The paper reports upon the development of a new biodegradable oil and grease for the use in track components. The lubricants fulfil all criteria referring to functional, tribological, environmental and toxicological demands for components in tracked vehicles. Oil spills and leakages do no longer affect the environment and considerably contaminate the ground. Furthermore the oil was found to be not only an equivalent biodegradable lubricant, but to be even superior compared with the mineral based lubricants, which had been used before. Because of extreme pressure properties, e.g. the allowable maximum radial loads in the slide bearings of track rollers and idlers are higher and wear is reduced. Also field tests with tracks showed an overall improved tribological behaviour of the lubricated track joints.
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