FUCHS launches an all-purpose agricultural lubricant in South Africa

FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA has launched a multipurpose lubricant for the agricultural industry. The new product, AGRIFARM UTTO FLEX, is ideal for transmissions, final drives, hydraulics, and oil-immersed brakes of agricultural and even certain off-highway equipment.  

“The agricultural industry is demanding and maintenance-intensive when it comes to equipment. Moreover, it is cyclical, which places significant stress on lubricants and related products. Most lubricants are developed for environments where vehicles are cruising at around 60 kph. Agricultural equipment, however, operates steadily between 2 kph and 20 kph and is in constant use. This not only requires a very robust lubricant, but the cooling of the product is crucial since it typically runs hotter than it would in standard truck applications,” said Greg Tarr, Application Engineers Manager at FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA. This means that the lubricant must perform exceptionally well under diverse and arduous conditions, especially since it is an all-purpose product. 

 “It is a real benefit for customers to have one product that can be used across their entire fleet of agricultural equipment,” said Hayley Arnesen, National Sales Manager – Automotive After Market, FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA. The new FUCHS’ lubricant meets 99% of all hydraulic requirements, 100% of wet brake requirements, and covers all transmission needs as well. It has been developed in accordance with benchmark OEM standards. 

While still in the early stages of obtaining market feedback, Arnesen says the product will be widely available through farming co-ops and dealers by September– just in time for the intensive planting season that kicks off from September to November. “We are genuinely excited about the potential for this product in the agricultural industry, especially in terms of increased productivity and reduced maintenance.” 

A complete oil change is recommended when converting to a new product. Major benefits are superior load carrying and anti-wear protection and high oxidation, corrosion, and foam resistance. 

The product caught the attention of the FUCHS Group headquarters in Germany when it was submitted for testing and it is likely to be added to the global product portfolio in the near future.