By Brad Swartzell
Energy Sales and Marketing Manager, North Central Co-op

Imagine if a simple, quick and inexpensive test could save fleet operators thousands of dollars in materials, time and unexpected delays while at the same time reducing environmental impact. North Central Co-op (NCC) has designed a fluid analysis program providing benefits such as these and more to the many commercial fleets they serve.

Controlling costs while eliminating untimely equipment downtime is a strategic goal of NCC’s fluid analysis program. The analysis program, designed for home-based fleets, school bus companies and other local trucking operations, detects impurities in the engine’s oil that can signal equipment wear and anticipates needs before emergency repairs are necessary.

“Like a blood test can detect what is going on in our bodies, the fluid analysis can tell us what is happening in the engine,” says Brad Swartzell, energy marketing and sales manager for NCC. “We are using this program with a variety of fleets to pinpoint potential engine problems and, in many cases, extending the life of the oil and the engine.”

Through the fluid analysis program, fleet managers can better regulate oil consumption and engine maintenance. The program is designed as preventative maintenance and as a means to run diagnostics as issues with oil may occur. Based on the test results, managers may opt to extend the life of the oil beyond routine oil change intervals. Impurities detected in the oil can signal operational failure before the engine shuts down completely.

“By reducing the number of oil changes, we can reduce oil waste, oil and filter use and labor costs, offering a tremendous savings to our customers,” Swartzell says. “As an added benefit, the reduction in oil waste and oil consumption is better for the environment.”

NCC partners with Polaris Laboratory for the fluid analysis. Using a third-party lab ensures that customers are receiving accurate and unbiased data about their analysis. Customers enrolled in the program send samples using special mailers provided by NCC. Lab results are available within 24-48 hours from submission to the lab.

“The fleets enrolled in the program are realizing savings across the board, from reduction in oil changes and the costs associated with them, to preventing emergency maintenance needs,” Swartzell adds.

Fleet managers interested in the fluid analysis program can contact Brad Swartzell at 800-720-0550 or stop by their local NCC location for more details.