Your engine is at the heart of everything you do — if it doesn’t run properly, neither does your operation. And while it might not be as noticeable on a new tractor or combine, quality oil and oil filters can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining your engine and creating the right conditions for a productive planting season.

How to choose the best oil

Today’s modern, low emission engines are more efficient and powerful than ever before. While that’s good news for your productivity, that means your oil needs to keep up. An oil that can handle the demands of higher temperatures to protect engine components is key to making sure your equipment doesn’t experience premature wear. That means finding an oil with demonstrated resistance to thermal breakdown under high temperatures, and — if you live in an area with harsh winters — excellent cold weather starting.

Next, it’s important to find an oil that offers superior protection in oxidation and aeration control, as well as shear stability and deposit control. Because agricultural equipment is constantly running in heavy-duty conditions at higher temperatures than standard machinery, you should also look for an oil that’s been tested in lab conditions and under load in extreme field testing with proven results.

Lastly, while it might be tempting to save on cost by investing in cheap oil, the truth is that a great oil will lead to generous savings on machine repairs down the road.

What to look for in quality oil filters

Oil filters are just as important to keeping your machine in peak condition as the oil you choose. A poorly constructed oil filter can cause additional contaminants to enter your engine, reducing your efficiency. At worst, a cracked or broken filter can allow dirty fluid to enter your engine and lead to costly equipment breakdowns.

A great filter improves your engine life by preventing contamination and leaks. The following are just some ways well-constructed filters are designed to support machine performance and prevent engine damage:

• Filter design: Unlike canisters built with sharp edges and wrench flats, canisters designed with smooth ends and corners resist pressure cracks which can lead to harmful leaks and contamination.
• Spring: Filter springs built with heavy-gauge wire and a wide diameter offer stable filter support and prevent rocking. Filters with small spring diameters lead to an unstable foundation.
• Media: Whereas filters made from cheap cellulose media skimp on quality and contaminant protection, filters made with synthetic, high-capacity media offer excellent performance.
• Seal: A heavy-duty seal creates a critical barrier directly between the element and baffle which provides an anti-drain back seal upon engine shutdown.
• Baffle: A good baffle helps maintain filter shape and seal for better protection.

Better oil, better productivity

The best oil and oil filters are those made specifically for your machine. Unlike competitors, whose products aren’t always up-to-date with today’s modern engine specifications, Case IH No.1 Engine Oil^™ is specially formulated for high-performance agricultural equipment. When paired with top-of-the-line CNH Industrial filters that are rigorously designed and tested to offer heavy-duty protection, your productivity will rise — and downtime will plummet.

Contact your nearest Rocky Mountain Equipment dealer to learn how you can take advantage of oil and filters that help your machine operate consistently at peak performance. Also check out our Oil and Filter Sale and save on genuine Fleetguard & CNH fluids and filters until March 31st, 2022.