The first thing we think about when selecting the right lubricant is understanding the technical requirements of the component, whether that is bearings, gears, pumps, the engine. What are the operating conditions, for example, the load it bears and the temperatures it is subjected to? Is the environment a wet or dry one? There are many environmental and machinery-based factors to align before the right product can be ascertained. Until that moment, price is not one of them.

Temperature has a significant influence on the selection and performance of a lubricant. For example, let us consider the cold temperature properties of a grease. If you live in a location with extreme cold temperatures, say -30oC or -22oF, then the selected grease or oil needs to be capable of properly lubricating the component at that temperature especially during start up. Unless the product you choose will do this adequately, it doesn’t matter how much or little it costs, because it will have no value to you.

Similarly, it is prudent to keep in mind that one supplier’s lithium-based EP2 grease is not the same as another supplier’s. There could be many factors that are significantly and critically different, such as the recommended temperature range or base oil viscosity. One will make your machine run more efficiently, and that is the where the value is – no matter the price.

Price does matter, but only to an extent. Operators are often under pressure from senior colleagues to keep budgets in check and to explore where financial efficiencies can be made. The focus should be on high quality products which often lead to cost savings in the form of efficiencies, ultimately contributing to a reduced total cost of ownership.

There is always the odd dollar here and there that can be saved, but it should never be saved at the expense of adhering to the technical specifications of your equipment, because then any dollar you do save, may as well be put into a kitty to balance your books when you have increased downtime or unplanned maintenance.

Paul W. Hetherington, president of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) and manager, technical services Canada at Petro-Canada Lubricants, a HollyFrontier business.

Paul began his one-year term as president of the STLE in May 2020. He has been an active member of the STLE for over 30 years and has held positions on the board of directors and the Society’s Executive Committee as treasurer, secretary and vice president.

Paul has been a Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) since 1994 and has extensive experience within the lubricants industry with previous roles at Syncrude Canada Limited, where he was Lubricant & Fuel Specialist, and The Fluid Life Corporation, where he developed and managed the Training & Consulting division.

He is currently manager, technical services Canada at Petro-Canada Lubricants where he leads a team of 15 senior technical advisors primarily responsible for commercial and industrial markets across Canada. In his current role, Paul works closely with customers to ensure that they are maximizing the efficiency and reliability of their equipment and operations.