested that lubrication – or lack of it – is a common problem.
41% of survey respondents said they had experienced equipment breakdowns due to ineffective lubrication, while 42% admitted that lubrication was not a maintenance priority.
“That doesn’t square with the fact that more than two-thirds of farmers say their priority is maximising the lifespan of existing equipment,” Marsh said.
“By optimising lubricant selection and choosing oils specifically designed for heavy-duty field work, farmers can also improve fuel efficiency and reduce oil change intervals.”
The new agreement will come into effect this month and will enable UK farmers to order products like Shell Rimula, Shell Tellus and Shell Gadus online or through their local Kramp dealer for next-day delivery.
