Company Announcement - Developed for use in a wide range of applications and conditions where environmental impacts are a key consideration, Cat Bio HYDO Advanced provides superior performance across a wide temperature range. A green solution, Cat Bio HYDO Advanced is a synthetic ester based hydraulic fluid with >90% bio-based content (per ASTM D6866 test method). Unlike fossil carbon, bio-based carbons are derived from renewable sources: fluid biodegradability to OECD 301B is estimated at around 80% after 28 days.

Comparable to premium mineral-based hydraulic oils, Cat Bio HYDO Advanced has been awarded a number of eco-labels, including the EU Flower. (The EU Flower is the only eco-label that covers all aspects of sustainability, including product performance, toxicology, pollution mitigation, and the utilisation of renewable resources.) The product is also listed in the US Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred® programme

Key product features include superior, consistent wear protection throughout the entire temperature range from -30°C to 45°C, excellent corrosion resistance, and fast air release. Good foam control and fast air release are important properties of any hydraulic fluid. Air trapped in hydraulic oil reduces system response and causes “sponginess” at the controls. Trapped air also accelerates oil degradation.“Excessive air and foam can lead to cavitation (collapsing air bubbles) and damage to hydraulic components,” comments Barloworld  Equipment group product specialist, Reuben Phasha. (Barloworld Equipment is the Cat dealer for southern Africa.) Cat Bio HYDO Advanced releases air very quickly and special additives keep the hydraulic fluid clear of foam, even when it becomes contaminated with engine oil.

Due to the oil’s excellent oxidation stability, extended drain intervals up to 6 000 hours are achievable when combined with Cat S•O•SSM fluid analysis monitoring. “In the past, switching from a premium mineral-based hydraulic fluid to a synthetic ester fluid meant shorter drain intervals and increased operating cost,” he adds.