The ExxonMobil™ lubricants team understands just how important a quality lubricant is for the construction industry. Without proper lubrication, equipment efficiency and safety could be compromised. There are countless types of oils and greases available for every piece of equipment — and with so many options, it can be overwhelming to determine which one best fits your needs. That’s where an exceptional distributor, like LF Powers, can help.
Founded in 1931, LF Powers is a family-run lubricant distributor for consumer, commercial and industrial applications. The company has been distributing Mobil products for 70 years and is currently one of the largest Mobil distributors in the US. Based in Waterbury, Conn., LF Powers services 1,500 customers across the Northeast with a diverse offering of Mobil products.
One of those customers is O&G Industries, a Connecticut-based construction services company currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary. It has a network of six quarries, eight concrete plants and nine asphalt plants. Last year, LF Powers provided O&G with oil analysis support through the Mobil℠ Lubricant Analysis program, which looks at the state of a company’s lubricants and its fleet. Using the analysis, LF Powers delivered actionable insights to its customer — with help from ExxonMobil’s extensive network of lubrication engineers, chief engineering managers, application experts, customer service engineers and R&D scientists. For instance, O&G was able to address a problem with their fuel after the analysis found that fuel dilution was likely causing low viscosity in their engines. The company scheduled preventative maintenance to avoid fuel and coolant leaks, which make up the majority of engine-related alerts and contribute to a shorter engine life. Ultimately, the audit allowed O&G to extend equipment life, reduce labor costs and lower total operating costs — with potential annual savings of nearly $349,000.
Here are a few other examples of how LF Powers has been able to help O&G:
1. In Bridgeport, Conn., O&G’s sennebogen material handler, which unloads shipments from barges in the port, was experiencing poor pin life. LF Powers suggested O&G switch from using Mobilgrease XHP™ 462 to Mobilith SHC™ 1500. A successful trial of the lubricant, which is still ongoing, could improve both pin life and equipment reliability.
2. At its quarry in New Milford, Conn., one of O&G’s material handlers was experiencing reduced pin life. LF Powers found that the lubricant O&G was using wasn’t holding up, so LF Powers suggested Mobil Centaur™ XHP 462 Mine instead. As a result, O&G has seen fewer pin failings, along with reduced labor and equipment costs. In addition, the company needs to use the grease only twice daily now, as opposed to 3-4 times per day previously.
3. At O&G’s Torrington, Conn., asphalt plant, the company recorded excessive oil viscosity levels in their oil analysis reports and poor system heat transfer, with no understanding of the root cause. After working with the customer and original equipment manufacturer, LF Powers discovered the system valve configuration was set up incorrectly. This caused the oil to overheat, which resulted in increased oxidization and viscosity. Once the fix was implemented, O&G was able to use less oil to maintain equipment reliability and saw reduced operating costs.
Ultimately, Mobil owes a huge thank you to LF Powers and our entire lubricant distributor network. Our distributors play a critical role not only in connecting with the people and companies that rely on Mobil products, but also in helping customers solve important equipment and business challenges — and O&G is a great case in point. They have been working with LF Powers for 40 years, allowing O&G to successfully deliver its construction services and solutions to a variety of projects across the Northeast. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with both companies, along with our many other distributors and customers across North America.
This success story is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual benefits will vary depending on factors such as vehicle / engine type, driving style and diesel fuel previously used.
Related content
Find a lubricant distributor
