Oil Price Instability

 

 

If you work in our industry or follow the news, you may have heard about the massive increase in base oil prices that have occurred over the past few months.

 

Late last year, several major and independent lubricant manufacturers announced there would be a finished lube price increase. ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron and Phillips 66 said the increase would be up to 12 percent. Independent lubricant blenders’ increases were anywhere from 9-14 percent. There have been three price increases from January to March 2021 alone.

 

Why The Increases?

Some lubricant manufacturers cited increasing costs of raw materials used in production and delivery. Others blamed supply tightness and steady demand. Others said it was in response to rising costs of transportation and manufacturing.

 

But the hurricanes of last year—Hurricane Delta in October and Laura in August—impacted two major U.S. API Group II base oil producers in Port Arthur Texas and near Lake Charles, Louisiana. Since they both were in the hurricane’s path, they were completely shut down and it took some time to get them back up and running. Some of the power grids required a complete rebuild.

 

Adding insult to injury was some refineries perform maintenance in the fall, and others reduced their refinery capacity utilization percentage because demand had decreased, which resulted in a smaller supply.

 

What Happens When Oil Prices Rise

When the cost of fuel rises, carriers have to raise their prices and take losses. If it will cost more for the freight carrier to transport the freight, they are going to increase their charge to the shipper. Since the shipper has to pay more, they will charge the receiver more.

 

Increased oil prices will also affect how the freight is transported. If the cost of rail usage is low and fuel costs are high, it will be more economically feasible to transport freight via intermodal carriers than over the road trucks.

 

Ultimately, oil price increases have a domino effect and results in products sold to customers at higher rates.

 

What We’re Doing To Help You

STARFIRE lubricants, antifreeze and chemicals are designed to protect your machinery and maximize its efficiency at a more affordable cost than our competitors—even with the industry-wide oil price increases. Our lubricants cause less friction, which extends the life of the engine or the industrial equipment. Our products are also formulated to meet or exceed all OEM specifications at huge savings versus larger brands.

 

We ensure the highest level of customer service from the moment your order is placed until the day it arrives. We are committed to our customers’ utmost satisfaction.

 

We understand that no one likes to experience price increases, and we couldn’t agree more. We’re here to answer your questions about what is happening with the oil price increase and explain the trickle-down effect it’s having on all parts of our industry.

 

Please check out the vast variety of products on our website and contact us if you have any questions or would like to become a distributor. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Also take a look at our Starfire merchandise for T-shirts, koozies, bottle openers, glasses, water bottles, hats, hoodies and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STARFIRE SENTRY Fluid Analysis Program

 

We know what’s most important to you is keeping your machines humming so you can get ahead. You need to know what’s happening inside your equipment from the condition of your lubricant to component wear and contamination threats. That’s why we offer the STARFIRE SENTRY Fluid Analysis Program, so you can have a snapshot of what’s happening inside your equipment at all times.

 

With the STARFIRE SENTRY Fluid Analysis program, you can identify dirt, wear particles and other contaminants that can cause catastrophic failure or significantly shorten equipment life.

 

When you make STARFIRE SENTRY an integral part of your preventive maintenance program, you will be able to: safely extend oil drain intervals, extend equipment life, minimize downtime by identifying minor problems before they become major failures, maximize asset reliability and optimize filtration performance.

                            

Why Sample?                                     

Regular sampling with STARFIRE SENTRY will provide the necessary information you need to continually maximize asset reliability. Monitoring results over an extended period of time will ensure the component is functioning properly and not wearing excessively. You will also confirm oil quality, extend oil drains to maximize oil life, reduce costs and provide proper protection for the component.                                                                                

STARFIRE SENTRY Fluid Analysis Features

You can rest assured our high-quality testing is completed by an independent, ISO 17025 A2LA-accredited laboratory. Results are available immediately online upon sample processing completion, so you can have access to your data while you’re on the go.        

How Do I Submit A Sample?                               

Contact your STARFIRE SENTRY Sales Representative to order your test kits and set up an account number, login and password. Once online you will be able to access Management Reports, Sample Reports, Sample Submissions, Equipment Lists and the Technical Library. We’re here to help you keep your equipment humming! Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

 

                             

 

2021 Tractors Of The Year

 

TOTY recently announced its 2021 Tractors of the Year, celebrating agricultural equipment manufacturers who continue to enhance farming operations with advanced technologies and increased operator comfort features. This year, the panel also focused on sustainability. Let’s take a look at the winners in the top categories.  

 

Overall Tractor Of The Year

The jury selected Massey Ferguson’s 8S.265 as Overall Tractor of the Year. Touted as the quietest cab on the market with 360-degree visibility, this tractor features a new cooling and hydraulics system. Its Dyna-7 engine offers efficient operation of a total of 28 forward and reverse speeds in four ranges and seven seamless gears. The cost-effective transmission delivers smooth and intuitive operation in manual mode or can even be operated fully automatically.

Best Utility Tractor

Considering that utility tractors must be easy to maneuver and versatile, the jury named the Valtra G 135 Versu as its Best Utility Tractor of the Year. It features an advanced power lift and effective working hydraulics. The Valtra’s high hydraulic pump capacities (100/110 l/min) guarantee speed, ease of use and full-featured implement control. And its new 6-speed powershift gives the driver better work-speed possibilities. 

 

 

Best Specialized Tractor

The jury selected the Fendt V Vario 211 as its Best of Specialized Tractor of the Year. With a full new cab, Fendt has improved the working environment for the driver. The Dynamic Performance extends power range — the extra power (10 hp) is controlled and released automatically according to the working needs. The jury touted its high quality, reliability and very efficient transmission. 

 

Sustainable Tractor of the Year

The jury selected the Claas Axion 960 Cemos as Sustainable Tractor of the Year, citing it as a “big step toward a more sustainable farming” due to all the technology included on the tractor. According to the jury, this helps make the machine even easier to use. In addition, there is a high level of optimization of all the technology and electronics utilized. Tire pressure has been optimized, as well, to help provide fuel savings and more efficient performance in the field in any working condition. 

  

Congratulations to this year’s winners! At STARFIRE, we design our products to help your tractors run more efficiently during harvest season and minimize the maintenance needed in-between seasons. Check out a few of our best selling products that help protect your agricultural equipment, and feel free to send us a message or give us a call at 888-258-8723 to learn more. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Also take a look at our Starfire merchandise for T-shirts, koozies, bottle openers, glasses, water bottles, hats, hoodies and more. 

 

 

 

Industrial Antifreezes To Keep Your Production Line Moving

 

At STARFIRE, we understand the pressure to keep your industrial lines moving. STARFIRE offers a full line of industrial antifreezes that are formulated with your industrial machines in mind to provide ultimate equipment protection and extended operations life. Here are a few of our products to consider:

 

Purefleet EXTREME HD ELC Antifreeze/Coolant

Designed for use in all heavy duty cooling system applications, STARFIRE Purefleet EXTREME Heavy Duty ELC Antifreeze/Coolant is a premium, virgin, ethylene glycol-based heavy duty antifreeze/coolant that contains a proprietary poly-organic/multi-organic acid technology inhibitor system. It does not contain any phosphate, silicate, borate, nitrate or nitrite.

 

By providing corrosion protection for all cooling system metals including aluminum, steel, cast iron, copper, brass and solder, Purefleet EXTREME HD ELC Antifreeze/Coolant is compatible with all types of coolant technologies, including conventional inorganic acid salt formulations, straight organic acid (OAT) formulations, hybrid organic acid formulations (HOAT), nitrited HOAT formulations (NOAT) and other poly-organic acid formulations. When used as directed, it meets ASTM D 3306, ASTM D 4985, ASTM D 6210 and TMC RP-329/330 standards and is available in concentrate and 50/50 prediluted formulas.

 

STARFIRE Purefleet SCA Precharged Antifreeze/Coolant

Like the Purefleet Heavy Duty ELC Antifreeze/Coolant, STARFIRE’s Purefleet SCA Precharged Antifreeze/Coolant is a premium virgin, ethylene glycol-based heavy duty product designed to keep your diesel-powered machines running longer and more efficiently. It also provides freeze protection in all heavy duty application systems at temperatures reaching -34°F.

 

A 50/50 mixture of STARFIRE antifreeze/coolant and water provides freeze protection to -34˚F and raises boiling point to +265˚F when a 15 lb. pressure cap in good condition is used. When used as directed, it meets ASTM D 3306, D4985, ASTM D 6210 and TMC RP-329 standards at a lower price point than other larger brands. It is also available in concentrate and 50/50 prediluted formulas.

 

When you order STARFIRE products for your industrial machines, you receive more than just the best quality products for the price. We ensure the highest levels of customer service from the moment your order is placed until it arrives. To learn more about our products or how they can increase your bottom line, send us a message or give us a call at 888-258-8723. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Also take a look at our STARFIRE merchandise for T-shirts, koozies, bottle openers, glasses, water bottles, hats, hoodies and more.

 

Conventional and Synthetic Gear Oils That Keep Your Vehicles Humming

STARFIRE’s no-nonsense products are formulated to meet and exceed OEM specs at a lower price point than other larger brands because we know your vehicle is your lifeline. Whether you’re facing normal or extreme conditions, STARFIRE will help keep you on the road — where you belong. Here are a few of our conventional and synthetic gear lubricants to keep your transmission humming.

 

Conventional Gear Lubricants

STARFIRE GL-5 GEAR LUBRICANTS are multi-purpose lubricants formulated with refined paraffinic base stocks and a sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure additive package, which provides excellent thermal and oxidative stability, as well as anti-foam, anti-rust and anti-corrosion protection, and has excellent load carrying capabilities.

 

These lubricants meet the API GL-5, GL-4 Service Designations as well as the MIL-L-2105D and MIL Prf 2105E and are suitable for use in limited slip differentials. They are also suitable for use in Mack GO-H & GO-J and Proposed PG-1/PG-2 Service Designations, Scania STO 110, Meritor -076D (80W90), and Meritor -076A (85W140), MAN 342 M2 (160,000 km), and MB 235.80.

Conventional lubricants are available in bulk packaging, including pails, kegs, drums or totes. 

Synthetic Gear Lubricants

STARFIRE FULL SYNTHETIC GL-5 GEAR LUBRICANTS are multi-purpose lubricants designed for service in automotive and heavy duty applications. They are formulated with synthetic base stocks and a sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure additive package with friction modifier, which provides excellent thermal and oxidative stability, as well as anti-foam, anti-rust and anti-corrosion protection and have excellent load carrying capabilities.

 

STARFIRE’s synthetic lubricants provide excellent protection against wear under extreme pressure and high torque operation, have a high resistance to thermal breakdown, help prevent foaming, rust and corrosion, and smooth and quiet operations.

 

Synthetic lubricants are available in bulk packaging, including pails, kegs, drums or totes.

When you order STARFIRE products for your automobiles, you receive more than just the best quality products for the price. We ensure the highest levels of customer service from the moment your order is placed until it arrives. For more information, send us a message or give us a call at 888-258-8723. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Also take a look at our STARFIRE merchandise for T-shirts, koozies, bottle openers, glasses, water bottles, hats, hoodies and more.

 

 

 

Keep Your Industrial Equipment In Great Shape With COOLFROST

COOLFROST is STARFIRE’s propylene glycol based industrial coolant and heat transfer fluid capable of providing pipe burst protection to temperatures as low as -45 degrees celsius and as high as 120 degrees celsius. 

Specially designed to protect brass, copper, solder, steel, cast iron, aluminum and other metals commonly found in the industrial cooling and heating systems. It is the ideal answer to inadequate freeze protection of HVAC systems. 

COOLFROST covers a wide range of uses including the typical metals such as carbon steel and copper as well as aluminum at higher temperatures, including, but not limited to:

● Refrigeration Systems

● Hydronic Heating Systems

● Air Hydronic, Heat Pumps and Furnaces

● Process Cooling

● Solar Heating & Hot Water Systems

● Water Based Heat Extraction System

● Ground Water Coupled Heat Pumps

● Immersion Freezing

● Coil Defrosting

● Fire Hydrant & Sprinkler System

● Cooling Systems & Chillers

● Snow Melting Systems

● Industrial Heat Transfer Systems

● Winterization of Any Water Based Systems

COOLFROST is a specially formulated inhibitor which helps your equipment run smoother, and like all STARFIRE products, is formulated to meet or exceed all specifications with significant savings versus other larger brands. When you order STARFIRE products for your industrial machines, you receive more than just the best quality products for the price. We ensure the highest levels of customer service from the moment your order is placed until it arrives. For more information, send us a message or give us a call at 888-258-8723.

For more information about who we are and how our products are changing the way that industrial machines run, stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Also take a look at our STARFIRE merchandise for T-shirts, koozies, bottle openers, glasses, water bottles, hats, hoodies and more. 

Winterizing Your Boat Or RV

Now that fall is here, it’s time to prepare your boat and RV for the real chill of winter. After you’ve taken care of your engine, you’ll need to make sure you’ve cared for your potable water systems, freshwater systems, sanitation systems and air conditioners to protect them against freeze damage. If you don't protect these systems, any water remaining in the water lines or tanks can freeze, expand, and break fittings and lines, which can be costly repairs.

 

STARFIRE’s RV & MARINE ANTIFREEZE provides burst protection in potable water systems down to -50 degrees fahrenheit. Our specially permitted formula contains denatured ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol, which not only provides superior care against harsh winter temperatures and winds, but it’s also an economical alternative. There’s no mixing required, and our non-toxic antifreeze is safe for fresh water systems.

 

Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! Also take a look at our Starfire merchandise for T-shirts, koozies, bottle openers, glasses, water bottles, hats, hoodies and more.