The new Eurol Specialty E-line is composed of hydraulic fluids, lubricating greases, and coolants. Sustainability and efficiency were key when we developed the E-line. The lubricants should last longer, be more economical to use, and ultimately result in a longer life for the machine and its components. Dirk van der Veen, Business Development Manager at Eurol Specialty Lubricants, says:  ‘We want to generate as little friction as possible in order to maximise protection and maintain lubrication. We can achieve this by using our own SYNGIS Technology. The result will maximise lubrication using sustainable raw materials that are free from microplastics and PFAS, but therein also lies the challenge.’

Practical test

After the first stage of lab tests and test benches, it’s time for practical tests. Our first real-world test using Eurol E-line products is on a new electric Doosan DX165W made by our contractor company Ploegam in cooperation with Urban Mobility Systems (UMS). UMS specialize in electric engines as well as converting heavy duty equipment to electric. ‘UMS has a lot of knowledge in electric engines, they are also a leader in drive technologies,’ says Van der Veen. ‘A partner like this is very valuable for us. We can put our product to the test and obtain useful data.’

Specific properties

Lubricating heavy duty electrical equipment causes completely different issues compared with conventional equipment. ‘Some components in electrical machines need other products in order to improve efficiency. An electric engine operates more consistently than a diesel engine, for example. Starting an engine combines enormous force with high torque. The Eurol Specialty E-line must be resistant to these circumstances. Another aspect to be aware of is that electric engines generate less heat than their diesel counterparts. This means that hydraulic fluid will stay cooler in an electric machine. These are the types of challenges we perform practical tests for in order to create top-quality products.

Less friction

Eurol is committed to using less lubricants. We hope to need less lubricating grease when lubricating the pin-bush connections on the electric excavator. Our Specialty E-line prevents ‘bleeding’, being when oil leaks out of the lubricating grease. The result is that less product is needed. However, there should also be less friction – after all, less resistance also means less wear and tear. This is a comprehensive package that ensures that the machine runs as efficiently as possible.

Biodegradable

Eurol sets the bar high. ‘Our goal is to develop a hydraulic fluid that is biodegradable. This could be an attractive proposal for contractors working in Natura 2000 protected nature areas because there’s no immediate cause for concern if the hydraulic hose bursts. At the same time, the CO₂ balance must be as low as possible throughout the product life cycle: from raw materials, packaging, production, distribution and use by customers, to end-of-life. We’re at an advanced stage of development right now, and the market launch of the E-line is planned for later this year,’ says Dirk Van der Veen.