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• Three Class Is to serve Archer Daniels Midland's new intermodal facility in Illinois (9/23/2013)

• Locomotive Engineer/Conductor

12/11/2015

Railmark Track Works: Biobased rail lubricants

Railmark Track Works Inc. offers biobased switch lubricants, biobased hydraulic oils and biobased top-of-rail lubricants that meet the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Preferable Purchasing criteria and are USDA "BioPreferred™."

Manufactured in the United States from renewable crop-based oils and a lithium-based thickener, Railmark's lubricants are safer for the environment, the company said.

The lubricants also have a viscosity index that’s two times higher than petroleum-based oils. This provides more stable viscosity at different temperatures and a wider range of operation, the company said. Both tests and usage have demonstrated higher performance than many synthetics, as well, according to Railmark.

Due to their polarity, biobased molecules bond and adhere to metal surfaces better than petroleum-based oils and greases, and have a higher flash point than mineral greases. These qualities increase safety, Railmark said.

Additionally, the company’s lubricants are safer for employees, the public and the environment because they contain no heavy metals, no chlorine and no harsh odors, Railmark said.

The company offers biobased railroad lubricants that include Universal Switch Lubricants, Frigid Climate Switch Lubricants, Top of Rail Friction Modifiers, Solid Stick, ISO 32 & ISO 46 Hydraulic Oils and Universal Tractor Hydraulic Fluids. A wide range of pumps and applicators also are available.