When a machine comes to a standstill, the root cause is not always where maintenance teams first look. While engines often receive the most attention, the performance of transmissions, hydraulic systems, cooling circuits and grease-lubricated components can have just as much influence on equipment availability, maintenance costs and overall operational efficiency.

A modern mining machine is a collection of interconnected systems working together under demanding conditions. Haul trucks, excavators, loaders and support equipment rely on a combination of engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils, coolants and greases to operate reliably day after day.

Protecting one system while overlooking another can create vulnerabilities that only become apparent when equipment performance starts to decline or component wear begins to accelerate.

According to Dave Gons, National Manager Mining at FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA and Regional Mining Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, mining operations increasingly benefit from viewing fluid management as a complete equipment strategy rather than a series of individual maintenance decisions.

"Every fluid within a machine has a specific job to do," says Gons. "The challenge is ensuring that each system is properly protected and working as intended. When maintenance teams take a holistic view, they are often better positioned to improve equipment performance and reduce unnecessary risk."

Looking Beyond the Engine

Engine protection remains a critical part of any maintenance programme, which is why products such as TITAN CARGO SAE 15W-40 continue to play an important role in supporting modern diesel engines operating in demanding mining and earthmoving environments.

However, engine performance represents only one aspect of machine health. Transmissions, hydraulic systems, cooling circuits and grease-lubricated components all contribute to equipment reliability and productivity. A weakness in any one of these areas can affect machine availability, maintenance costs and component life.

Protecting Transmissions and Hydraulic Systems

Transmission and hydraulic systems are central to the operation of many mining and construction machines. These systems rely on specialised fluids that not only provide lubrication but also support power transfer, friction control and component protection.

TITAN UTTO PRO 102 has been developed by FUCHS for use in transmissions, axles and hydraulic systems and is approved against the VOLVO WB 102 specification. The product is designed to provide wear protection, friction performance and reliable operation across a broad range of applications.

Alongside this, AGRIFARM UTTO MP provides multifunctional performance for transmissions, hydraulics, wet brakes, clutches and differentials used in various construction and support equipment applications, helping simplify fluid management while supporting dependable operation.

For equipment fitted with highly loaded automatic transmissions, TITAN ATF 5668 has been specifically developed for demanding transmission applications. The fluid is designed to support transmission durability, performance and consistent operation under challenging working conditions.

"These are critical systems that operate under considerable stress," explains Gons. "Selecting the correct fluid can play an important role in supporting performance and protecting components over the long term."

The Often-Overlooked Role of Cooling Systems

Heat management remains one of the most important factors influencing component life and overall machine performance.

To support modern heavy-duty cooling systems, FUCHS offers FRICOFIN LD 50, an advanced ready-mix coolant formulated using X-OAT technology. Designed for long service life, the product provides protection against corrosion and cavitation while supporting efficient cooling system performance across a range of operating conditions.

Completing the Reliability Picture

Beyond engines, transmissions and cooling systems, mining operations also rely heavily on effective lubrication of pins, bushings, bearings and other heavily loaded components.

For these applications, products such as RENOLIT L-LMG 960 EP are designed to provide wear protection, water resistance and corrosion protection in demanding operating environments.

Taken together, engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils, coolants and greases form part of a broader lubrication strategy aimed at protecting the machine as a whole. For FUCHS, this philosophy is central to its complete fluid solutions approach.

"The objective is not simply to supply products," says Gons. "It's about helping customers protect equipment, improve operational efficiency and support long-term reliability across every critical system."

As mining operations continue to focus on productivity and asset performance, a whole-machine approach to fluid management is becoming increasingly important. The result is not only better protection for individual components, but greater confidence in the performance of the equipment they power.

Continuing the Conversation at Electra Mining Africa 2026

Mining professionals interested in discussing these challenges with Dave Gons and the FUCHS Mining team can visit FUCHS at Electra Mining Africa 2026 in Hall 6 (previously Hall 5), Stand C21.