Tractor lubrication practices in Kenya

VOL 44 • MARCH 2023

W elcome to our first edition of Lubezine Magazine in 2023. As usual, we have gathered for you the latest happenings in the lubricants industry, both in Africa and beyond.

In our cover feature we delve into the state of tractor lubrication in Kenya. With the onset of rains that kick starts the planting season, tractors will be in constant use and ensuring they are properly lubricated will be key to guarantee that they are operating at optimum levels, by reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

Mr Baraka, a seasoned lubricants professional from Kenya and the author of this article, exposes some of the myths that prevail as far as maintenance of tractors is concerned and their detrimental impact on cost of maintenance, productivity and the environment. “Most of the time when I talk to tractor owners against using water in radiators, they get surprised and the common response is: “when I was born, my grandfather used water, my father used water so I use water” he says.

It has been reported elsewhere that the number of tractors in South Sahara region has declined from 235,000 in 1970 to 222,000 in 2000 (Vergnani, 2013). It will not be a far fetched assertion to attribute this decline to high cost of maintenance and short tractor life. Therefore, adherence to proper maintenance procedure for tractors will play a major role in supporting agriculture mechanization drive in Africa.

In the professional interview segment, we feature FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA Technical Manager who shares his experience in the lubricants industry, explains on the operations of FUCHS LUBRICANTS in South Africa and presents a general overview of the South African lubricants landscape.

Still in the African continent, significant activities have been happening. In Nigeria, Bestaf Lubricants Limited commissioned a lubricant blending plant with a capacity of 200 million litres per annum. In South Africa, PETRONAS sold its 74% stake in Engen, one of the largest Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in South Africa. This stake was sold to Vivo Energy, the marketer and distributor of Shell fuels and lubricants in Africa and is now awaiting regulatory approval before the deal can be concluded. In Kenya, the Saudi Arabian based oil company Saudi Aramco made its entry after acquiring the operations of Valvoline Global Products Business.

We also bring you news of the latest products launched in the market like additives for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) by Lubrizol, Neste’s lubricants made from re-refined base oils and Castrol new lubricant for motorcycles.

To wrap up this edition, we dive deeper into motorcycle oils. Motorcycle transport is an important form of carriage in most parts of the world and especially in Africa. The article by Lubrizol addresses why it will be important to upgrade the performance levels of motorcycle oils. This is largely being driven by motorcycle markets around the world legislating tighter and tougher emissions standards.

This is just a snippet of what this edition has in store for you. We welcome you to indulge and be up to date with the lubricants industry. .

Happy Reading!