Crane Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Oct. 17, 2023 - Equipment fires can happen in any industry, and cranes are no exception.
Hot running equipment and a leaking hydraulic seal or blown hose can be a disastrous combination because traditional hydraulic fluid has a flash point around 240° F.
If a ruptured hydraulic hose sprays fluid onto a hot muffler, a fire could ignite quickly due to the relatively low flash point of traditional hydraulic fluid.
Higher Flash Point Adds Safety
However, Bio-Ultimax 1000, a biosynthetic formula from Renewable Lubricants of Hartville, Ohio, can directly replace the more common mineral-oil-based hydraulic fluids, and has a flash point of 450° F.
That 200° cushion can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe if a hydraulic hose breaks.
In addition to the popular ISO 46 weight, Bio-Ultimax 1000 comes in ISO 32, 68, and 100 weights, so there are options for many different locations and preferences.
Better for Environment
These bio-based products are also non-toxic, zinc-free, and contain no heavy metals.
That makes them safer for employees to handle.
And they meet EPA 21013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) guidelines for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), so they are safe to use on portside cranes, in cranes working on bridges spanning water, near wetlands, or near a body of water.
Easier, Cheaper Site Cleanup
With traditional hydraulic fluid, if a hose breaks or a seal fails on a job site, the cleanup can be an expensive nightmare, especially if the problem occurs near a wetland, a watershed, a storm sewer, or other sensitive areas.
An EPA-mandated cleanup of traditional hydraulic fluid is pricey, involves plenty of paperwork, and causes extended downtime.
Using environmentally friendly bio-based hydraulic fluids can eliminate EPA fines and speed the cleanup.
Works as Well as Mineral-Based Oil
With oxidation performance comparable to that of full synthetics, bio-based oil is one of the safest hydraulic fluids for the environment.
These advances in safety are accompanied by performance that meets or exceeds that of traditional hydraulic fluids.
Ideal for stationary or mobile equipment, these super-high Viscosity Index (VI) fluids are proven in systems to 10,000 psi and in systems with ultra-fine filtration.
To ensure performance and long life, Renewable Lubricants developed the stringent IsoGreen filtration standard, which meets or exceeds the Rexroth pump guidelines for hydraulic fluids.
In addition to enhancing performance, Renewable Lubricants (RL) help companies achieve their sustainability goals.
They are ideal for use in all types of hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability, and non-bioaccumulation are required.
RL patented bio-based hydraulic fluids are formulated to perform in high- and low-pressure hydraulic systems that require Anti-Wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, anti-foam, and demulsibility.
Incorporating Renewable Lubricants’ patented Stabilized patented antioxidants, these bio-synthetics provide improved performance in oxidation stability over standard plant/vegetable/HETG, and unsaturated HEES fluids.
They are highly inhibited against moisture and rusting in both fresh and sea water, and pass A and B sequences of the ASTM D-665 Turbine Oil Rust Test.
Formulated to provide longer seal life and reduced oil leakage, this environmentally friendly, zinc-free product meets or exceeds high-pressure pump requirements.
32 Years of Experience
Renewable Lubricants Inc. began as a research and development company in 1991, developing high performance products that directly replace petroleum-based products.
Starting from a single corn-based engine oil developed in the inventor’s garage, the company now offers more than 250 products and has over 100 worldwide patents.
It manufactures its products as environmentally friendly as possible without sacrificing performance.
For more information visit RenewableLube.com.
