Lubricants News and Updates

Marine Engine Oils and Hydraulic Fluid - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

As warmer weather arrives and summer boating season approaches, Dennis K. Burke, Inc. has the engine oils and hydraulic fluids needed to help keep marine equipment operating reliably and ready for busy holiday weekends on the water.

Marine lubricant requirements continue to evolve as engine technology advances and environmental regulations become more stringent. Reducing exhaust emissions, fuel type (diesel, biodiesel, etc.) and fuel efficiency are key considerations for these changes.

Marine engine oils are specially formulated with alkaline additives designed to neutralize the corrosive effects created during combustion. Sulfur found in many residual fuel oils oxidizes during combustion and forms sulfuric acid, which can impact both two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines. The concentration of these additives helps determine the oil’s Total Base Number (TBN), an important factor in protecting marine engines from corrosion and wear.

Strict regulations have been imposed on emission of both nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx). These limits mean that either a low sulfur distillate fuel is burned and/or a scrubbing system is used to remove most of the sulfur from the exhaust gas. Because of this, selecting the proper marine engine oil depends heavily on the type of fuel being used, whether low-sulfur fuel, high-sulfur fuel, biodiesel blends, or LNG. For LNG-powered marine engines, detergency additives are especially important. These additives help minimize combustion deposits and reduce piston and piston ring buildup, helping maintain engine cleanliness and performance.

Dennis K. Burke, Inc. offers a variety of high-quality heavy duty engine oils that meet demanding marine requirements, including Fleetline Superfleet, Kendall® Super-D, Petro-Canada™ Duron SHP, and Valvoline™ Premium Blue.

Alongside marine engine oils, marine hydraulic fluids must also meet strict performance and environmental standards. Marine Hydraulic Fluids are commonly zinc-free, helping reduce the risk of corrosion to certain metals and making them safer for use around waterways. Additional key requirements include:

Non-sheening performance
Readily or inherently biodegradable formulations
High viscosity index (VI) for excellent thermal and oxidative stability
High lubricity
Broad operating temperature range
Excellent solvency to help reduce deposits and varnish formation
Compliance with environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) standards under EPA 2013 U.S. Vessel General Permit (VGP) guidelines

Dennis K. Burke, Inc. carries quality hydraulic fluids that meet these marine requirements that include Phillips 66® Powerflow NZ, Petro-Canada Environ, Renewable Lubricants® Bio Flo and Bio-Fleet.

Below are selected U.S. Coast Guard and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) guidelines regarding hydraulic fluids used in marine applications:

Part 58 —Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Related Systems

Subpart 58.30 —Fluid Power and Control Systems
Source: USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50179, June 12, 2024, unless otherwise noted.
Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland
Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.
Source: CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18878, Dec. 18, 1968, unless otherwise noted.
- § 58.30-10 Hydraulic fluid.
- The fluid used in hydraulic power transmission systems must have a flashpoint of not less than 200°F for pressures below 150 psig and 315°F for pressures 150 psig and above, as determined by ASTM D92
- The chemical and physical properties of the hydraulic fluid must be suitable for use with any materials in the system or components thereof.
- The hydraulic fluid must be suitable for operation of the hydraulic system through the entire temperature range to which it may be subjected in service.
- The recommendations of the system component manufacturers must be considered in the selection and use of hydraulic fluid.

If you have any questions regarding marine engine oils and hydraulic fluids, or would like to place an order, please reach out to your dedicated Dennis K. Burke, Inc. Sales Representative, or place an order through lubeorders@burkeoil.com or 1-800-289-2875.

What’s Driving Lubricant Price Increases Right Now - Doug’s Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:45:00 GMT

Conflict, Supply, and Demand are all contributors to the latest (and still upcoming) Lubricant price increases. Traditional pricing matrices have not followed the normal timeline. When crude oil and base oils had price increases in the past, it was usually 30, 60, 90 or even 120 days before blenders and manufactures would pass them on to customers. This time, volatility is so intense that we have seen blenders almost immediately passing on price increases.

The conflict in the Middle East/ Iran has disrupted the supply chain and damaged refineries for base oils that are used to manufacture many motor oils, greases and lubricants. The Group III refinery in Qatar - Shell’s Pearl GTL has halted production due to damage from the attacks on Laffan Industrial City in March. This plant is one of the largest suppliers of Group III base oil producing nearly 30,000 barrels per day. Group III base oils are used in manufacturing almost all Synthetic and Synthetic blend lubricants, greases, gear oil and hydraulic fluids.

Supply issues are not the only factor contributing to the price increases. Geopolitical uncertainty, shipping access at the port, and changing demand in the market to more premium Group III products are all playing a role in pricing. All major blenders and manufacturers have announced several price increases with possibly more to come. Price increases vary from 15% to as much as 35% depending on products.

Although partial production has resumed at Pearl’s GTL facility, supply remains tight. The Ceasefire with the US/Iran included a provision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for base oil shipping. However, it is important to remember that even with the Strait reopened fully, base oil and DEF components will be under severe demand pressure, as the damage to the Pearl’s GTL facility is so extensive that it will likely be several years before output is restored to prior levels.

Group III recovery in the market will be a long-term process. There is no immediate relief in sight.

ILMA (Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association) has requested from API and GM to allow alternative base oils like Group II and Group II+ for blending and manufacturing GM Dexos under API’s Emergency Provisional Licensing, which can provide some flexibility for varying Group III grades. This would allow some breathing room in supply availability, but GM has stated that they will not support alternatives and will continue to enforce Dexos’ requirements. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Sales Representative or email contactus@burkeoil.com

GREEN Hydraulic Fluids-Doug's Tip of the Month (Happy St. Paddy's Day)

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:00:01 GMT

This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re highlighting products that help keep operations running smoothly while reducing environmental impact. Environmentally friendly lubricants and hydraulic fluids are designed to biodegrade more readily, minimize toxicity to aquatic life, and in many cases incorporate renewable or bio-based ingredients, helping protect soil and waterways in the event of leaks or spills. Environmentally Friendly Hydraulic Fluids are a great choice for Landscapers, DPWs, Golf Courses, Tree Services, Paving Companies and Municipalities – Schools, where green, lawns and the environment are a concern or consideration.

Environmentally Friendly Hydraulic Fluids can be manufactured with either Mineral based oils or Vegetable based oils. They can be either Inherently Biodegradable or Readily Biodegradable. They consist of the latest technologies in additives which eliminate the additives that are considered toxic, like Zinc and other heavy metal-based additives.

Inherently biodegradable is defined as > 20% but < 60% biodegradability as measured by OECD 301A-F testing. Readily biodegradable products are those that biodegrade quickly and completely (≥ 60% by OECD 301A-F/ASTM D7373 testing) within 28 days. They have the natural ability to biodegrade to their natural state when subjected to sunlight, water, and microbial activity. Readily biodegradable products are environmentally preferable.

Here at Dennis K Burke, we offer both Vegetable based and Mineral based Readily Biodegradable products such as:

Renewable Lubricants® Bio-AW Hydraulic Fluid

Vegetable Based
Readily Biodegradable
Zinc Free
Non-toxic
High Viscosity Index (VI)
Excellent Wear Protection
Excellent Solvency – Reduces deposits and varnish

Renewable Lubricants Bio-fleet™ AW Hydraulic Fluid

Mineral/Petroleum base - Direct replacement for petroleum hydraulic fluids
Readily biodegradable, environmentally non-toxic, not bio-accumulative
Excellent oxidation stability and cold temperature performance
Improved oxidation stability over straight plant/vegetable oil formulations
Super high viscosity index provides energy efficiency in equipment
Environmentally friendly, zinc free formula
Highly filtered formulation meets or exceeds OEM pump particle count
Formulated with Stabilized technology increasing VI past synthetic levels
Great demulsification properties, inhibiting moisture and rust in both fresh and salt water

Petro Canada Environ MV R Hydraulic Fluid

Mineral Based
Readily Biodegradable
Zinc Free
Non-toxic
High Viscosity Index (VI)
Excellent Wear Protection
Excellent Solvency – Reduces deposits and varnish.
Excellent Hydrolytic Stability

Dennis K. Burke also offers Inherently Biodegradable products:

Phillips 66 Powerflow NZ Hydraulic Fluid

Mineral Based
Inherently Biodegradable
Zinc Free
Non-toxic
High Viscosity Index (VI)
Excellent Wear Protection
Excellent Solvency – Reduces deposits and varnish.
Excellent Hydrolytic Stability

Petro-Canada Environ AW and MV Hydraulic Fluid

Mineral Based
Inherently Biodegradable
Zinc Free
Non-toxic
High Viscosity Index (VI)
Excellent Wear Protection
Excellent Solvency – Reduces deposits and varnish.
Excellent Hydrolytic Stability

Going green isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. Environmentally friendly lubricants and hydraulic fluids are formulated to reduce environmental impact through biodegradability, lower aquatic toxicity, and in some cases renewable base oils, helping protect the land and waterways where equipment operates. Please reach out to your Sales Representative or me (Doug Vrooman – Sr Technical Advisor) with your application and needs for best recommendation!

Valvoline Lubricants and Greases - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Dennis K Burke is proud to announce that we now carry Valvoline Lubricants and Greases in our line-up.

Valvoline motor oils, also known as the Original Motor Oil and first branded motor oil which was established in 1866. Valvoline has continued to innovate for more than 150 years to produce solutions for every application.

One of Valvoline’s latest innovations is Restore and Protect motor oil can remove up to 100% of engine-killing deposits from Pistons, restoring them to like new clean while protecting against future deposits.

Engine Oils

Automotive

Full Synthetics
Ultra Max Life
Max Life
Advanced
European
Hybrids

Synthetic Blends

Conventional

HD Engines – On and Off Road

Full Synthetic

Premium Blue is the preferred and endorsed Engine oil for Cummins Diesel engines.
All Terrain

Synthetic Blends

Conventional

Transmission Fluids and Drive Train Fluids

Automotive

CVT

DCT

Chrysler ATF+4

Dex/Merc

Dexron VI/ Mercon LV

ULV

Manual Transmissions

Hybrid Automatic Transmission

HD – On and Off-Road Transmissions – Syn Gard and Drive Train Fluids

Manual Transmissions

I-shift and I-drive transmission

HD Automatic – Syn Gard 668

Ultra-Max Drive Train Transmission

Drive Train Oil

Gear Lubes

Automotive

Extended Protection
Advanced
Daily Protection

HD – On and Off Road

Full Synthetic –HD
Syn Gard Full Synthetic
HD Gear Oil

Greases

Chassis and Wheel Bearing Grease

Cobalt
General Purpose
High Temperature
Fortified with Moly

HD Grease – With and Without Moly

Palladium
Cerulean
Crimson
Fifth Wheel Grease
Axle Hubs

Industrial Lubricants

Gear Lubes

Synthetic
Conventional
EP
R&O Fluids
Heat Transfer Fluids
Way lubes
Rock Drill Oils

Hydraulic Fluids

AW
High VI AW
Zinc Free HVI
Universal Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
Unitrac and Unitrac LV

Product solutions for all your personal and professional vehicles, fleets and off-road equipment needs. We’re proud to finalize our partnership with Valvoline, bringing our customers access to their exceptional range of PCMOs, HDEOs, greases, antifreeze, gear oils, and hydraulic fluids. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward as we continue to expand our offerings, while upholding the quality, reliability, and service you’ve come to expect from DKB! Contact your DKB Sales Representative to order Valvoline today!

Understanding Industrial Gear Lubes - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Industrial gear lubricants are essential to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of gearboxes across a wide range of industries. From reducing friction and heat to protecting against wear and corrosion, choosing the right gear lube ensures optimal equipment performance. In this blog, we’ll explore the three main categories of gear lubricants, their applications, benefits, and key factors to consider when selecting a lubricant, including special considerations for cold weather conditions.

The 3 Categories of Industrial Gear Lubricants

R&O – normally used in operations with higher speeds, lower loads and no shock loading. Very limited additive that do not contain anti scuff (EP) or lubricity agents.
EP also known as Anti-Scuff – normally used in operations with lower speeds, heavier loads and shock loading. Contain EP additives such as ZDDP or solids like Moly (molybdenum disulfide) or Graphite.
Compounded – normally used in operations with sliding contact such as worm gears. Most commonly contain synthetic fatty acids for increased film strength.

Applications of Industrial Gear Lubes

Industrial gear lubricants are used in gearboxes to control speed, torque, and direction. They are critical across various industries and equipment, including:
- Manufacturing – all types of manufacturing
- Conveyors, Crushers, Extruders
- Robotics
- Aerospace
- Machine tools
- Many more
6 Major Types of Gearboxes require specific Gear Lubes
1. Helical
2. Coaxial Helical Inline
3. Bevel Helical
4. Skew Bevel Helical
5. Worm Reduction
6. Planetary

Benefits of High-Quality Industrial Gear Lubes

Premium gear oils, such as Fleetline Industrial EP Gear Oil, P66 Extra Duty Gear Oil, Petro-Canada Enduratex Gear Oil, and Total Carter SH Gear Oil, provide several advantages:

Longer Bearing Life
Longer Seal Life
Protection from Extreme Pressures
Corrosive Protection
Reduced Friction
Remove Heat – Heat Transfer
Improved Efficiency

Key Considerations when Choosing a Gear Lube

OEM recommendations
Viscosity – most important as determined by either the AGMA (American Gear Manufactures Association) and/or ANSI (American National Standards Institute).
Additives – usually dictated by equipment needs and lubrication performance properties under normal operating conditions.
Base Oil – Types can include Mineral, Synthetic, Esters and Glycols, etc.

Cold Weather Considerations for Gear Lubes

Operating in colder climates introduces additional challenges. Consider these factors to protect your equipment:
- Ambient temperatures will affect the operating temperature of the equipment
  - Gear Lubes with a higher VI (Viscosity Index) can operate in a much wider temperature range allowing it to Pour or Move better at colder temperatures while protecting at higher temperatures.
  - Allowing Equipment to warm up to operating temperature slowly before operation with extend equipment and lubricant life.
  - Ensuring the use of a quality gear lube with also aid in extending life, performance and efficient of the gearbox and bearings.

Industrial gear lubricants are the backbone of efficient and reliable gearbox operation. By understanding the different categories, applications, and considerations for gear lubes, you can select the best product to meet your equipment’s unique needs. Whether you’re operating in high-speed manufacturing environments or heavy-duty, shock-loaded applications, investing in quality gear lubricants will enhance performance, extend equipment life, and ensure long-term success.

Winter and Cold Weather Considerations

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In cold of the winter, the right lubricants are crucial for vehicle performance and engine protection. Here are some key points to consider:

Cold temperatures naturally thicken lubricants which can increase circulation time and lead to premature wear. Cold temperatures with thickened lubricants can increase friction in engine components thus also leading to wear. Additionally, the moisture, salt, and contaminants in the cool air can accelerate corrosion in critical parts of your engines, especially if they’re not properly lubricated.

Quality and correct engine oil is vital for keeping your vehicles running smoothly and protecting your engines during the cold winter. Quality engine oils such as Fleetline, P66/Kendall, Petro Canada and Valvoline can make the difference in protecting your engine and affecting performance.

Viscosity grades are considered to be a key element in choosing the proper lubricant for colder temperatures. As temperatures drop, engine oil thickens and may not flow properly. Most engine wear can occur during cold start up and is even more significant during cold weather as the oil required for lubricants takes longer to produce the boundary between moving parts. Winter can have extreme temperature fluctuations. Using a lubricant with a wide temperature range or Thermal Stability should be considered. Remembering that the "W" in the grade of oil stands for "winter". 5W-30 will have less resistance to flow then that of a 10W30. The lower viscosity at low temperatures ensures the engine is well-lubricated during cold starts. Lower viscosity engine oils are now used in both automotive and heavy-duty applications.

Other Cold weather considerations and recommendations:

· Vehicle Batteries should be checked regularly because of the additional loads during start up in cold weather.

· Fuel Tanks should be kept at least half full to prevent moisture buildup and rough starts.

· Coolant/Antifreeze Levels should be checked. Mixture needs to be correct for optimal freeze and cooling system protection.

· Plan for emergency scenarios: Cold weather can be unpredictable. Keep emergency kits and supplies up to date and readily available.

By selecting the right lubricants and maintaining your vehicle's condition, you can ensure it performs well in winter weather and avoid potential damage. Always refer to and follow your vehicle owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Propylene Glycol - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a versatile, non-toxic heat transfer fluid widely used across numerous industries due to its ability to lower the freeze point of water and operate efficiently within a broad temperature range of -50°F to 325°F. From critical applications like HVAC systems, solar heating, and thermal energy storage to specialized uses in food processing, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing, PG-based antifreezes and coolants offer reliable performance and safety. When formulated with virgin glycols and high-quality additive packages, PG antifreezes provide excellent corrosion resistance, pH stability, and extended fluid life—making them essential for optimizing equipment longevity and performance across a wide range of demanding environments.

Propylene Glycols have many uses including but not limited to:

HVAC Systems
Aircraft Deicers
Power Generation – Gas Powered Turbines cooling water
Stationary Gas Engines
Refrigeration Warehouses
Ice Skating Rinks
Food and Cosmetic manufacturing processes
Ground Thaw and Sub Surface Heaters
Manufacturing with Heating or Cooling Processes
Solar Heating Systems
Thermal Energy Storage
and much more

Propylene Glycols are Non-Toxic and often used in food processes as well as cosmetic processes. Propylene Glycols lower the freeze-point of water and usually have a very wide temperature range for -50° F to 325° F.

Using a quality PG Antifreeze will be formulated with Virgin Glycols and use state-of-the-art additive packages. The additive packages will include inhibitors that will control corrosion and scaling. Quality additive and inhibitor packages will assist in controlling corrosion and PH, which optimizes correct operating temperatures, extending fluid life and minimizes fluid expansion.

Quality PG Antifreezes include products for Kost like Kostchill PG’s and ToughinAl. Kostchill PGs are used in industrial applications whereas ToughinAl is used in Heavy Duty Stationary Gas Engines. Kostchill Heat Transfer fluids have tested successes at many large food and beverage processing plants such as Sam Adams Brewery, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and many more. ToughinAl meets and exceeds ASTM D6210 requirements for manufactures like CAT EC-1, GE Waukesha, Agco/Massey Ferguson, MWM Deutz, and MTU. Works in most heavy-duty applications.

**Note: Whenever diluting any glycol antifreezes, it is recommended to use only distilled water or an RO (reverse osmosis) water. Using tap water can affect corrosion protection.

Please reach out to your Sales Representative or myself, Doug Vrooman, Senior Technical Advisor, with any questions you may have!

Dielectric Hydraulic Fluid - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:30:00 GMT

Why and where to use a Hydraulic Fluid with a good Dielectric Strength?

Dielectric hydraulic fluid, also known as non-conductive hydraulic fluid, is usually manufactured with high quality base oils and an additive package that includes a dielectric medium (insulator) that will not conduct or at minimum resist conductivity of electricity.

Hydraulic fluids can store electrical energy and discharge it later, like that of a capacitor. The discharge is usually on some metal part of the equipment and can have popping sounds and electrical arcs. Dielectrics have a distinct ability to conduct and store electricity.

This type of hydraulic fluid is a great choice for all hydraulic needs due to their quality formulations as well as their dielectric strength. Quality Hydraulic fluids with a higher VI (Viscosity Index) will have many benefits like:

Wear Protection
Oxidation Control
Rust & Corrosion Protection
Foam Control

It is common to request hydraulic fluid with a dielectric strength of 35 KV or better when the equipment with a hydraulic system is working near or around any electrical situation. Utility and construction companies with boom trucks, aerial lifts or cherry pickers are some of the most common applications for dielectric hydraulic fluid. Other applications may include many pump systems such as vane, gear and piston pumps as well as PTO pumps. Typical Viscosities for these applications include ISO VG 15, 22, 32 and 46 which can range from 35 kv to as high as 58 kv. Products that we carry such as Petro-Canada Hydrex MV, Kendall Hyken Glacial Blue or P66 Megaflow HVI AW.

It is important to note that the dielectric strength of a hydraulic fluid can be sensitive to moisture and contaminants. Moisture and contaminants can lower the dielectric strength significantly. Proper storage and handling of these hydraulic fluids should be a consideration. The fluid should be kept sealed after the container is opened and stored in a dry location.

Please reach out to your Sales Representative or myself, Doug Vrooman, Senior Technical Advisor, with any questions you may have!

Preparing for Fall - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:30:00 GMT

We know it’s only summer, but fall will be here before you know it! Now’s the perfect time to get ahead of the season by preparing for colder weather. Don’t wait until the first frost—start stocking up on glycols and antifreeze now to ensure you're ready when temperatures drop.

Think Colder!

Preparing for cold weather operation is a combination of several facts
- verifying coolants are in optimal condition
- verifying the correct engine oil and viscosity for cold seasons according to OEM recommendations. Lighter viscosity engine oils allow for easier startups in cold weather.
Training equipment operators and drivers of proper cold weather startup and warm-up procedures. Keep in mind excessive idle time is as detrimental to equipment and lubricates as no warm-up time.
Thickening fluid can create resistance to flow through a filter which could result in filter damage or bypass.
Greasing before the cold months allows grease to flow better thus purging old grease and contaminants.

Why Warm Up and Consider Using Lighter Viscosity Engine Oils:

The majority of wear in engines, up to 80% of wear, can be attributed to cold start-ups.
Using the proper or lighter viscosity grade of oil can significantly reduce wear and the lubricant can flow to moving parts of the engine much quicker.
Warm up cycles for an engine should be long enough to bring the engine up to normal operating temperature which will minimize wear and can extend the service life of parts, such as turbochargers, bearings and piston rings. The need for DPF cleaning can be impacted positively by a proper warm-up procedure.

Things to Test Before the Cold Weather is Here:

Block heaters, aid in keeping the coolant at a warm temperature when the vehicle is parked.
Proper sizing of a heating element is very important for ultimate coolant temperature. Also, just because the engine temperature is warm at start up does not mean all the other parts in the vehicle have been warmed as well. Letting all components warm up to normal operating temperature before working at 100% is very important.
With Diesel engines, the DPF checked and/or cleaned as it can impact the warm up procedure.
Testing DEF heaters for cold operation should be part of the be part of schedule maintenance as DEF can freeze and could cause engine shut down.
Testing antifreeze for correct Glycol level which is usually optimal at a 50/50 mix.

Fluid Management: Hydraulic Oils - Doug's Tip of the Month

doug.vrooman@burkeoil.com (Doug Vrooman) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:15:00 GMT

A common question amongst maintenance personnel is around the life expectancy of our Hydraulic Oils in their machines. For the most part, many maintenance personnel reply that they expect a very short time because of the aggressive environment surrounding the manufacturing equipment.

And this is true if we recognize that the oil will suffer just two adverse effects in the equipment: Contamination & Degradation.

Premium hydraulic oils are capable of maintaining their initial characteristics and protect the equipment for a very long time…..even several years in a properly designed hydraulic system and with a proactive maintenance program.

6 areas to help extend the life of Hydraulic fluid while protecting equipment:

1.-Choose the Right Product:

A few Premium Hydraulic fluids characteristics:

Advanced Technologies in Base Oils and Additives:
1. Keep the oil and system clean
2. Have Outstanding contamination control
3. Have Exceptional protection against wear
4. Control demulsibility

2.-Prevent Contamination:

Keep strict housekeeping control.
Change from metal screen breathers to a desiccant breather.
Use proper Filtration and filters with an Absolute Ratio β according to your needs.
Segregate type of lubricants to prevent compatibility concerns.
Consolidate Inventory of Lubricants.
Fix leaks and the air intrusion in the equipment.
Do not use after-market additives or mix products.
Identify and ‘Lube Tag’ the equipment and the oil being used.

3.-Avoid Waste

Repair leaks
Use the golden rule: The right product in the right place with the right amount.

4.-Protect against deterioration:

Maintain proper storage and handling of hydraulic fluids.
In outside storage, stack drums horizontally or upside down to prevent water contamination
Monitor equipment operation to avoid: high temperatures, excessive air exposure, static or electric discharges.

5.-Extend Useful Life

Purchase Premium products to meet your equipment’s needs.
Determine the optimum practical drain interval.
Establish a system of simple checks in the field to assure the integrity of the oil and its operations – Send in routine used oil samples to a laboratory.

6.-Personnel Training on Lubricants

Training generates experience and this is the base of an optimum use and preservation of the lubricants and the benefits that can be achieved.
Do not let unauthorized/inexperienced people handle lubricants.
Hydraulic lube oils are the heart and soul of your equipment and maintaining a staff that can take proper oil samples and interpret the laboratory testing results will pay huge dividends back to any operation.