SOS Fluid Analysis Services

Keeping your heavy equipment in top condition is critical for reducing downtime and boosting productivity. At Thompson Tractor, our scheduled oil sampling (SOS) services offer a proactive approach to equipment health. Our services identify potential issues before they lead to expensive repairs and breakdowns. Our expert team will give you insights into your equipment, protecting your investment for years.

What Is SOS Fluid Analysis?

Cat® SOS Fluid Analysis is a program that monitors your equipment’s condition. Routine fluid testing analyzes coolant, engine oil, hydraulic oil, and other fluids to understand your machine’s health. With early contaminant, metal, and anomaly detection, SOS Fluid Analysis helps you make informed maintenance decisions. Thompson Tractor’s experienced team will provide you with data that maximizes machine performance.

Techniques Used in Oil Analysis

Techniques in Oil Analysis

Thompson Tractor uses industry-standard techniques to identify your issues and prevent future problems. Our services keep your system in top condition, protecting your investments. We use these techniques for engine oil analysis:

  1. Oil condition analysis: Oil condition analysis compares used engine oil samples with new, unused engine oil to detect lubrication loss. Soot, oxidation, and sulfur can cause lubrication loss. Additionally, other contaminants like water, coolant, and fuel can affect your engine’s oil.
  2. Wear metals analysis: Wear metal analysis detects and records metals contaminating your equipment’s system. We record and evaluate nine metals to monitor compartment wear. We use the industry-standard measurements of in parts per million to report metal analysis results. The metal levels in the oil then indicate where equipment wear is occurring. We test for lead, aluminum, silicon, tin, sodium, potassium, iron, and chrome.
  3. Particle count testing: Particle count testing detects larger particles not found in standard wear metal testing. Testing for larger contaminants gives you a better look at your equipment’s condition.
  4. Viscosity testing: Viscosity testing looks at your oil’s lubrication ability and flow. Oil contamination lowers the viscosity, reducing its lubrication abilities. Viscosity testing determines if you have an oil transfer in your compartments or the wrong oil weight.
  5. Coolant analysis: Cooling system or coolant problems can be due to incorrect operation, poor maintenance, or inaccurate coolant concentrations. These issues can cause accelerated oil degradation, insufficient heat transfer, and corrosion. Coolant analysis shows your coolant system’s condition, finding current issues and predicting future system problems.

Avoid Unplanned Repairs or Catastrophic Failures

Thompson’s SOS Service is invaluable for supporting the health of your equipment. Our programs keep your machines running, avoiding expensive issues. Maximize productivity and your investment.

Early Detection Through Fluid Analysis

Early detection keeps your machines running at their best. Thompson Tractor’s SOS Fluid Analysis is an accurate, effective program that lets you reduce downtime and operating costs. Thompson Tractor’s lab provides complete lab services. We use correct sampling techniques and testing procedues to monitor equipment condition. Use our advanced techniques to forecast repairs and maintenance accurately.

Our experience tell us that preventive maintenance and cost-effective before-failure repairs are two important tools that regular oil sampling can provide. Our team analyzes results against previous records to find unusual wear trends. Then, we give you an overall evaluation and recommendation. Customers can use our oil analysis form to fine-tune their equipment maintenance for better performance.

Is Oil Analysis Worth It?

Sampling Fluids

Yes, oil analysis is worth it for your equipment. Routine oil analysis is an essential investment for anyone who owns or manages heavy equipment. Sampling fluids shows you how your machinery is performing. When contaminants sneak in, they slowly damage equipment and affect performance. SOS Fluid Analysis catches these issues before they lead to breakdowns.

While early detection is important, SOS Fluid Analysis can do even more — it can also predict future failures based on wear patterns and fluid conditions. This insight keeps you ahead of potential problems. When you know what to expect, you can correct issues before they happen. Use this information to extend your equipment’s life span and keep operations running efficiently.

Advantages for Maintenance Managers and Fleet Owners

Maintenance managers and fleet owners can benefit from regular fluid checks with:

  • More cost savings: Detecting problems early prevents small issues from becoming major repairs. Avoiding these expenses means significant cost savings in the long run. Additionally, finding these problems reduces unscheduled downtime and field repairs, which can eat into your project costs and timelines.
  • Extended equipment life: Regular oil analysis ensures your machines are running optimally. Over time, undetected issues create wear and tear that affects machine performance. The better you take care of your equipment, the longer it will last.
  • Improved fuel efficiency: Maintaining your engine health protects its fuel efficiency. SOS Fluid Analysis can boost your fuel economy. When contaminants build up, it affects the engine. You need more fuel to get the same job done, driving up fuel use. Properly maintained equipment runs more efficiently, reducing your long-term fuel costs.

Contact Thompson for SOS Fluid Analysis

Contact Thompson Tractor for SOS Fluid Analysis

Ready to optimize your equipment’s performance? Thompson Tractor provides comprehensive testing through our SOS Fluid Analysis services. Get the most out of your machinery with detailed insights into fluid conditions. We’re here to help you build a better heavy equipment experience. From regular specials on equipment and parts to dedicated shop service, Thompson Tractor is your expert team. Contact us with questions about our services, or find a location near you today!

 

Do you have any questions? Contact:

Tony Harris, Fluids Lab Supervisor /205-849-4264 / TonyHarris@ThompsonTractor.com

Already have an SOS Services Web Account? Click on the link below:

SOS Web: Fluid Maintenance for your Fleet.