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With 34 locations across Minnesota and Iowa, Ziegler CAT is one of the largest Caterpillar dealers in the United States. The team regularly performs preventive maintenance on heavy equipment — including skid loaders, articulated haul trucks, excavators, large wheel loaders, landfill compactors and dozers — that runs in all kinds of weather, ranging from blazing-hot summers to freezing-cold winters.

Thanks to the range of weather the Midwest throws at them, they’ve worked hard to find PM solutions that keep their customers’ projects running and their technicians comfortable through every season. For Ziegler CAT, that includes a Sage Oil Vac Non-CDL Enclosed Lube Body. Here’s why.

The biggest preventive maintenance challenges in cold climates

There are two big issues for crews tackling on-site cold-weather preventive maintenance work: cold oil and frozen pumps.

Oil behaves differently in frigid conditions. As temperatures drop, oil viscosity increases. This slows down the flow, so routine preventive maintenance takes longer — and technicians spend more time out in the cold.

For some crews, pump-based PM equipment becomes a major problem in the winter. If it freezes, it has to thaw out before an oil change can even start. There’s also the risk of damaged seals when temperatures dip. Plus, the next trip to a jobsite can expose pumps to winter temperatures and freeze them all over again.

Owen Orr, field service technician for Ziegler CAT, has dealt with that headache more than once.

“With our old setup, I had a lot of problems with pumps freezing up. I’d have to stop and wait for them to thaw out and then go back to work,” he said. “And it’s a repetitive cycle that adds a lot of time to the process.”

So, why not just bring the machines to a heated shop for preventive maintenance during the winter? Because it takes more time. Every minute equipment is down, customers running heavy equipment are missing out on potential revenue.

“Downtime for my customers really means they’re not making money. If they’re not running their machines, they can’t do their jobs,” said Orr.

It’s much more efficient to finish maintenance on the job — no matter what the weather is doing.

A truck purpose-built to save time and streamline work

That’s where the Sage Oil Vac Non-CDL Enclosed Lube Truck comes in clutch for Ziegler CAT. It’s designed to help their team support customer equipment uptime, even in winter temperatures.

The biggest difference is the truck’s pump-free setup. Sage Oil Vac systems are engineered with exclusive pump-free technology that uses compressed air and vacuum pressure to remove used oil and replace it with new fluid. There are no pumps to freeze up, rebuild or replace. That translates into immediate time saved on system maintenance.

But that’s not the only time Owen and his team are saving. Pump-free oil changes are faster than those with pump-based equipment.  Sage Oil Vac systems can vacuum fill fresh oil tanks at up to 20 gallons per minute, dispense products at up to 5 gallons per minute and vacuum hot motor oil at up to 8 gallons per minute. And that efficiency can translate to completing more jobs in one day.

“The Sage Oil vac truck, for me, has sped up my process by an hour at least every day,” Orr shared. “It keeps me moving so that I’m not out here in the weather all day fighting problems from the cold.”

The truck’s enclosed, insulated body is another important feature that helps save time in the field. If the oil can stay warmer, it won’t thicken up and slow down the process.

“The enclosed body of this truck keeps all my tanks and all my oil out of the weather. I don’t have to deal with snow or ice on my tanks or anything like that,” Orr said.

When the weather warms up, that enclosed body creates an added layer of protection against jobsite dust and dirt. And that’s the perfect complement to the sealed tanks and enclosed system integrated into every Sage Oil Vac solution. They’re designed to keep contaminants out of fluids and prevent spills.

Why Sage Oil Vac stood out from other lube truck manufacturers

As manager of procurement and logistics for Ziegler CAT, Joe Packard looks for equipment that matches the company’s focus on innovation. Sage Oil Vac equipment fits the bill.

Packard first heard about the pump-free systems from other CAT dealers, which led to investing in a Sage Oil Vac jobsite trailer that’s now been in the field for four years. When the Non-CDL Enclosed Lube Body launched, he felt like it was the right solution for the team’s work.

“We wanted PM equipment that could keep up with our demands in the field and help us maximize uptime,” Packard said. “So, Sage Oil Vac stood out just because they offer solutions that are practical and forward-thinking.”

Practicality is built into every aspect of their lube truck, from the pump-free fluid exchange to the dedicated reel cabinet. And each factor helps the Ziegler CAT team tackle heavy-equipment oil changes in winter and summer weather — and every condition in between. Just ask the people using the truck.

“I do really like the storage and the hose reels on the back of the truck. It’s a big help for me. My old truck was set up with everything on the left side of the truck,” Orr said. “Sometimes, you can’t get next to a machine with the left side of the truck, but usually, I can always back up to a machine.”

One other factor that made working with Sage Oil Vac a done deal for Packard was the true partnership with the Sage Oil Vac team.

“I mean, the truck speaks for itself. But the vendor relationship there, it’s partnership. They’re collaborative. They want to make sure that everything works properly and that we understand how to utilize every aspect of it,” Packard said. “Just all in all, I think it’s just the values of the Sage Oil Vac team and how that correlates to our values.”

And what about the future? Will there be more Sage Oil Vac trucks for Ziegler CAT?

“I know the teams that have them in place right now really like them, and we’ve had other locations asking about them for future opportunities,” Packard said. “So that’s definitely something that we’re going to look at.”

It’s always a good time to make sure your equipment is in top operating condition. Picture this: You’re just starting the day with a full schedule ahead and you get hit with a maintenance set back. Now, the whole day is thrown off — you might even have to reschedule a few things on the list. Whether it’s just bad luck or something you could have prevented, regular and thorough care of your equipment is the best bet for a smooth day on the job, no matter the season. Sage Oil Vac is always here to help, so we’ve compiled a list of preventative maintenance tips, tricks and advice:

In planning ahead for that busy time, it’s important to account for the machinery you’ll be maintaining and what it will need, according to Sage Oil Vac CEO Aaron Sage. “Make sure everything is serviced, including specific components like wheel bearings,” Sage said. “Ideally, you want to start the busy maintenance season with all of your machinery ready to run efficiently and without interruption.”

Don’t forget these components.

In addition to checking major mechanical and structural components, Sage said it’s important to inspect parts that many operators don’t typically think about when conducting early-season maintenance, including their Sage Oil Vac systems. “It starts with really basic maintenance, like ensuring your trailers are inspected and ready for the road,” Sage said. “The long game here is that you need to be efficient on the maintenance side.”

Equipment maintenance tips 101

Air Compressors: Your Sage Oil Vac is built to be dependable and long-lasting — this is in-part due to its very few moving parts. So, the air compressor is the most important part to keep maintained on your unit. Use the recommended maintenance schedules that come with the system for the engine and the compressor pump. An oil change on the engine and pump should be performed at least one time per year regardless of use on your system. Intake air filters should also be replaced at least one time per year.

Compressor air tanks should be drained daily during use. The Sage Oil Vac design (on some models) can result in a collection of used oil in the holding tanks that can accumulate from oil mist vacuumed into the holding tanks. This is harmless to the design of the system however, the used oil should be drained and disposed of properly to properly maintain the compressor.

Pro Tip: Operating your Sage Oil Vac continuously with the used oil tank completely full could result in a large amount of used oil accumulating within the compressor heads and air tanks. It’s important to unload the used oil tank if its capacity reaches 95 percent or before.

Ball Valves: Ball valve actuation can become loose over time and may need to be replaced. Check that that ball valve actuation on each ball valve is not so loose that they can open or close during routine travel to the jobsite.

Cam Locks: Cam lock fittings should have caps and plugs installed to reduce drips and spills. Female cam connections need to have both actuating arms intact and working to secure a good connection.

Filters: Sage units come with 10- to 25-micron fresh fluid filters for all new fluids. We recommend that these are changed two times per year or every 1,000 gallons of oil filtered.

Hose reels: Check the spring latch assembly of the hose reel to ensure that the reel is performing properly. Grease swivels should be greased at least once a year and more often for heavy use depending on the model. Double check that all ball stops are installed and tight to keep the hose reel tension in good shape.

Hoses: Sage Oil Vac uses 1,000+ psi hoses for their systems. Check the outer hose covers and look for any gouges or wear — this is especially important on spring retractable hose reels. Keep a lookout for spots where oil is seeping through the outer cover, as this could indicate that the inner lining of the hose has a rip or tear.

Hydraulic Connections: Clean off any grime or dirt from the hydraulic fittings for a secure connection to meters and equipment — any leaks should be addressed promptly.

Lug Nuts: The lug nuts on trailer wheels need to be tightened to the proper torque — this is an important responsibility that trailer owners and users need to be familiar with. Inadequate and/or inappropriate wheel nut torque (tightness) is a major reason that lug nuts loosen in service. Loose lug nuts can rapidly lead to a wheel separation and serious safety consequences.

Lug nuts are prone to loosen right after a wheel is mounted to a hub. When driving on a new or remounted wheel, check the lug nut tightness frequently during the first few hundred miles of the trailer’s use. A good rule of thumb is to check after the first 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving, before each tow, and at least twice per year thereafter.

It’s also important that you tighten lug nuts to the proper torque for the axle size on your trailer to prevent wheels from coming loose. The only way to be certain you have tightened the lug nuts properly is with a torque wrench. Four-way wrenches, ratchets and similar tools can be useful for short-term emergency repairs but they’re not appropriate tools for adequately tightening lug nuts.

While tightness is important, be warned that overtightening can result in breaking the studs or permanently deforming the mounting stud holes in the wheels. Tighten per sequence in Figure 1 below. Using this sequence, tighten all lug nuts in three stages and to the torque values listed in Figure 2 for each stage.

Pro Tip: Keep a record of the date and approximate mileage of your last torque check somewhere on or inside your equipment. Make note of any lug nut that is loose and investigate the reason(s). If the lug nut tightness is not maintained after more than one re-tightening application, this indicates there is something wrong with the lug nuts, studs, wheels and/or hubs and must be corrected.

 

Figure 1. Lug Tightening Sequence

Figure 2. Lug Torque Requirements

Meters: Electronic meters will occasionally need new batteries. High flow non-drip ends should be cleaned regularly to for a proper close to keep drips and spills to a minimum.

Running Lights: Make sure all brake lights, turn signals, license plate lights and market lights work correctly.

Tires: Check the condition of the tire tread, and make sure there is adequate air pressure. Also inspect for gouges or other defects.

Sage Oil Vac Tanks: The Sage Oil Vac design ensures that very little outside dirt and elements are introduced into the tanks, protecting their cleanliness, but an annual flushing of the used oil tank is recommended to flush out sludge and other contaminants that have been vacuumed out of engines and drain pans with debris. To do this, vacuum 5-10 gallons of diesel, pressurize the tank (no more than 5 psi) and dispense the fluid to flush the tank and hose circuit. This same method can be used to switch fluids in new oil tanks if necessary — i.e., switching a 15W-40 motor oil tank to a hydraulic fluid tank.

Wheel Bearings: It’s recommended to grease wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can use red grease for trailer wheel bearings or wheel bearing grease, which is specially designed for use on trailer running gear. Wheel bearing grease has a slightly higher temperature rating, 520 degrees, compared to 510 degrees for the red grease.

When adding grease, make sure that the new is compatible with the old or remove the old grease completely. Incompatible greases can break each other down. Also, inspect the bearings and races before repacking them and replace the grease seals since they will likely be damaged in the process.

Consider equipment accessories for increased efficiency.

After you’ve inspected your equipment and ensured it’s ready for the jobsite, it’s a good time to consider any changes or additions you can make to become more efficient. That may mean adding new machinery or making smaller changes. For example, Sage said adding new drain plugs and hose assemblies can make oil changes cleaner and more efficient, especially when used alongside a Sage Oil Vac system.

“Once your machinery is ready to go, it’s a good time to start looking at a system to enable you to connect directly to machines for changing oil, making it cleaner and more efficient,” Sage said. “Cleaner drain plugs like those from Femco® work well with Sage Oil Vac systems and can make you better at your job of changing oil on the jobsite.”

Plan your maintenance operations.

Early in the busy season is a good time to look at ways you can streamline not just your equipment, but how you use it. Extended oil changes have been a growing trend in the automotive industry for some time now, and it’s starting to work its way into the construction sector. While it may work for some equipment, waiting longer between oil changes isn’t feasible for all machinery, largely because of working conditions. Prioritizing oil change jobs based on frequency and need is one way to make your operations more efficient.

“The deciding factor on that is the work environment. Is it a dirty environment? How hard is the machinery working? If it’s dirty and the machinery’s working hard, you can’t really delay oil changes,” Sage said. “If it’s an over-the-road truck that’s getting a lot of hours on it, but in cleaner working conditions at the same RPM for long periods, extended oil changes will work. If it’s an excavator ramping RPM up and down, working out in dirt storms and getting worked really hard, you need to monitor oil a lot more closely and keep oil changes more frequent.”

Regular maintenance is essential to keep equipment, accessories and your work environment safe and reliable. Do not hesitate to contact your Sage Oil Vac Dealer for any maintenance and equipment questions.

Let’s talk about some common misunderstandings and concerns we often hear about Sage Oil Vac fluid exchange systems. That’s right, we’re putting ourselves in the hot seat to clear up the most popular misconceptions about our product lines — after all, we’re the ones who know it best.

How Sage Oil Vac systems work

(Feel free to skip this section if you’re familiar with our brand — or watch our video.)

Pump-based oil extraction equipment has been the industry standard for decades, but that’s only because it’s what people have always known, not because it’s the greatest way to achieve the end results. Pump-based equipment needs constant, high-volume compressed air while you’re operating, Sage Oil Vac systems do not.

Sage fluid exchange systems use a patented pump-free design, allowing the end-user to dispense and drain fluids faster using cutting-edge vacuum technology. Compressed air builds vacuum and or pressure to move fluids to and from tanks. Our system goes against the grain of the traditional pump-based technology, offering customers who make the switch a cleaner, more energy-efficient oil change on the job.

Setting the record straight

Misconceptions No. 1 and No. 2:
Sage Oil Vac systems require more air compressor run time and are louder than pump-based oil extraction equipment.

Let’s tackle these two together. Sage Oil Vac systems actually use less compressor run time than pump-based equipment. Our systems conserve air by creating and maintaining vacuum pressure within the tanks. When using Sage Oil Vac systems out on the jobsite, you can either pressurize your tanks in the shop with compressors before you leave or on the jobsite with a gas or diesel powered air compressor that can be added to your Sage model. This is compared to conventional air pump systems which need to run air compressors 100% of the time.

Once you have the necessary air pressure to dispense new oils or drain used oils, the compressor can be turned off. Sage Oil Vac professionals advise operators to turn off machines once 20 inches (50.8 cm) of vacuum has been captured in the waste tank and 60-80 psi in the fresh oil tank. Using this advice ensures that Sage Oil Vac systems reduce air compressor run time by up to 70% over conventional pump-based equipment, and therefore reduce overall air usage.

This practice minimizes the amount of wear and tear on equipment and significantly lessens onsite noise and — in some cases — added emissions. Our product operators often comment they enjoy the quietness of their Sage Oil Vac system. Without needing a compressor to run the entire time or experiencing the noises from diaphragm/piston pumps, their workday fatigue improves.

Misconception No. 3:
Sage Oil Vac systems require and use more pressure than pump-based oil extraction equipment.

Pump-based equipment uses waves of pressure to extract/insert oil versus the Sage Oil Vac system, which uses constant vacuum pressure to pull/push oil. This equates to less fluid pressure per square inch (psi) usage. A diaphragm pump system with one piston pump generates 500 psi in pulses. Our system uses 60-80 psi of steady pressure. Reduced psi requirements almost always correlate with reduced risks for machine malfunction.

Misconception No. 4:
Sage Oil Vac systems weigh more than a conventional pump system.

Sage Oil Vac systems actually weigh less, as they don’t have the weight of a pump added to each tank. The lighter weight of Sage Oil Vac systems makes it easier for our engineers to create a non-CDL truck option to meet increasing industry demand for more lube bodies and service truck options that do not require a CDL.

How did we do? Do you have more questions? Contact the Sage Oil Vac team to learn more.

On the jobsite, a piece of machinery is only making you money when it’s running. Downtime — whether from unexpected breakdowns or routine maintenance — is a quick culprit of productivity and revenue loss. At the end of the day, anything you can do to keep the wheels turning and engines running will contribute to an operation’s bottom line.

Sage mobile lube systems can make a universal task quicker and more efficient, helping every machine spend more time doing its job. Like any piece of equipment on a worksite, a Sage system is designed to take care of a very specific function: Conduct lubrication and oil changes in the field. That makes it important to purchase and operate the right system to meet your specific mobile lubrication and maintenance needs with minimal work disruption, helping sustain and improve the return on investment (ROI) of machinery and equipment.

“Whether you’re moving beyond using buckets to manually change oil, driving machinery back to a shop to conduct maintenance or you’re upgrading from a different type of mobile lubrication system, a Sage system can help you keep your machinery operating by efficiently taking care of these common maintenance tasks in the field,” said Sage CEO Aaron Sage. “To maximize that efficiency, you have to match your Sage system to your specific jobsite maintenance needs.”

Here are a few things to consider in determining which Sage system is right for your operation.

Your biggest fluid management pain points: This may be the mess of manual oil changes, the time required to conduct maintenance with current methods or having the right workforce to do the job efficiently.

What you’re using to change oil now: Are you changing oil manually with buckets, or using another type of lubrication maintenance system?

Where you’re conducting maintenance: Are you changing oil and servicing machinery in a central shop or doing it on the job site?

How much machinery you’re maintaining: How many machines and different types are you maintaining?

Service frequency: How often do you change oil in the machines you service?

Maintenance services you’re providing: Are you simply topping off fluids on-site and seldom conduct full oil changes, transmission and full hydraulic exchanges, as well as 250 hour engine oil changes?

Current equipment: Do you already have trucks, skids or trailers? What is your existing payload or towing capacity?

Time on the road: How far do you travel between jobsites? How far do you travel before you make it back to the shop?

How you handle waste fluids: Do you dispose of used engine oil and other fluids in a central location? How frequently do you dispose of waste fluids?

Working conditions: Do you change oil and provide maintenance in cold temperatures that would require heated fluid tanks? Do you work best in an open or enclosed system?

Working with used oil filters: Consider ways to avoid the messiest part of the job with a Filter Stinger and used filter receptacle

Other tools and equipment: Do you have your own compressor? Do you need storage for supplemental jobsite tools and equipment?

Answering these questions about your specific operation is especially important, given the range of Sage mobile lube equipment options ranging from lube carts and skids to the largest trailers and Class 8 trucks that can provide service to multiple pieces of machinery on different jobsites. Once you know the specific improvements you want to make to your jobsite maintenance operations, it can help you know what system will work best for your business, in both the short and long term.

“Being able to identify these parts of your operation is important to your ability to select the right Sage system that can both meet your needs as well as fit in with existing equipment and processes,” Sage said. “Starting the process of integrating a Sage system — whether a lube truck, skid or trailer — into your business by having a clear picture of where you stand today can help you identify the direction to go in the future to achieve gains in productivity and efficiency that can help your business grow. We think of Sage systems as not just tools to do a job, but components of a strong growth strategy.”

Start the process to evolving your mobile lubrication services by checking out the range of Sage system options.

There’s no universal solution for businesses looking for a service van or mobile lube truck. That’s why Sage Oil Vac offers a complete line of service vehicles with customizable options. The right choice will help you streamline maintenance, optimize efficiency and boost lube technician satisfaction. So how do you decide which Sage Oil Vac solution meets the needs of your operation?

The answer requires balancing five key criteria:

We’ll walk through each factor to help narrow down what’s the best fit for what your operation is tackling.

How does technician availability influence service van or mobile lube truck choice?

Finding technicians with a CDL endorsement for Class 7 and 8 trucks can often be a challenge for some operations. Let’s face it, CDL drivers necessary to operate trucks over 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg) GVWR are in high demand and short supply. Sage Oil Vac has stepped to the plate by offering non-CDL trucks and service vans.

Non-CDL popularity continues to surge in response. Smaller Class 5/6 trucks and vans can be operated without a CDL, widening the available labor pool. In addition, crews not hauling fuel or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) often find smaller vehicles a better fit. When comparing trucks vs. vans, non-CDL trucks tend to offer higher capacities and off-road capabilities than vans (more of that to follow). Conversely, while vans have smaller fluid capacities, they are more maneuverable in congested areas and urban environments where every inch matters.

“More contractors, dealers and rental companies are choosing non-CDL lube trucks due to the cost and efficiency benefits, where we’re seeing more interest in vans from fleet maintenance companies,” said Chance Castillo, chief sales and marketing officer for Sage Oil Vac.

However, for operations servicing sizable equipment fleets with large oil volume demands, there is no efficiency substitute for having a technician with a CDL. It’s important for operations to weigh available capacity against the time it would take to travel to and from the shop multiple times. Larger mobile lube trucks are unbeatable in terms of fluid volume.

How much payload and storage capacity do you need in a fuel and lube truck?

Whether a lube truck or van is a better fit will depend on the number and the size of machines in your fleet. Too small and you risk falling behind on your scheduled preventive maintenance (PM). Too large and you’re overinvesting in unused capacity.

“Finding the right fit is all about balance. You need to meet your needs today and consider any planned growth to ensure your investment will also meet future needs. This includes whether a lube van or a fuel and lube truck is the best option,” said Castillo.

Start by calculating how many machines you’ll service daily and reference OEM fluid change intervals and refill volumes. This will tell you how much fresh and used oil your vehicle needs to carry without having to make multiple trips back to the shop. Then determine if you need to carry additional fluids — such as fuel, coolant or DEF.

Payload is tied to the vehicle’s GVWR. This determines the number and the size of the product tanks. Sage Oil Vac offers lube (and fuel) solutions across a range of classes with several customizable options:

Consider mobility and terrain access in your decision

Remember, payload is only part of the equation. Your PM solution must be able to get to the equipment. For tight, urban worksites or fleet yards, Sage Oil Vac mobile lube vans enhance maneuverability. They’re great for navigating narrow passages, low-clearance bridges and congested lots and parking garages. However, the mobile lube van may face limitations on rough terrain due to lower ground clearance and stress placed on the vehicle frames.

Non-CDL mobile lube trucks offer enhanced mobility while providing more ground clearance and robust frames to tackle demanding jobsites.

“Our non-CDL trucks are equipped with four-wheel drive to handle off-road conditions better than larger tandem-axle trucks. The single-axle design provides improved traction and agility on uneven terrain, often outperforming larger units in rugged environments,” said Castillo. “That said, customers with our service lube vans talk about the ease of those trickier urban environments and situations like generator maintenance in parking garages.”

If your technicians travel across variable terrain or between scattered sites, a smaller, nimble non-CDL truck may be your most productive choice. However, on jobsites with suitable access and ground conditions, larger lube trucks offer increased capacity to service larger fleets. Class 8 trucks have earned a reputation as the go-to solution on many large earth-moving and mining sites. If you need a more maneuverable alternative in these fluid-intensive applications, the Class 7 truck is a viable option.

Balancing lube vehicle cost and capacity

While carrying more fluids is often an advantage, bigger doesn’t always mean better — or more cost-effective. Smaller non-CDL lube trucks and vans often deliver better fuel economy and a lower total cost of ownership, especially when fluid demands can’t justify a Class 7 or 8 truck. In addition, vehicle size doesn’t mean you have to compromise on features.

Mobile service vans and non-CDL trucks are particularly cost-effective for light equipment fleets. Their smaller engines burn less fuel, and their initial investment is lower than larger truck platforms. If you don’t need high-volume capacity, these compact setups help reduce overhead while delivering on performance.

If you’re maintaining larger fleets, Class 7 trucks often strike a balance between capacity, maneuverability and fuel efficiency. This makes them a popular option for larger fleets.

For many larger fleets that service big machinery, there is no substitute for the Class 8 lube truck. The efficiency gained by having all the fluids available more than offsets the higher purchase and operating costs.

Protecting lube technicians from the elements

Technician comfort and productivity can take a hit in harsh weather or dusty environments. In cold climates, oil viscosity increases, slowing down fluid transfer and making open-air maintenance harder.

“Sage Oil Vac enclosed lube bodies, like our new non-CDL enclosed lube truck and service lube vans, help maintain oil flow and protect technicians from the elements, reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency,” explained Castillo.

Mobile lube vans provide enclosed, all-in-one-style workspaces where all fluid exchange components are accessible from the side door. This allows technicians to perform PMs without being exposed to extreme conditions. An enclosed service van or lube truck also provides an ideal space for branding with large, smooth side surfaces.

In applications where exposure to the elements is less of an issue, open lube trucks offer weight advantages and easier access to components.

Why Sage Oil Vac systems outperform expectations

Regardless of vehicle size or configuration, every Sage Oil Vac lube system uses exclusive pump-free vacuum technology. This system transfers fluids faster and cleaner than conventional methods — using compressed air to move fluids into and out of sealed tanks.

Here’s how Sage Oil Vac systems raise the bar:

The best Sage Oil Vac lube vehicle for your operation depends on site conditions, technician availability, fleet size and budget. If the user needs serious capacity for demanding jobs, there are fuel and lube truck options. If CDL requirements are a concern, explore non-CDL mobile lube trucks and vans. Our product comparison tool and dedicated Sage Oil Vac sales team can help you find the perfect fit.

Preventive maintenance is a crucial part of your business. But it can feel like a hassle if you rely on third-party vendors to get it done (or you’re allocating skilled mechanic time to the job). If that sounds familiar, a dedicated lube technician could be the solution you’re looking for. Let’s explore three reasons construction companies are adding them to their teams.

1. They help you control your schedule and avoid downtime.

Hiring a third-party company to handle preventive maintenance seems convenient until you see service delays, inconsistent results, and coordination headaches. On the other hand, if you rely on your skilled team members to make time in their day for preventive maintenance tasks, they could fall behind on their more technical work.

Having a dedicated lube technician on your staff eliminates both problems. You’ll have more control over your schedule and the quality of the work. Work gets done when you need it — and to your standards.

2. They help you leverage skilled labor more effectively.

There’s no reason your diesel mechanics need to handle basic oil changes. A dedicated lube tech only needs simple training to do the job — and they’re a more economical option. Just look at the average hourly rates as of April 2025:

A mechanic working on maintenance means you’re losing $11 an hour in efficiency. Shifting the work to a technician means you can increase billable hours and reduce burnout for your more skilled laborers. Plus, a dedicated tech can start to specialize in maintenance, learning OEM guidelines and increasing productivity.

 

Access your cost and benefits breakdown for adding a dedicated lube tech

Curious about the impact of a dedicated lube tech? Download our detailed cost-benefit breakdown to see how it can boost efficiency and reduce costs for your operation.

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3. They help you build for growth and maximize ROI through efficiency

When it comes down to it, downtime is lost revenue. It’s that simple. A consistent schedule means you can plan around (or avoid) downtime related to preventive maintenance. It also helps your crews reduce the chances of wear-related equipment failures.

When you add a dedicated technician to the equation, you also create space for growth with no operational drag. That’s because your highly skilled crew members are focused on their work, not oil changes. The best part is that efficiency can compound. The more streamlined your workflow, the bigger your ROI can be.

Bonus tip: Maximize efficiency with a mobile lube system

Your future lube technician could be even more efficient if you set them up with a system engineered for on-site maintenance. Transporting equipment to and from a shop takes time, costs more and risks damage during the trip. Mobile lube systems eliminate all three issues, helping your technician focus on the job instead.

There are options for every budget and capacity need, including everything from small lube carts to lube trucks. Sage Oil Vac offers a full range of systems — without the hassle and extra maintenance related to traditional pump-based systems. Pump-free systems also faster, safer and cleaner, giving you even more advantages during preventive maintenance.

Here’s what we know

Hiring a dedicated mobile lube tech is about more than oil changes. It’s a strategic move for your business. Use it to:

References

  1. ZipRecruiter. National average salaries as of April 2025.

In the trucking industry, every minute matters. Solutions made to reduce downtime are in high demand. That’s where mobile fleet maintenance comes in — and it’s been a game changer for companies like Wiers International Trucks.

Based in Plymouth, Indiana, the Wiers brand contains two companies that serve customers in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Colorado and Texas. With a 60-year history, Wiers International Trucks, Inc. is one of the oldest International® truck dealers. Wiers Fleet Partners, Inc. is a trusted maintenance and repair source for light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

The family-owned brand’s experience with the time-sensitive trucking industry led them to an important insight: They could boost ROI with a mobile-first approach to fleet maintenance.

Wiers shifted its focus and started sending highly skilled, local technicians equipped with diagnostic technology to service customer fleets on-site.

“We’re in the process of growing our mobile fleet maintenance to take care of key customers,” said Wiers International General Manager Dave Finney.

The team uses a fleet of service trucks fitted with 18- and 20-foot boxes and two 14-foot custom-designed cargo trailers to bring mobile fleet maintenance to the customer. Sage Oil Vac lube skids are a critical part of the mix, turning the fleet into a mobile service powerhouse. The team now performs 80% of common mobile fleet maintenance and repairs with these trucks and trailers.

Expanding into mobile fleet maintenance

Before investing in a fleet, Wiers built a service trailer to test the initial mobile service concept. This trailer proved the concept was viable, but they needed experts to iron out the details and maximize efficiency. Industry recommendations pointed Finney and the Wiers team toward Sage Oil Vac in 2019.

Sage Oil Vac Sales Manager Chance Castillo helped identify a solution to maximize productivity and ROI — and he continues to help Wiers evaluate the brand’s evolving needs.

“We tend to be fairly demanding, and sometimes we’ll change what we are looking for during a project. Sage Oil Vac has always been up to that challenge. They pivot to find something that will meet the current needs. We’ve had a lot of bouncing ideas off each other,” said Finney.

For Sage Oil Vac, it’s all in a day’s work.

“I am passionate about helping companies like Wiers become more efficient when it comes to preventive maintenance and solve challenges for their customers that have unique demands,” said Sage Oil Vac Corporate Sales Manager Chance Castillo.

Building a customized solution

In 2021, Wiers built three units and set them up in trucks with larger 20-foot boxes. However, these longer trucks proved unwieldy moving around the yard. The company is now transitioning to 18-foot boxes.

The 20-foot boxes were previously built with 60-gallon Sage Oil Vac HS260V Heritage lube skids, but Wiers is transitioning to 30-gallon SS230V service skids to free up real estate in the smaller boxes. This allows room for toolboxes, a workbench and everything a technician needs to complete a service call.

The trucks are also outfitted with Sage Oil Vac accessories, including barrel straws, Filter Stingers™ and Used Filter Receptacles™ that simplify oil changes for the field service technicians and increase productivity.

Since Wiers plans to upfit an additional 15 trucks, the minimal effort required to install the lube skids is a major consideration. It is one of the two advantages noted by their team.

“One is the ease of installation. We’re actually building our own mobile service trucks. We were piecing together tanks, pumps and hoses. The skids greatly help with the build-out, making it more efficient and cleaner. Now, we use a forklift to set the Sage Oil Vac lube skids in the back of the truck, bolt them down and hook up the air. It’s a huge improvement in our upfitting process,” said Finney.

The other advantage relates to jobsite performance.

“It is easier for our technicians to use in the field. The employees using the service trucks with the Sage Oil Vac lube skids are more satisfied with the equipment. We really don’t get any complaints from our techs. And I think that that actually is a statement. The big “no” speaks louder than anything else. You know, techs aren’t one to compliment stuff, but there are no complaints. That is a great thing,” said Finney.

To learn how Sage Oil Vac lube skids can transform your trucks or trailers into mobile fleet maintenance solutions, contact the Sage Oil Vac team to get a quote.

The Sage Oil Vac legacy is built on the idea of improving operator experience. After all, Gary Sage invented a pump-free system to stop spills during oil changes. That innovation still drives our engineering team. And it’s why we’re introducing a newly enhanced Sage Oil Vac Class 7 truck.

Our newest enhancements are focused on improving the operator experience, including innovations engineered to increase durability, boost performance and improve jobsite safety.

The new Class 7 truck enhancements

The Class 7 trucks are built with heavy-duty fleets and equipment in mind, and the new enhancements make each job quicker and cleaner.

The newest features are available on both the PTO-driven hydraulic power model (7120P fuel/lube body) and a standalone diesel-driven model (7120S fuel/lube body). 

A Sage Oil Vac promise

We’re proud of our lineup, but that doesn’t mean we’re afraid to make improvements. We’re driven to innovate and advance preventive maintenance technology for the industry — which means we’re always looking for ways to make our systems better. So, updating our heavy-duty service trucks was a no brainer.

We know purchasing a Class 7 truck is an investment. We owe it to our customers to continually invest in our products. Making every operator’s job safer and more efficient is our top priority, and we guarantee quality equipment and unbeatable customer service.

Heavy duty trucks ready for every jobsite

While not quite as large as our Class 8 service trucks, the Class 7 fuel/lube bodies are still a popular choice for crews that fuel and service large equipment. They also offer better maneuverability and fuel economy than the largest trucks in the lineup. Most often used for in-field operations, the Class 7 trucks have high-volume tanks for fresh oil, used oil and fuel.

“Our Class 7 trucks are a perfect fit for almost all medium- to large-scale operations needing quick and clean preventive maintenance,” said Aaron Sage. “And our new enhancements to these fuel/lube bodies make them the smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade or invest in better PM technology.”

Every Sage Oil Vac system is built with our exclusive pump-free technology to transfer maintenance fluids to and from equipment. This setup moves oil and other fluids faster than conventional pump-based systems, while the enclosed tank design prevents spills on the job.

Find the right truck with help from Sage Oil Vac

Still not sure if the enhanced Class 7 service trucks are the right fit for your operation? Our team is here to help. Get in touch to explore all your options or try our Product Match Tool to get a recommendation based on your work. All you have to do is answer a few multiple-choice questions.

Mobile maintenance is key for heavy equipment fleets. Because once heavy equipment makes it to the site, it stays there until the job’s done. The real challenge is finding the right preventive maintenance and fueling solution to keep all those machines running at peak performance.

Heavy-duty fleets call for high-volume fuel/lube equipment, which means you’re looking at a truck. If you’re fueling and servicing a large fleet (or even just a few pieces of mining equipment), you may need something with more capacity than a non-CDL option. That leaves either a Class 7 and Class 8 model as the best fit for your operational needs. But how do you know if a Class 8 service truck is right for your work?

What industries typically use Class 8 lube trucks?

Class 8 service trucks are used to maintain all kinds of equipment, but they’re more common in industries with large heavy equipment fleets.

“Our customers looking for Class 8 trucks typically work in mining or on large-scale construction projects like building highways or large commercial properties,” said Sage Oil Vac CEO Aaron Sage. “They’re maintaining and fueling a lot of big equipment, like haul trucks or earth-moving machines.”

When does a Class 8 truck make sense?

Both Class 7 trucks (straight trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds [11,794 kg to 14,968 kg]) and Class 8 trucks (straight trucks with a gross vehicle weight of greater than 33,000 pounds [14,968 kg]) require CDL-certified drivers. If you’re considering a Class 7 truck, it’s worth checking out a larger model, too. It’s all about balancing your fueling and maintenance needs with your equipment investment. Here are a few scenarios where Class 8 service trucks make sense.

You need to maximize efficiency while maintaining a large heavy-equipment fleet.

Class 8 lube trucks have a significantly higher capacity than Class 7 trucks — which means you can finish more service visits without restocking fluids. Just look at the difference between the two models in the Sage Oil Vac lineup.

When you’ve got a large fleet of heavy equipment to fuel up, 1,000 gallons (3,785.41 L) can go fast. Same with 300 gallons (1,135.62 L) of fresh oil. If you’re consistently using that volume of fluids (or more), it could be worth doubling your fuel capacity with a Class 8 service truck. A bigger truck also means more storage space for everything technicians need on the job.

You need lube equipment that can handle elevation change and reach remote sites.

As you’ve heard now, Class 8 trucks are most commonly used to service equipment on commercial construction, highway construction, mining and quarry sites. And that’s not just because they have the fuel and lube capacities to maintain large equipment. Compared to Class 7 models, Class 8 lube trucks use engines with a higher displacement volume. As a result, they have the power to handle higher payloads — even while tackling elevation changes.

What other factors should you consider?

Class 8 lube trucks are a great fit for crews with busy maintenance schedules. Even so, you’ll want to weigh your options before you commit to a maintenance solution this size.

“Not every operation needs a Class 8 service truck,” said Sage. “But if you’re working with those high capacities of fuel and lube, it’s worth weighing your options.”

Compared to smaller trucks, Class 8 models have limited maneuverability. They’re larger vehicles, which can make them difficult to move around tight jobsites or urban environments. Their size — combined with their heavier payload and higher displacement engines — also impacts their fuel economy.

Finally, a Class 8 service truck is an investment. You should carefully consider your volume of maintenance work (both now and as your business grows) before you make your decision.

Why do crews choose a Sage Oil Vac Class 8 body?

Most Class 8 lube trucks use mechanical pumps to transfer fluid into and out of equipment. The Sage Oil Vac 8180 fuel/lube body is designed with exclusive pump-free technology, using compressed air to move fluids. That translates to faster, safer, cleaner and more reliable fluid exchanges.

A variety of tank combinations are available, allowing crews to tailor their setup to their work. The body also includes individual control panels for ease of use in the reel cabinet, continuous LED fluid level monitors and a bulk-fill station for fast fill of oil.Find the right truck with help from Sage Oil VacYou don’t have to decide on the right maintenance solution alone. The Sage Oil Vac team is here to help. Get in touch to explore all your options. Not ready to chat yet? Try our Product Match Tool to get a recommendation based on your work. All you have to do is answer a few multiple-choice questions.

Increasingly popular pump-free mobile preventive maintenance systems driving development

Sage Oil Vac announced changes to the company’s sales team, bringing Steven Farr onboard as the territory business development manager and south central territory manager, and promoting Chance Castillo to chief sales and marketing officer. The strategic shift is designed to help the team better serve customers and meet an increase in demand for pump-free Sage Oil Vac preventive maintenance systems.

The changes will also support expanded distribution for the Amarillo Tanks lineup — which Sage Oil Vac purchased in 2021 to take control of its supply chain and ensure tanks were of the highest quality. Amarillo Tanks operates independently but the two companies work in tandem to take their industry capabilities to the next level, providing endless customization opportunities for customers.

“We’ve grown quite a bit over the last few years, and we don’t expect that to slow down,” said Sage Oil Vac CEO Aaron Sage. “Our team has put in the work to address increased demand and increased product portfolio. Adding Steven to the team and elevating Chance will set us up for success as we build up our team even further.”

Farr has more than 10 years of experience in the work truck industry. This includes his time with Knapheide, where he served as the Texas sales manager and designed sales strategies that helped increase annual regional sales by more than $12 million. He also developed training for the sales team, helping them connect with suppliers and enhance collaboration.

“I’m excited to have Steven on the team,” said Sage. “We have some incredible momentum going on, and I’m confident he’ll run with it.”

Chance Castillo, a long-time Sage Oil Vac team member, was promoted to chief sales and marketing officer alongside the addition of Farr. He started with the company in 2013 and learned the business from the ground up, leading in multiple areas to support continued growth. His encounters with Sage Oil Vac customers over the years have helped the company continue to refine its pump-free maintenance solutions. In his new position, Castillo will handle sales for the Sage Oil Vac and Amarillo Tanks brands, focusing on customer service and marketing.

“Very few people have had an impact on Sage Oil Vac the way Chance has,” said Sage. “He leads with humility and puts our customers first. There’s no better person for this job.”

The changes to the Sage Oil Vac sales team are designed to meet the increasing demand for pump-free maintenance equipment — while maintaining the company’s reputation for customer support. For more information on the Sage Oil Vac lineup of safer, faster and cleaner maintenance equipment, visit sageoilvac.com. For more information on the company’s lineup of steel tanks, visit amarillotanks.com.

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