With four processors operating at one time, Progressive Harvesting needed a chain oil that would protect the bars and chains of their machines from wear, creating less downtime and more savings in the long run. Using Caterpillar forestry carriers with Waratah 622B heads, PHL processors tackle the tough job of de-limbing and de-branching logs and then custom cutting them to meet the client’s size requirements. Having tried a few chain oils for their machines in the past, Tugnum found simply using the cheapest oil did nothing but burn away their profits, literally. “We were looking to cut costs so we tried a no-name brand that seemed like the cheap and easy solution at the time,” said Tugnum. “It took about a week to notice just how poorly the cheaper oil performed and the harm it brought to our equipment.” Using the cheaper brand oil, Tugnum found that they went through two times the number of bars and chains. “With the cost of replacing our parts, we realized the poor quality oil was costing us big time in the long run.”

Tugnum was encouraged to switch to DURATAC chain oil. Once they started with DURATAC, the bars and chains on their machines were lasting two times longer and performance was dramatically improved. “With DURATAC we now get a week or more out of a bar versus a few days with the cheaper alternative. And we want to make sure we get the longest wear out of them as possible.”

Progressive Harvesting has been using DURATAC with great success and improvements in their productivity and inventory costs. Used at both their locations, all of their processors now run on DURATAC. “It pays to use DURATAC chain oil. The bars and chains in our processors last two times longer with DURATAC. When you do the math, we’re saving over $500 per month per vehicle. With four processors operating 10 months of the year, that’s more than $20,000 in savings.” Progressive Harvesting now also purchases all of their hydraulic oil, engine oil, grease, and other fluid needs from Petro-Canada Lubricants.