Performance analysis of motor oil quality in heavily loaded engines of quarry vehicles

Abstract

Recent studies focus on the impact of extreme climatic conditions on mining transport equipment performance. In hot climates (over +50°C) with high dust levels, motor oils in heavily loaded engines are quickly contaminated with impurities. The Muruntau quarry, a unique mining site with a depth of 620m and road lengths of 65–70 km, presents challenges such as reduced diesel engine power (by 20–25%) and rapid insulation degradation. This study evaluates the quality of SAE15W-40, API CI-4/SL motor oils used in CAT-789D dump trucks under these harsh conditions.