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The quality of the current generation of biodegradable lubricants is so good that they surpass conventional lubricants. So why change oil after 500 hours of operation if it is not necessary? And as a company, why factor in another possible failure of a hydraulic pump if even that is not necessary? Questions that Stefan Huisman, bio-expert at Van Meeuwen Lubrication, likes to ask companies that are still hesitating to switch to bio-lubricants.
Van Meeuwen Lubrication has three generations of experience with industrial lubricants. Today, the classic agents are increasingly making way for the biodegradable variants. Before Stefan goes into the question "What difference do biological products make on the shop floor?" first the facts in a row regarding biodegradable lubricants. For construction equipment, small and large, a breakdown or wear and tear costs money and time.
To prevent this, good care of the hydraulic system, among other things, is essential. And this is where good lubrication comes in. The big difference between classic lubricants and, for example, PANOLIN's current generation of biodegradable agents is that the latter are based on synthetic saturated esters (HEES). These have the main advantages: longer life, no reaction with water and better performance due to better quality.
Stefan: "Longer life and high quality mean in practice very simply that you have less wear and tear on machines, you don't have to change them as often, you also have to dispose of less used oil and so you also have less staff pressure in the workshop."
Many companies still calculate a possible failure of a hydraulic system as standard, according to Huisman. This also applies to the standard oil change after so many hours. "However, the question that is not asked is: is hydraulic oil replacement necessary at all? We therefore always discuss with companies how they can save costs, time and, above all, the environment with modern bio-lubricants."
According to Stefan, the trade-off for companies to make the switch is whether they are willing to pay the added value. After all, the initial costs are higher. "In the long run, however, you reap the benefits. Because, as already mentioned, the change interval is significantly longer and with better oil you prevent premature wear and tear on the machine. What companies must also realize is that the EU Ecolabel will play an increasingly important role in tenders, for example. Parties such as Rijkswaterstaat, ProRail, but also provinces, municipalities and water boards apply increasingly strict rules regarding sustainability and the degradability of products.
What if you want to switch from conventional to biodegradable lubricants? What should you consider? Stefan offers four tips. "First of all, we look at the machinery. Are they older or modern models and what are they used for? For older machines, we usually recommend Royal Purple lubricants (based on PAOs, ed.) and for younger machines PANOLIN lubricants are very suitable. It also makes a difference in which climate the machine is used. Do you operate mainly in Europe or are the machines also used in Asia, for example? That too determines the choice of an oil."
The last two tips Stefan brings along are the CO2 calculator and the free hydraulic oil analysis. "Using bio-lubricants results in a considerable CO2 reduction. You can easily calculate exactly how much with the CO2 emission calculator on PANOLIN's website. And via PANOLIN you can also have your hydraulic oil analyzed free of charge. Useful as proof in tenders."
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