Work

First Tests on the Performance and Reliability of an Experimental Bio-Based UTTO Lubricant Used in an Agricultural Tractor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Inside the transmission group of an agricultural tractor, the efficiency of power transfer to moving parts, their lubrication, and protection from wear are guaranteed by UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) fluids, which are also used to operate the hydraulic system. These fluids, with mineral or synthetic origin, are characterized by excellent lubricating properties, high toxicity, and low biodegradability, which makes it important to replace them with more eco-sustainable fluids, such as those based on vegetable oils that are highly biodegradable and have low toxicity. It is also important to consider EU policies on the use of such fluids in sensitive environmental applications. To this end, several experimental bio-UTTO formulations were tested at CREA to evaluate—compared to conventional fluids—their suitability for use as lubricants for transmissions and hydraulic systems through endurance tests carried out in a Fluid Test Rig (FTR) specifically developed by CREA to apply controlled and repeatable work cycles to small volumes of oil, which are characterized by high thermal and mechanical stresses. The technical performance and the main physical–chemical parameters of the fluids were continuously monitored during the work cycles. Based on these experiences, this study describes the first application of a methodological approach aimed at testing an experimental biobased UTTO on a tractor used in normal farm activity. The method was based on a former test at the FTR in which the performance of the bio-UTTO was compared to that of the conventional UTTO recommended by the tractor manufacturer. Given the good results of the FTR test, bio-UTTO was introduced in a 20-year-old medium-power tractor, replacing the mineral fluid originally supplied, for the first reliability tests during its normal use on the CREA farm. After almost 600 h of work, the technical performance and the trend of chemical–physical parameters of bio-UTTO did not undergo significant changes. No damage to the tractor materials or oil leaks was observed. The test is still ongoing, but according to the results, in line with the indications provided by the FTR test, the experimental bio-UTTO seems suitable for replacing the conventional fluid in the tractor used in this study.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18174612

Authors: Roberto Fanigliulo, Renato Grilli, Laura Fornaciari, Stefano Benigni, Daniele Pochi

Institution: Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria

Language: English

Topic: Lubricants and Their Additives

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137