Shell Lubricants macro distributor Viva Energy is helping to drive agricultural sustainability and unlock efficiency with the right lubricants
Food security and sustainable farming are critical priorities in the agricultural sector, with industry stakeholders striving to maximise operational efficiency.
But can farmers keep machinery running smoothly while advancing sustainable food production?
Viva Energy, the authorised Shell Lubricants Macro Distributor in Australia, is working to help the agriculture sector use the right lubricants for their farming equipment, so that farms and food production can achieve higher productivity and output.
“Shell Lubricants are ready to keep farmers in the field with machinery operating at its best,” says Paul Fisher, agriculture lubricant account manager at Viva Energy.
Global research from Shell Lubricant Solutions reinforces the urgency of addressing these challenges.
According to Agriculture 4.0: The Future of Farming Technology by Oliver Wyman, an estimated 800 million people worldwide face hunger and without growing global population, food production must increase by 70 per cent by 2050.
These figures emphasise the need for innovative solutions to enhance agricultural output sustainably.
In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, the aim is to establish sustainable food production systems by adapting agricultural practices to climate change, mitigating natural disasters, and improving land and soil quality.
Bridging the gap
Using the right lubricant can significantly boost equipment performance, protect the environment, and extend natural resource supply, positioning the agriculture industry closer to its sustainability targets.
“Effective lubrication is often undervalued on farms, and its benefits are frequently overlooked,” Fisher says.
“Equipment breakdowns, especially during peak farming seasons, are not just frustrating but can be highly costly.
“Ensuring farming equipment operates at peak efficiency is increasingly vital as sustainability becomes central to the agricultural landscape.”
Shell Lubricant Solutions research conducted in 2018 reveals that 68 per cent of surveyed participants prioritise maximising the lifespan of existing equipment.
It also showed 77 per cent recognise effective maintenance as a cost-saving measure, yet 41 per cent report experiencing equipment breakdowns due to ineffective lubrication, and 42 per cent rarely prioritise lubrication.
The research also identified a significant knowledge gap, as 57 per cent of participants were unaware that proper lubrication reduces downtime, which is a critical insight for improving farming operations.
Sustainable partner
“We’re here to support the agriculture sector with lubricant solutions,” Fisher says.
“Our local Viva Energy technical team and account managers are equipped with the knowledge to provide the right product recommendations and rationalisations for farming equipment and machinery.”
The Shell Lubricant product portfolio has a wide variety of products and applications including engine oils, transmission fluids and greases which are each designed to extend equipment life, reduce fuel consumption and prolong oil drain intervals.
The Shell Rimula range of heavy-duty diesel engine oils, powered by Shell’s Dynamic Protection Plus technology – a blend of synthetic base oil and adaptive additives – delivers long-lasting protection across diverse road and off-road conditions.
“Shell Lubricants also work closely with the industry Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and are approved by or meet the specifications of over 3,000 OEMs, including: Caterpillar, John Deere, Deutz Fahr, Kioti, Case IH, New Holland, Volvo, Versatile, and many more,” Fisher says.
These industry relationships are important to support the development of new innovative products and specifications, to ensure machinery is operating efficiently and farmers have the most reliable agricultural fleet.
Applying the correct lubricants across operations can also lead to significant cost savings.
Although lubricant costs typically account for only 1-2 per cent of total maintenance expenses, when optimised it can reduce operating costs by up to 30 per cent, according to data from Agriculture: Global Report Powering Peak Performance, Edelman Intelligence.
Building knowledge
Minimising unplanned downtime and optimising key activities like cultivation, planting, and harvesting depends heavily on effective lubrication.
“We offer services such as Shell LubeMatch, enabling farmers to identify the right lubricants for their equipment in seconds,” Fisher says.
“Our technical team is also available via phone or email to provide product recommendations and specifications – and we can also support customers with our Shell LubeCoach academy online training resource to help build their knowledge on the importance of effective lubrication.”
From field farmers to equipment manufacturers, sustainable practices are shaping the future of agriculture. Collaborative products and partnerships will be vital in addressing this global challenge.
For more information, contact Viva Energy Australia’s technical team at 1300 134 205 or email technicalhelpdesk@vivaenergy.com.au