What Are The Advantages Of Switching To Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils?

Hydraulic oils are non-compressed fuels that allow power to transfer from one side of the equipment to the other. Generally, a force from a piston or cylinder will be applied at one side, which pushes this hydraulic oil or fluid through the system, exerting a force on the other side, resulting in movement or action. These are often synthetic or mineral based fluids, but you can also opt for biodegradable hydraulic oils. So what are these? And what are the advantages of switching to biodegradable hydraulic oils? Well, here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK's leading provider of fuel oils like red diesel and kerosene, as well as lubricants and greases. And this is our guide to why you should choose biodegradable hydraulic oils.

What are the advantages of switching to biodegradable hydraulic oils?

There are several advantages to changing your hydraulic fuel to biodegradable hydraulic oil instead. These benefits include:

  • Protecting the environment- biodegradable hydraulic oils are a great option for lowering the risk of environmental pollution, particularly when considering oil spills or working in agricultural or green spaces.
  • Reducing toxicity- biodegradable hydraulic oils have a lower toxicity than other hydraulic fuels. This makes it safer for the operator, as well as the environment.
  • Comparative properties- the properties of biodegradable hydraulic oils are easily compared to other hydraulic fuels, with good lubricating properties, a high viscosity index and a high flash point.
  • Comparative prices- prices and budgets are often the deciding factor for any company looking to make changes, and biodegradable hydraulic oils are competitively priced, with prices expected to drop slightly lower in the future, as environmental protection becomes even more crucial.

What are biodegradable hydraulic oils used for?

Biodegradable hydraulic oils are used for a range of purposes, including:

  • Tractors- For hydraulic brakes and hydraulic systems on agricultural vehicles and machinery like tractors, hydraulic oil is necessary. You should be sure to choose reputable oils from a company you can trust, like us here at Compass Fuel Oils, especially for high value machinery.
  • Forklift trucks- Forklift trucks and stackers use a hydraulic system to power the forks which need to lift extremely heavy loads.
  • Log splitters- Log splitters, or wood splitters, require a high level of power to split logs and this power is provided by a hydraulic system.
  • Air tools- High-pressure hydraulic oil is necessary for Air tools and air compressors.

How can you switch to biodegradable hydraulic oils?

You can switch out your old oil, and switch to the biodegradable hydraulic oil in 3 simple steps:

  • Step 1: Drain all of the oil from the hydraulic system. A large amount will probably remain in the pipes, pumps valves, cylinders and valves which you should also safely dispose of.
  • Step 2: Then fill the system to the normal level with the new biodegradable hydraulic oil, and work this system for a period of 2 to 3 minutes. This helps flush out the system and clean it.
  • Step 3: Repeat the previous two steps until the 2% limit is reached. We recommend 3 or 4 drains to make sure the 2% limit is reached.

For high quality biodegradable hydraulic oils you can count on, get in touch with the team here at Compass Fuel Oils today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

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    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

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    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

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    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

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  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

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    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

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    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

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    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.