Co-op’s Bulk Lubricant Delivery Program provides customers with a more affordable and secure supply of oil, hydraulic fluid and other products critical to their machinery. For Kyle Gilson, Bulk Lubricant Manager at Valleyview Co-op, the program is also a means of better understanding and responding to grower needs.
In operation at Valleyview Co-op since 2018, the Bulk Delivery Program covers a wide range of lubricants, including standard and synthetic engine oils, hydraulic fluids and transmission fluids. Maintaining on-farm inventory of these products is particularly critical at seeding and harvest, said Gilson, when ruptured hydraulic lines and other in-field surprises can delay operations.
“If a hydraulic line goes, it can easily result in 110 litres or more of lost product on average. In harvest or seeding, for example, having to stop what you’re doing to go to the store for more hydraulic fluid and to repair the line, versus having enough waiting in your shop ready to go, makes a huge difference,” said Gilson.
“It can mean the difference between getting rolling again that day or not. That matters in a short harvest period.”
Growers participating in the Bulk Delivery Program can receive products in 1,000-litre totes or 205-litre barrels. Top-mount tote kits equipped with 35- to 50-foot dispenser reels and mobile barrel pumps are also available to ensure convenient dispensing.
“Growers have told me they’re tired of using the heavy pails and drums. We try to provide the flexibility, knowing they have the product they need but they don’t necessarily have to carry around a 20-litre pail,” said Gilson. “Farmers love using the oil dispensing equipment with pumping systems because you can just stick the nozzle into the combine. You don’t have to lift a pail and risk spillage.”
Larger quantities are also available to growers with on-farm storage capacity. Gilson said storage systems, such as vertically stacked tank systems and other customizable design options, have proven popular because they save space and match the exact needs of individual farms while helping them access better per-litre costs.
“For every business, profit and margins are vital to overall success. When customers choose to switch to bulk lubricants, it gives them the peace of mind of knowing that they are saving on packaging costs and getting the best deal,” said Gilson, adding that many of his customers consider bulk storage an important business development investment. Financing options to help reduce the burden of investment for bulk storage systems may also be available through local associations – speak to your local Co-op to learn what’s available in your location.
“Even on pre-packaged lubricants, we’re working with members to purchase larger volume amounts to get a better rate than you would purchasing individual bottles, jugs and pails,” said Gilson.
Going above and beyond is part of Co-op’s commitment to helping Western Canadian producers grow their businesses. Count on your Co-op team to help keep your operation running smoothly.
“Part of what we’re doing with the bulk delivery program is building those business-to-business relationships. Growers have million-dollar equipment that has to run properly, and we’re building trust. We don’t want the sales, we want the relationship.”
Products featured in the Bulk Lubricant Delivery Program include:
D-MO® (Diesel Motor Oil):
- 15W-40
- 10W-30
- SYNTHETIC BLEND 10W-30
- SYNTHETIC 5W-40
T-HF (Trans-Hydraulic™) Fluid
- HYDRAULIC Oil:
- ISO 22
- ISO 32
- ELITE (Gasoline Engine Oil):
- Conventional 5W-20
- Conventional 5W-30
- PERFORMANCE SYNTHETIC 0W-20
- PERFORMANCE SYNTHETIC 5W-20
- PERFORMANCE SYNTHETIC 5W-30
- ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
- DEX III/MERCON