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TOPIC MOTOREX BIOGARD: TAILOR-MADE FOR CHAIN AND NATURE Rapidly biodegradable chainsaw lubricants have become an indispensable component of any sustainable forest management program. Over ten years ago MOTOREX successfully brought BIOGARD chain oils to market. The lubricants are continually improved in close collaboration with specialists and organizations such as the Swiss Forest Owners Association WVS. Motorized chainsaws consume an average of 0.33 liters of oil per hour of operation, releasing 800 to 1000 tonnes of chain oil into the environment each year in Switzerland alone. Using rapidly biodegradable chain oil can significantly reduce environmental impact, an approach actively promoted throughout Switzerland by the Swiss Forest Owners Association WVS (see box). WVS’s professional education programs have long emphasized the use of biodegradable lubricants, teaching practitioners the advantages of MOTOREX’s biofluids. Jean-Luc Schenk, coordinator of the chainsaw curriculum for WVS, answered a few questions for MOTOREX Magazine about his experiences with BIOGARD products. MOTOREX Magazine: “Can you tell us the main reason to use rapidly biodegradable chain oil?” Jean-Luc Schenk, WVS: “The high level of environmental awareness in our country provides ideal circumstances for biodegradable lubricants. What’s more, FSC standards and other regulations require the use of biofluids.” “Updated formulas have increased the biodegradability quotient (within 28 days) of BIOGARD PLUS to 87% and that of BIOGARD to as much as 99%. Have you noticed any difference in the products in practical use compared to earlier versions?” “No, not really. These have been very high-level products for a long time. But there have been substantial changes 6
BIODEGRADABILITY COMPARISON BIOGARD VERSUS N 150 MINERAL OIL 100 90 80 70 Jean-Luc Schenk, WVS curriculum coordinator in charge of no fewer than 280 chainsaws, tells us about his experience with MOTOREX BIOGARD. Breakdown [%] 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 1 2 4 7 11 12 14 17 18 21 24 25 28 Days BIOGARD BIOGARD PLUS N 150 MINERAL OIL since the first generation of bio chain oils. We use chainsaws from all the major manufacturers in our courses. Our equipment includes about 280 saws. We successfully use BIOGARD products in all of them.” “Both products are based on renewable raw materials. Do you consider this a sensible approach?” “Yes, it’s a good thing – conserving resources is an important principle at WVS.” “Can you say something about wear to the saw and bar?” “To keep wear to a minimum, it is essential to prevent any problems in the oil feed. In winter, saw manufacturers recommend adjusting the oil flow for the lower temperatures – i.e. increasing the flow rate.” “Special additives can keep the viscosity-temperature curve balanced for year-round use. What experience do you have in this regard?” “In winter we expect the temperature to reach –15 °C, but it’s usually warmer, around zero or so. BIOGARD products flow freely in cold temperatures and adhere well to the chain when the temperature is above zero as well.” “Is there a difference in lubrication between harvester and conventional chainsaw chains?” “Yes. With harvesters, the relatively large chain has only a very short travel path and is generally lubricated with the machine’s hydraulic oil, which should also be biodegradable (OEKOSYNT HEES). Chainsaws, by contrast, are lubricated directly from a chain oil tank built into the saw. In our courses, we recommend topping up the oil tank every time the saw is refueled.” “What about anti-corrosion protection when chainsaws are kept in extended storage?” “The important thing during storage is where the saw is kept – it should be stored in a dry place. If the saw is being stored longer than two months, I recommend removing and cleaning the chain and applying a protective layer of oil.” “Do you give the participants in your courses any other tips?” “Always use biodegradable lubricants to comply with applicable FSC standards. A responsible woodsman should also generally work with alkylate fuels.” Thank you for the interesting interview. • Swiss Forest Owners Association (WVS) The Swiss Forest Owners Association (WVS) is a Swiss forest management umbrella organization founded in 1921. Members include cantonal and regional forest owners’ associations, cantons and individual forest owners. The WVS assists its members in improving marketing for their products. It also runs a professional center for vocational training and professional development in the forestry sectors and publishes the two leading forestry trade journals, Wald und Holz and La Forêt. www.wvs.ch motorex Magazine I DECEMBER 2011 7
