Bio-based bar and chain oils

[shortyb]

Looking at the alternatives, anyone have experience or opinions (like BITOGers don't have opinions LOL)? Been a big Oregon fan as long as I've had saws.

 

[wpod]

Used motor oil. I used to for 17 years heat my home with wood . Chain saw and wood splitter for big loads of wood and hand split small loads.

 

[thastinger]

My neighbor has a tree service company, big operation with bucket trucks etc. He uses canola oil exclusively.

 

[FT92]

vegetable oil or canola oil, basically what the ecofriendly bar oils are, with some "sticky" added to keep it better on the chain.

 

[DukeOfFrontenac]

I started using the bio stuff lately. No issues and it cleans up a heck of a lot easier than the petro based stuff when it gets on your hands & etc.

 

[andyd]

WVO?

 

[jhellwig]

I have read that some of that bio or maybe just canola can gum up if left in the saw for a long time. There is lots of info about it on forestry sites as it is a requirement in some areas.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Not sure if there’s anything on the books already, but HPL has several base oils that are completely bio-friendly. I spent time discussing with @High Performance Lubricants because oils made with these biodegradable stocks can greatly simplify environmental risks for the company I work for.

Dave Ward, do you have anything bio-suitable that would also be cost-effective for bar & chain oil?

 

[JimmyChainsaw]

Stihl sell a biodegradable bar lube called BioPlus.It is based on Rapeseed oil.Sells in small volumes compared to normal bar lube and is slightly more expensive.Most common usage is with Councils and Government jobs where being eco friendly is important.Have noticed it can dry out if used on saws that are not used a lot.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Rape seed oil is canola oil. Or canola is GMO rape seed oil. Great as an industrial oil and dangerous as a cooking oil.

 

[shortyb]

Thought about using veggie oil, but knew that they would probably need to have some sort of emulsifiers to keep them fluid. Several products out there now in response to the Green Revolution that seem like they would work. Saw this, and seems good as its from RLI. Have trusted the stuff from the Garmiers and no reason to think it wouldn't be a great product. SDS says no significant environmental hazards, but cautions against exposing it to surface water or getting into drains so wonder about it's overall biodegradability vs. other products.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Bio degradable oil.
https://www.mpg.de/11353055/oil-as-energy-source-for-marine-creatures