Fraser Alexander Mining

Achieves 21,000+ hours in articulated dump truck operation using the Caltex Delo ®
family of products.

Founded in 1912, Fraser Alexander has grown from humble beginnings to become a key player in the South African mining industry and in selected global locations including sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and South America.

From Light Vehicles to Heavy Duty Equipment

Passenger vehicles and motorcycles or heavy-duty industrial equipment, Havoline and Delo customers worldwide rely on our lubricants to keep their vehicles at peak performance.

After 21,000+ severe service hours using Delo® _XLD Multigrade SAE 10W-40, Caltex and Frasier Alexander personnel agreed to inspect one of their Mercedes- Benz OM 906 LA engines from a Bell 20-ton articulated dump truck (ADT) used in coal hauling operations.

Additionally, the team inspected the major cooling components of the Mercedes- Benz OM 906 LA engine that used Caltex Delo® _XLC Coolant. Despite the harsh operating environment and hard water found in the operating area, the water pump impeller and pump housing showed no signs of cavitation or corrosion after 21,000+ hours of operation. The thermostat was clean and free of any visual silicate film or corrosion.

We run a fleet of approximately 412 pieces of equipment, which includes such things as ADTs, front-end loaders and excavators. The very high exhaust gas temperatures and the long haul have a harsh effect on the engine. We run Delo® across the board in all the engines.

We see excellent deposit control provided by Caltex Delo® XLD Multigrade SAE 10W-40 – free movement of the rings, for good sealing. Clean underside, for good heat transfer; and the crown lands, the second land, and the third land are clean, as are the ring grooves. I’ve inspected all the contact surfaces of the valve train components, and wear is also well under control.

We haven’t found any signs of pitting of cylinder liners or buildup of scale or anything like that on the water pump or any of the other cooling components using the Caltex Extended Life Coolant.

Having inspected the engine parts of the OM906 LA diesel engine,we are confident to say it’s the combination of engine design and manufacturer, the maintenance practices of Fraser Alexander, and the performance of Delo _XLD Multigrade SAE 10W-40 and Caltex Delo XLC coolant that have enabled the customer to achieve maximum engine durability.

We operate in a developing country with many challenges to the successful operation of a fleet of equipment, and I’m very pleased to say Delo® is not one of the things I have to worry about. I’m confident that Delo® helps our fleet of equipment go further.

To learn how Delo’s family of products can help you go further, visit www.caltexdelo.co.za

Fraser Alexander Mining

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