Fluids and Filters: Best Practices for Maintaining Your CASE Equipment

Protecting the health and longevity of CASE construction equipment is a top priority for equipment owners. Fluids, filters, and routine maintenance play an integral role in keeping your machines running efficiently and reliably. From selecting the right hydraulic oil to adopting fluid testing, this guide outlines essential practices for maintaining your equipment.

Start with Your Equipment Manual

Every machine is unique, with specific maintenance requirements. Always start by consulting your owner’s manual or reaching out to your local CASE dealer. Dealers can help you create a tailored maintenance plan that aligns with your equipment’s needs. Don’t have your manual handy? You can easily order a replacement through the “Manuals” section at the bottom of kce.com.

Why Proper Fluids and Filters are Essential

There’s a misconception that “oil is oil” or “coolant is coolant,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Choosing the right fluids and filters is vital for protecting your equipment, especially when you’ve invested tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars into your machinery.

Construction equipment operates under significantly higher stress than vehicles. While cars use just 30% of their horsepower and trucks use about 60%, construction equipment often reaches up to 90% of its horsepower capacity. Using automotive-grade fluids increases wear on machinery, leading to reduced performance and potential system failures.

Proper fluids and filters represent a small but impactful investment. They help safeguard against damage, ensure peak performance, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Lubrication and Filtration as Your First Line of Defense

Failing to properly lubricate and filter your equipment can result in premature wear and damage to critical components such as bearings, bushings, and chains. Over time, this wear can escalate into more serious and costly issues. Neglecting lubrication may also lead to overheating and accelerated deterioration of parts.

To avoid such problems, adhere to your preventive maintenance schedule. If your peak work season hasn’t arrived yet, consider taking your machine to your CASE dealer for fluid testing and a comprehensive inspection. Always use OEM-approved fluids and filters to maintain your equipment’s warranty and uphold optimal performance.

Perform Daily Inspections and Account for Seasonal Transitions

Your equipment can’t talk, but it can tell you a lot. Daily operational checks before and after use are essential. Pay attention to signs such as leaks, broken hoses, or damaged filters. Regularly check fluid levels for engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant. Sudden drops in levels might indicate hidden damage requiring immediate attention.

Seasonal changes bring additional factors to consider. Make sure your hydraulic and coolant levels are adjusted appropriately. Modern cooling systems must operate at full capacity to prevent oxygen contamination, which can lead to corrosion or other system issues.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oils

While synthetic oils may come with a higher price tag, they frequently deliver superior performance. Benefits include better functionality in extreme temperature conditions, easier equipment starts, and extended service intervals (increasing from 300 hours to 500 hours). With these advantages, synthetic oil is often worth the initial investment, as it helps reduce downtime and maximizes equipment protection.

Stick to Service Intervals

Scheduled service intervals aren’t just guidelines; they should be treated as hard deadlines. With tools like SiteWatch telematics, you can track engine hours and receive alerts for upcoming maintenance tasks. Following these intervals ensures your equipment operates at optimal efficiency and can greatly reduce long-term costs.

Remember, even if your equipment isn’t heavily used, fluids can degrade over time. For instance, hydraulic oil may absorb moisture through condensation. This is why changing fluids solely based on operating hours isn’t always sufficient.

The Case for OEM Filters and Coolants

Using OEM filters brings superior protection compared to generic alternatives. CASE OEM filters incorporate specialized micro-loc media for tighter filtration, preventing harmful contaminants from damaging critical system components. Opting for OEM products ensures long-term compatibility and reliability for your machinery.

Many CASE machines now utilize Organic Additive Technology (OAT) coolants, which are incompatible with conventional coolants. Mixing the two could result in gelling or even system failure. Always check your coolant fill point to confirm the required type, and flush the system with distilled water if transitioning to a new coolant type.

Leverage Fluid Analysis for Preventive Maintenance

One of the most effective strategies for early problem detection is fluid analysis. By sending engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant samples to labs, you can assess wear metals, contamination levels, and the overall condition of fluids. This proactive measure identifies potential issues before they develop into costly problems.

Tracking fluid analysis over time provides key insights for better decision-making. For maximum effectiveness:

• Test engine oil every 250 hours.

• Test hydraulic oil every 500 hours.

• Test coolant annually.

CASE offers a convenient four-in-one testing kit (part number SG4PACK) that delivers actionable results within 24 hours.

Partner with Your CASE Dealer for Comprehensive Maintenance

Programs such as CASE ProCare simplify equipment upkeep by offering three-year/2,000-hour maintenance coverage. This includes telematics monitoring through SiteWatch. Your local CASE dealer becomes an extension of your operations team, ensuring that certified technicians handle all maintenance using OEM parts.

Additional dealer services include:

• Bulk delivery of OEM fluids.

• Stocking on-site lockers with essential parts and filters.

• Accessing an e-commerce portal for streamlined ordering by equipment model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Get a Fluid Testing Kit?

You can purchase CASE’s four-in-one test kit (SG4PACK) through your local dealer.

Can Hy-Tran Be Used in Older Equipment?

Yes, Hy-Tran is compatible with older machines—but confirm with your dealer to ensure proper usage.

What if I Mixed the Wrong Coolant?

Flush the system three times with distilled water and consult your dealer for further guidance.

How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?

• Engine oil filters should be changed every ~500 hours.

• Hydraulic filters should be changed every 1,000–2,000 hours.

Does CASE Sell OEM DEF?

Yes, CASE offers Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Store your DEF in temperature-controlled conditions to prevent freezing or degradation.

Prioritize Maintenance for Long-Term Success

Maintaining your CASE equipment hinges on using quality fluids and filters. These measures not only protect your investment but also improve performance, reduce downtime, and extend machine life.

At Eagle Power & Equipment, we’re committed to helping contractors like you achieve more than operational efficiency. When you work with us, you gain a strategic partner dedicated to your success—from equipment selection to long term maintenance strategies

Don’t settle for a simple handshake and price quote. Elevate your business by partnering with a dealership that works as hard as you do to ensure your success. Are you a CASE equipment owner and need to arrange a proactive maintenance schedule including fluid and filter rotation and replacement? Contact us today and see why Eagle Power & Equipment is your go-to option for construction gear sales, rentals, service, repairs, and your long term maintenance needs!