Chevron launches synthetic lubricant for final drives and axles

Chevron Products Company has introduced Delo TorqForce Syn FD-1, a high-performance, fully synthetic lubricant designed for use in final drives and axles of large mining haul trucks and other support equipment. 

The San Ramon, California, U.S.A.-based company, which is a division of an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron Corp., markets a full line of lubrication and coolant products.

Delo TorqForce Syn FD-1 was designed to increase performance over conventional SAE 60 TO-4 and FD-1 products, the company said.

“We’re excited to introduce Delo TorqForce Syn FD-1 designed to maximize productivity and reliability of large mining haul trucks and support equipment,” said Jason Gerig, Chevron Lubricants Commercial Sector manager. 

“Chevron strives to provide lubricants with proven performance through rigorous testing for the mining industry. Results for Delo TorqForce Syn FD-1 showed excellent gear wear protection and very strong oxidation control with minimal varnish to extend service intervals from the standard 4,000 hours to 6,000 hours and well beyond.”

From the early 1970’s through 1990, Caterpillar Inc. has recommended that its customers use API CD oils meeting Caterpillar’s TO-2 Friction Performance Specification to lubricate powershift transmissions and final drives. The fluids that met this specification were engine oils that provided good oxidation stability, foam and rust control and piece part cleanliness. In addition to these features, the TO-2 specification ensured good clutch performance wherever bronze friction discs were used.

In the early 1990’s, Caterpillar introduced a new set of transmission and drive train fluid requirements, Caterpillar TO-4, which replaced CD/TO-2. For maximum performance and life, Caterpillar has recommended TO-4 oils for use in Caterpillar equipment since February 1991.

However, today’s bigger haul trucks are fitted with mechanical drives that use separate compartments for wet brakes. Many customers use TO-4 SAE 10W to lubricate these wet brakes. Larger haul trucks bearing loads, boasting heavier gear and working through higher temperatures put an immense amount of pressure on axles, differentials and final drives. Caterpillar introduced Caterpillar FD-1 in 2001 for lubricants which provide improved gear and bearing life in final drives and axles. Caterpillar recommends using a Final Drive Axle Oil (FDAO) that fulfills the FD-1 specifications for heavily loaded final drives and differentials that do not come with wet brakes.