MVT Solutions Certified™ testing measured fuel savings on multiple BASF axle lubricants. Emgard® XFE 7103 75W-85 showed savings of 0.79 gal/1000 miles (0.62%). This lubricant is commercially available through BASF and is currently rebranded by Tier 1 suppliers in the trucking industry. Fleets can request this lubricant for their new equipment or could retrofit their current vehicles. If their OEM does not provide this BASF option, fleets can contact MVTS for assistance.
MVTS also tested two experimental BASF lubricants that showed improvements. BASF XPDC 048 showed savings of 1.00 gal/1000 miles (0.79%). BASF XPDC 081 showed savings of 0.59 gal/1000 miles (0.46%). BASF is developing these as the next generation of axle lubricants and is currently (as of Autumn 2020) seeking fleets interested in long term road tests. This would include an agreement between BASF and the fleet to cover the cost of install or if any damage should occur.
The BASF axle lubricant tests were compared to existing BASF axle lubricant Emgard® FE 75W-90 (aka E2986), which is readily used in the trucking industry. To ensure the comparison lubricant was as specified, it was also tested against a rebranded version of E2986 that MVTS purchased independently. The results were nearly identical and well within the margin of error.
Decreases in axle temperatures were also measured with each improvement in fuel economy, which ranged from 2°F to 10°F.
Testing was conducted at 65-mph and 72,000 lbs. GVW on a test track in Texas. Tractors were 2016 International ProStars with approximately 375,000 miles on the odometer. Engines were Cummins ISX15. Axles were 6×4 Dana Spicer configuration with 3.36:1 ratios. During testing, axle lubricants were changed with a double flush procedure to ensure all prior lubricants were removed and comparison tests were identical.
Results for Any Carrier
Carriers can trust the test results are reliable for other tractor-trailer configurations, as they are not specific to MVT’s fleet. During testing, vehicles were configured to represent the current industry-standard and did not include wheel covers or tractor wheel side fairings. Carriers can find directions on calculating their own fuel savings in the report or can contact MVT Solutions with questions.
Independent Third Party Testing
MVT Solutions fuel economy testing is independent, 3rd party testing. We do not receive any payment from the sale of products tested. To learn more about the test, view the report above or contact us.
