Biodegradable Bar oil and mix

[SingleJack]

[ QUOTE ]
Every time this issue comes up, I post this link. Greenlube makes a product that is less expensive than the Stihl stuff, and we use it exclusively,summer and winter. No problems. Plus, the company will ship 55 gal containers to us for free, as we are on a frequent trucking route. Call them up- they're pretty cool. Thanks to Stacy (Treegazer) for this one http://www.greenpluslubes.com/

[/ QUOTE ]

Here's an interesting link from the U.S. Forest Service that references the Greenland Corporation:

VEGETABLE OIL FOR LUBRICATING CHAIN SAWS

 

[arboristandy]

We use the Stihl Bio at work. Really expensive stuff but I've never had a problem with it gelling up even with the cold weather we've had recently. Never had any problems with wear or heat build up. After a while it starts to stink. Must go rancid or something. If I were in business for myself, I'd switch to canola just for the low cost. It'd probably go rancid too but would be less stinky since I wouldn't be paying $18 or so per gallon. Has anyone tried that concentrate Bailey's sells that you mix with water?

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

you mean this stuff? http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=17071

 

[KyLimbwalker]

Too high! Greenland is ~$650 for 55 gal, or ~12/gal

 

[jodystreeserv3]

Will conola oil work in summer (Texas) and winter?

 

[ClimbHigh]

A lot of food for thought! Thanks for all the help and options, probably going to try a bunch of them and see if their is a difference!!

 

[Winch]

We have been using canola for over 5 years, in all of our saws.

Tom, you mention the gumming problem, and I think it bears mentioning to those who have "occasional use" saws. The gumming is not a problem in those you use every day/week/month.

We rotate our saws out, and I will say that those that sit longer than a month (or maybe 2) get gummy. Those that get rotated have ZERO problems over the petroleum-based saw lube.

This is experience from a fleet of saws from a 338 to a 3120, a 200t to a 650. Just rotate your saws more often, or start them up once a month to get that stuff unstuck.

 

[whiz]

Is 10W30 an appropriate bar oil? Why? Why not?

 

[Winch]

10W30 is a somewhat irresponsible choice, given the other options available at this point. Irresponsible environmentally, that is. You are flinging petroleum-based products all over the landscape. Every little bit you can do to help is worth it, especially when it's such an easy choice.

Canola.

 

[jodystreeserv3]

Is there a certain kind of conola oil I should you.

 

[whiz]

Thanks Winch. When temping for a company I tried to make my case by asking, "How is this NOT the same as dumping 10w30 onto people's landscaping?" I think I only succeeded in making him mad. Better try another approach.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I inherited five gallons of petro bar lube. It'll be years before it will be used up.

Like many environmentally inspired purchases it's difficult to make a choice sometimes. Since the oil that I have has been refined, packaged and shipped, it makes sense to use it up. Then, make the change with the next purchase. Sure, this stuff could go into recycling with used engine oil. But that means more energy being put into refining, packaging and shipping all new oil. In the end, what is the gain? There's no loss in our environment, just a shift in use.

 

[Winch]

Good point, Tom.

 

[boreality]

Dilution is the solution to pollution. Or that's what I've heard I hope sarcastically.

Jody, it sounds like cold pressed is key to canola chain lube. I've yet to see it on a label. But others are finding it.

 

[treegazer]

Thanks Chris. I was just scrolling down to post the same link.

We've been using it for over 4 years now with no problems.

We use it in the spring and fall too.

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

We've been using canola lately. Found some on sale at the grocery store. Was using the Bio Motion Lotion. Both work well with no noticible bar wear or anything. Definately worth changing from petrol I think.

We know the benefits of using a bio bar oil, but what about the bio mix? Reduced emissions?

 

[jodystreeserv3]

So can you just switch over night or do I need to do half and half the first time?

 

[KyLimbwalker]

[ QUOTE ]
I inherited five gallons of petro bar lube. It'll be years before it will be used up.

Like many environmentally inspired purchases it's difficult to make a choice sometimes. Since the oil that I have has been refined, packaged and shipped, it makes sense to use it up. Then, make the change with the next purchase. Sure, this stuff could go into recycling with used engine oil. But that means more energy being put into refining, packaging and shipping all new oil. In the end, what is the gain? There's no loss in our environment, just a shift in use.

[/ QUOTE ]

Tom- remember, you are breathing that stuff in as well. Your argument is sound only if you discount your health and well-being, and that of your fellow workers.


The other alternative is to sell that 5 gallons to someone else who doesn't mind breathing that petrol. Personally, I do- and as soon as we had a greener alternative, we jumped at it.

Come-on, Tom! Switch for the buzzers here who want to see you stick around for awhile

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Ky,

Thanks for your concern...its valid.

If purchasing were my decision it would be an easy choice. But, working in a bureaucracy that doesn't like change is a challenge.

 

[whiz]

So true. All those Carhart Commandos standing around on the clock, yukin it up because someone thought ouside the box.