Industrial lubricant distributor Imperial Oil and Chemical is providing the Australian crane and lifting market with cost effective, time efficient and convenient solutions when it comes to the important role of lubricant maintenance on all forms of lifting equipment.
Three years ago, lubricant distributor Imperial Oil and Chemical found a gap in the crane and lifting lubricant market.
The company is one of Australia’s leading distributors of quality lubricants and biodegradable products, working across sectors Including industrial, civil construction and the crane industry among several others.
Joe Langford, Business Manager at Imperial Oil, explains the most common method of applying crane boom grease at the time was with a paint roller.
“Applying boom grease by hand is a labour-intensive job which takes a long time,” Langford says.
“Not only did that lead to unnecessary additional downtime, but also usually meant that as the boom retracted, grease would be brushed off onto the collar, smudging, falling off and just generally making a mess, which ultimately lead to some operators wanting to avoid the important task of greasing crane booms”
To solve this, Imperial Oil began to market and distribute their Panolin Orcon TEF 2 Shuttle Boom Grease, which is supplied in a 400g shuttle cartridge and conveniently applied by using their air operated, MATO Lube-Shuttle grease spray unit.
On average it takes around two to three cartridges to cover the required sections of the boom, with each cartridge costing around $25, significantly cutting down on the price requirements while not compromising quality. Application is also significantly faster, and the grease doesn’t fall off when the boom retracts making this method a much more convenient way when it comes to boom grease application.
Imperial Oil started trialling the product with a single crane hire company in Victoria and upon learning how effective it was, began to expand. Now, with an Australia-wide presence, under their Shuttle Boom Grease brand, they proudly supply to more than 250 companies in the crane and lifting industry, with some notable businesses such as Boom Logistics, Universal Cranes, Melrose and Freo Group all utilising their products.
“Panolin Orcon TEF2 Boom Grease is non-toxic, water resistant and is easily spread, providing greater coverage on the boom whilst using less grease,” Langford says.
“The Panolin Orcon TEF2 also reduces chattering when the boom retracts, giving crane operators a nice and smooth transition when extending or retracting the boom, which is critical for safely operating cranes.”
Shuttle Boom Grease by Imperial Oil has also expanded its offering of products for the crane industry. Alongside their Panolin Orcon TEF2, they offer a readily biodegradable wire rope product, Panolin Biotrack E700 and a range of convenient aerosol lubricants to cater for applications on wire ropes, open gears and even a ‘dry film’ lubricant that repels dust and on all sliding surfaces such as the outriggers.
“When we started to sell the boom grease, companies began to ask us if there were any other products we could provide for other important functions on their cranes that required quality lubricant. After some research and a trip to the U.S, we formed a partnership and became an appointed distributor for American based company Lube-A-Boom. The key aerosol products we supply across Australia include Lube-A-Rope, Lube-A-Gear and Lube-A-Boom Dry Film.’’ Langford says.
Lube-a-boom is an American-based company, founded in 2002. Its products are used around the world by crane hire and lifting companies along with several OEMs. Lube-A-Boom products are suitable for use both extreme heat and cold as well as coastal regions. The US Marine Corps even used the product while in Iraq.
“We’re now looking to become a one stop shop in the Australian crane and lifting industry for quality lubricants that are cost effective, efficient and beneficial to improving our customers maintenance needs.
“Start saving, start spraying.”