Professional landscapers, arborists, utility crews, forestry professionals and homeowners may not realize it, but one of the newest renewable products carrying the trusted DEWALT® name is made in part from American-grown soybeans. DEWALT® Biobased Bar & Chain Oil was developed by DGP (formerly Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing) with support from the Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff investments to provide a high-performance, renewable alternative to conventional petroleum-based chain oils.
Bar and chain oil is essential to chainsaw operation, reducing friction, dissipating heat and protecting the guide bar and chain from premature wear. Unlike many lubricants used in enclosed systems, bar and chain oil is intentionally discharged into the surrounding environment during normal operation. In forestry, utility line clearance, tree care and landscaping applications, gallons of lubricant can be released onto the ground over the course of a season, making the environmental profile of the product especially important.
Using soybean oil as a primary renewable feedstock, DEWALT Biobased Bar & Chain Oil delivers the tackiness needed to keep lubricant on the chain at high operating speeds while providing outstanding wear protection, corrosion resistance and lubrication under demanding conditions. The formulation helps reduce chain stretch, minimizes equipment wear and supports longer component life without sacrificing the performance professionals expect from premium bar and chain lubricants.
Beyond performance, the product demonstrates how soybeans can replace petroleum in industrial applications that many consumers encounter every day. Because soybean oil is readily biodegradable and derived from a renewable agricultural resource, the lubricant offers an environmentally preferable option for applications where incidental release into soil and vegetation is unavoidable. That makes it an attractive choice for municipalities, parks departments, utility companies, commercial tree services and environmentally conscious property owners seeking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising productivity.
The commercialization of DEWALT Biobased Bar & Chain Oil also highlights the value of soybean checkoff investments in developing new markets for U.S. soybeans. By partnering with private industry to bring innovative biobased products to market under nationally recognized brands, organizations such as the Ohio Soybean Council are helping expand demand for soybean oil beyond traditional food and fuel markets. Each successful product creates another opportunity to add value to every bushel while demonstrating that soy-based technologies can compete on performance, sustainability and cost in real-world applications.
Today, DEWALT Biobased Bar & Chain Oil serves as another example of how America’s soybean farmers are helping power innovation—transforming a renewable crop into high-performance products that benefit equipment operators, the environment and rural economies alike.
Image Credit: Groen Solutions