Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Automotive Engine Oil vs. Marine Engine Oil

 


Automotive and marine engines run in very different ways, with each engine type needing to meet different emission and fuel economy standards. Let’s take a look at the different types of engines and the products they require.

 

Marine Oil

Marine engines and oil must handle the high RPMs and constant heavy loads. Temperature cycling in a marine engine is also very different because of the lake, sea or river water. Marine oil must have the ability to withstand moisture and corrosion more than automotive engine oil because of the high RPMs. Strong film stretch in marine engine oil protects the engine while under constant stress and load.

 

The extra addition of antioxidants in oil is important for marine engine longevity. Boats and fleets require products that keep machines running efficiently and on-time, so our Marine Products withstand all challenges faced in extreme environments.

 

Marine Engine Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil

Our Marine Engine Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oils are high-performance hydraulic fluids formulated from select base stocks and advanced additive technology. Our formula delivers the ultimate protection and extends operating life. Containing active anti-wear agents, antioxidation, anti-corrosion, anti-rust and anti-foam additive components, our Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oils will keep your marine engine running efficiently.

Purefleet Antifreeze

Whether you need our Purefleet SCA Precharged Antifreeze/Coolant, our Purefleet Heavy Duty ELC Antifreeze/Coolant or our Purefleet EXTREME Heavy Duty ELC Antifreeze/Coolant, you’ll get superior corrosion protection for all cooling system metals, including aluminum, steel, cast iron, copper, brass and solder. Available in concentrate and 50/50 prediluted formulas, our antifreezes are made of a low silicate, phosphate-free formulation for long-lasting inhibition and corrosion protection.

Automotive Engine Oil

In most cases, automotive engines will be carrying a light load and stay at a cruising pace. Automotive engines run at controlled temperatures, keeping operations running and fuel usage consistent. Vehicles are our lifeline and require no-nonsense products. STARFIRE Automotive Products meet and exceed OEM specifications, keeping you on the road with products blended to do the same as larger branded products at a lesser price.

Premium Plus 15W-40 Automotive Engine Oil    

This premium diesel engine oil meets the latest requirements for EGR/EGP engines. Our oil meets or exceeds API CK-4/SN. The product is backward compatible with CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CI-4 and CH-4. Also, Premium Plus 15W-40 Engine oil meets MACK EOS-4.5, EO-O Premium Plus, EO- N, Volvo VDS-4.5, VDS-4, VDS-3, Caterpillar ECF-3, ECF-2, Cummins CES20086, CES20081, CES 20077, Detroit Diesel 93K222, 93K218, 93K215, Daimler MB 228.31, MTU Category 2.1 and Renault RLD-4, RLD-3. All our premium products are available in bulk packaging.

Purefleet Extreme Heavy Duty ELC Antifreeze/Coolant

Your automotive engines will continue running smoothly and efficiently and with our Heavy Duty ELC Antifreeze/Coolant. This product provides total cooling system protection for 750,000 on-road miles, without any additives. Our product is a premium, virgin, ethylene glycol-based heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant. 

At STARFIRE, our products will help your engines run more efficiently, profitably and on-time every time. Do not hesitate to call to learn more 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.

 




Top Excavators On The Market Today

 


Excavators are indispensable tools in the construction industry. Whether you’re building a new subdivision or road, these earthmovers are as essential to your project as your team itself. When you’re ready to invest in an excavator, it’s key to do your research. Let’s look at the top-five rated excavators currently on the market.

 

Caterpillar 306 CR

Known for its durability and ease of maintenance, Caterpillar’s 306 CR is a great mini excavator that offers industry-leading lift performance right where you need it. Its new stick-steer control with cruise control enables the operator to switch from traditional travel with levers and pedals to joystick controls at the push of a button. Operators can enjoy intuitively designed full color LCD monitors with a jog dial for easy ergonomic interaction and hands-free Bluetooth compatibility, allowing operators to safely answer calls and stream audio.





 

Volvo EC300E Hybrid

Designed with responsive advanced hydraulics, the new EC300E Hybrid uses the boom down motion to charge an accumulator, with the stored energy driving an assist motor, lowering the torque requirement on the engine. This results in up to 15 percent lower fuel consumption while delivering all the power and performance you would expect from a conventional large excavator.

 

 


 

Komatsu PC210LCi-11

Komatsu hydraulic excavators are built with the highest quality materials and superior craftsmanship. The second generation PC210LCi-11 is productive and precise enough to be a fixture on jobsites from basement and foundation pads to utility work. Featuring factory integrated 3D GNSS technology, and improved machine control performance, the PC210LCi-11 empowers operators to dig straight to grade, faster. Minimizing over-excavation and bedding material, this machine leaves behind nothing but clean and accurate grade.




 

Doosan DX140LC-5

 

This Doosan crawler excavator delivers excellent durability and trusted reliability. A high-pressure common rail equipped engine and Electronic Power Optimizing System (EPOS) deliver optimum power and fuel efficiency. The design optimizes combustion and torque for faster cycles and maximum results. And its Smart Power Control (SPC) improves machine efficiency while maintaining productivity through variable speed control and pump torque control.

 

 


No matter which excavator is right for your construction business, STARFIRE has the oils, lubricants and chemicals that are blended to perform the same as larger branded products at a lower price. Our construction products will help your equipment run more efficiently and increase their longevity. Have questions? Give us a call at 888-258-8723. And don’t forget to 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.

 

 



Monday, March 15, 2021

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.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Monday, March 1, 2021

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. 



 

 

 


Tuesday, January 12, 2021

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.