Q. How do I know if I should use oil analysis?
A. The answer depends on whether you provide maintenance services for your own fleets or whether you sell services to end users.
Q. How much does an On-Site Analyzer cost?
A. The answer depends on which unit you want to utilize. The basic unit can be purchased, leased, or paid for on a "per test" basis depending on the quantity you need and the number of tests you conduct each month.
The average cost per test can be as little as $5.00 depending on your usage. We also make a unit available with a dual temperature viscometer. Tests prices can be as low as $6.25 per test depending on your situation. There are three components to the operating cost; fixed, variable and consumables. The fixed amounts depends on whether you purchase or lease the unit. The variable cost is the the software licensing fee that is charged on a per test basis or flat monthly fee. Lastly, there are certain consumables that are used with each test, so that amount is also somewhat variable. The above test cost estimates include all three components. Additionally, lease and purchase prices vary based on volume. Contact us for a free proposal.
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Q. What consumables need to be purchased and what is the estimated cost per test?
A. Consumables include sample collection bottles, collection tubing, instrument standard and flushing fluids, and electrodes. Consumables are sold in quantities of 300 and average $1.40 per test.
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Q. How do I cost justify the investment for the purchase or lease of an OSA unit?
A. The cost justification is easier than you may think. Given you will be able to specifically track the number, type, and value of repairs you conduct as a result of the OSA analysis, you can easily put a value on the savings or sales generated. With heavy equipment, it's very easy because the cost of fewer oil changes or reduced down time can easily be quantified. Experience has shown that a 300-450% ROI can easily be achieved.
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Q. How hard is the unit to operate? Will we need a person allocated to the unit full time?
A. If you are only conducting 5-10 tests per day, there is no need to assign a person to the unit full time. Each test will only take 7-10 minutes and it is not necessary to stand by the unit while the test is being conducted. Additionally, anyone can be trained to operate the unit. It's as easy to use as an ATM.
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Q. Is there someone in my industry already using the OSA with whom I can speak?
A. Yes, regardless of whether you're in the quick lube, transmission repair, dealership, fleet maintenance, bus maintenance, mining, or another industry, we have a number of satisfied customers who are always willing to help others to understand the value of having an OSA. References are available on request.
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Q. How often will I need service or repairs?
A. Although the OSA unit contains some very sophisticated, lab quality instruments, it has been designed to meet the rigorous demands of field application. However, from time to time, the unit may require service. The units have been designed to allow us to remotely service the instrument via telephone line or Internet connection. We are able to access the unit, diagnose what's wrong, and in the majority of the cases, make the repair remotely. If remote service is not possible, we have trained filed technicians who are available on short notice to conduct field service work.
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Q. Can you help us establish a private label oil analysis program for us to sell to fleets and customers?
A. Yes, we can help you develop a program that includes kits containing everything your customer needs to draw a sample. Once the sample is sent to you, you can conduct the analysis on the OSA and provide the customer with the report. Many customers utilize our LubeTrak® service to distribute reports via the Internet. This also allows tracking, trending, graphing, collaboration between remote locations and overall asset management.
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Q. Is a particle counter available?
A. Yes, an integrated particle counter option is available and can work in conjunction with the OSA analysis.
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Q. Can I post my Oil Analysis results on a web based data mining site for my customers to review the results?
A. Yes. The OSA can export test data in an XML format to either your existing web site, or LubeTrak®'s web site. LubeTrak® is also capable of creating and administrating private label web sites.
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