Legislation is forcing the introduction of biodegradable lubricants onto the earthmoving industry. It is the responsibility of both manufacturers and users to protect the environment whilst maintaining the highest engineering standards. The use of biodegradable oils is important, but is only part of the solution.
A comprehensive approach is required which goes beyond the simple, but normally adopted method, of replacing a mineral oil with a biodegradable alternative. An Environmentally Friendly Lubricants Policy is required which increases the benefits for both the user and the environment.
A combination of biodegradable oil, specialist off-line filtration and a monitoring program is the key to this policy. Cardev International in association with Panolin AG has successfully implemented this policy in the demanding German market for over 10 years, and it has enabled hydraulic machinery to run over 56,000 hrs without oil change, and over 12,000hrs so far in an earthmoving machine.