Lubricants play a crucial role in equipment efficiency: V. Maloo, ENSO
Vaibhav Maloo, Managing Director, ENSO Group, speaks on the primary factors that construction equipment customers prioritise when selecting lubricants.

How does your product range ensure the efficiency and uptime of construction equipment through effective lubrication?
Enso Oils & Lubricants offers a comprehensive range of products from Gazpromneft Lubricants, Russia, designed to enhance construction equipment efficiency and uptime. These include engine oils with high viscosity index, anti-wear, detergent, and dispersant additives; hydraulic fluids with thermal stability, anti-wear properties, and filtration compatibility; gear oils with extreme pressure additives, corrosion inhibitors, and high load-carrying capacity; and greases with high adhesion, water resistance, and EP additives. Benefits include reduced friction, improved fuel efficiency, extended oil life, corrosion prevention, condition monitoring for predictive maintenance, reliable operation, longer maintenance intervals, easy handling, and training support.

What are the primary factors that construction equipment customers prioritise when selecting lubricants?
When selecting lubricants for construction equipment, customers prioritise performance and protection, including anti-wear properties, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance. They seek lubricants meeting OEM specifications and offering multi-purpose use. Environmental and safety considerations, such as biodegradability and regulatory compliance, are crucial. Operational efficiency is enhanced by friction reduction and smooth operation.

Cost-effectiveness focuses on extended drain intervals and overall value. Reliability and consistency are ensured through quality assurance and reputable brands. Technical support, availability, supply chain reliability, and application-specific needs, such as tailored formulations and extreme condition performance, are also key factors.

With new emission regulations already impacting the commercial vehicle market, what features have you incorporated into your lubricant range to comply with these regulations?
Several features have been incorporated into the wide range of lubricants marketed by Enso Oils & Lubricants that comply with contemporary emission regulations, enhancing fuel efficiency, and addressing environmental requirements. Key features include low-SAPS formulations to protect after-treatment devices and meet emission standards, friction modifiers to reduce engine friction and improve fuel economy, and enhanced oxidation stability for better performance at high temperatures.

Advanced additives keep engines clean and minimise buildup, while anti-wear additives protect engine components and extend engine life. Compliance with API, ACEA standards, and OEM approvals ensures reliability. Advanced engine oil monitoring tools support predictive maintenance and optimal performance.

How are you developing lubricants tailored for off-highway applications?
Consistent focus is given to development of lubricants specifically tailored for off-highway applications like construction, mining, agriculture, and forestry. These lubricants withstand heavy loads, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions. Advanced additives provide anti-wear and EP protection, oxidation stability, and consistent viscosity. Specialised products include heavy-duty diesel engine oils, high-performance hydraulic fluids, and multi-purpose greases. Field testing ensures real-world durability, while compliance with API, ACEA, and OEM standards guarantees quality. Technical support and training help customers optimise usage. Innovative packaging solutions offer flexibility and ease of handling, ensuring efficiency and reliability in demanding environments.

What other innovations are occurring in lubricants specifically designed for off-highway applications?
Innovations in off-highway lubricants focus on advanced additive technologies like nano-additives and high-performance EP additives for superior protection and longevity. Synthetic and semi-synthetic formulations enhance performance and extend drain intervals. Environmentally friendly solutions include biodegradable lubricants and low-toxicity additives.

Enhanced friction modifiers and improved seal compatibility boost efficiency. Smart lubrication technologies enable real-time condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Customisable formulations cater to specific equipment needs. Improved compatibility with new engine technologies and alternative fuels is prioritised. Smart packaging solutions facilitate handling and dispensing. Regulatory compliance ensures adherence to global standards and certifications, validating lubricant performance and reliability.

Are there any additional insights or aspects regarding industrial lubricants that you would like to share?
Industrial lubricants play a crucial role in equipment efficiency and longevity, impacting cost considerations by reducing maintenance needs and extending equipment life. Technology integration includes smart lubrication systems and real-time condition monitoring for data-driven maintenance decisions. Environmental sustainability focuses on biodegradable and low-toxicity formulations, recycling practices, and green certifications.

Customisation meets specific industry needs, while regulatory compliance with global standards and OEM approvals ensures quality. Ongoing research drives innovation, and user education on best practices and training ensures optimal lubricant use and handling. These aspects collectively enhance performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in industrial applications.