Why Is Champion Diesel Oil Blue?

There are so many varieties of blue: Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue, Indigo, Navy Blue, Prussian Blue, Electric Blue and Cerulean just to. name a few. 

Blue has been an important color in art since ancient times. For thousand of years the ancient Egyptians produced a blue pigment using calcium copper silicate that is considered the first synthetic pigment. 

Surveys show that blue is the color most commonly associated with security, trust, and loyalty. And it’s chosen by a majority of both men and women around the world as their favorite color. 

Champion dyes its Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils for several reasons. The robust chemical formula is unique and provides an industry-leading performance to meet the needs of both older and next generation heavy-duty engines, thus providing users the security of knowing that the blue oil is protecting them. The blue color also allows the quick-lube, fleet, or end-user to have absolute assurance and trust that no substitute engine oil is being installed. Also, Blue Flame creates a loyalty from followers that always ask for the “Blue Oil”.

 

“Champion Blue Flame Diesel Oils will forever be recognizable and have a distinctive appearance”, said Karl Dedolph, director of racing and performance products at Champion Brands, LLC. “It’s a huge plus when someone doesn’t even have to see the label to know it’s a Blue Flame product – the color alone is enough to identify the diesel engine oil. The dye is chemically balanced when it is blended and does not create any kind of lubricant issue or problem with additives or base stock.”

 

“The blue dye doesn’t leave a residue in the engine. In fact, the oil over time will turn and look black in color. It’s actually soot, which the diesel engine produces in much higher levels than gasoline motors. The soot enters the oil pan from the combustion chamber due to the gap in the piston rings. The black color, which is very common, doesn’t mean the oil has a problem,” added Dedolph.

 

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These oils keep your engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque.

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are purpose built for extreme protection and performance. https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

What’s your favorite color? And if it's blue, what kind of blue? Cerulean? Teal? Turquoise? Royal? Tell us in the comments below.

Next time you need oil for your Cummins, Powerstroke or Duramax, ask for that “Blue Oil,” Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil. 

A Refresher for Diesel Fleet Owners to Get a Better Understanding of FA-4

The launch of API FA-4 heavy-duty engine oils in conjunction with API CK-4 lubricants created confusion in some peoples' minds. The introduction of these two classed of diesel oil was a step forward.

"FA-4 oil specifications were released back in 2016 and have been produced to enhance fuel efficiency. However, slower OEM adoption rates and engine protection concerns have kept some fleets from moving forward with adopting the new oil category."

So began a story by Cristina Commendatore that appeared in the October issue of Fleet Owner magazine, How fleets can determine if FA-4 engine oil is right for them.

When API released FA-4 oil specs in 2016, there was a measure of confusion, as often happens with new lubricant categories. Four years down the highway, and it's apparent that there's either confusion or a lack of confidence regarding the issue of engine protection in these lower viscosity oils. Some fleets are still debating whether to make the switch.

The backward compatible CK-4 spec replaced CJ-4 as the most current for apps in which a CJ-4 oil is recommended. The benefits include better shear stability, oxidation resistance and aeration control. The thinner FA-4 oils offer improved fuel economy. They were designed to help meet more stringent demand to meet environmental aims.

Hence, the use of the letter F in the spec. F stands for Fuel economy. The A indicates that this is the first generation of oil specific to this objective.

Commendatore focuses on the misperception that FA-4 and CK-4 oils have different qualification standards. That is, some people think that FA-4 was more concerned with fuel economy at the expense of engine protection. This is not the case at all. FA-4 oils are absolutely required to pass the same engine protection tests.  

She asks: So, how can fleets determine whether the new FA-4 category is right for them? 

The answer is this: Fleets with model year equipment from 2014 and newer, or Detroit Diesel engines as far back as 2010, are the recommended candidates.

Engine manufacturers and lube makers only work when they work together. Oil and water may not mix, but oil formulators and engine builders absolutely must. 

The rest of the article details some of the issues created during this period in which government has applied pressure to also reduce emissions. For fleet owners, another challenge is that many truck fleets have both older and newer vehicles. This means inventorying two different oils and making sure the correct oil gets in the correct trucks during oil changes. 

If you're a fleet owner or do fleet maintenance, read the rest of this article here.

Photo by Brian Wangenheim from Unsplash  

John Deere Diesel Tech Shows How Companies Adapt

This is a story about John Deere that illustrates the evolution of diesel technology from the dark ages to what it has become today. The John Deere slogan, "Nothing Runs Like A Deere," helped create an army of loyal fans in the agriculture industry. We've heard stories of farmers who were buried wearing their John Deere caps. 

The article is titled Making History By Leaving Little Behind. The story outlines the company's continuous development and adoption of new technologies to meet increasingly stringent market demands, most specifically related to emissions regulations and requirements. 

Similar stories could be written about Cummins, Navistar, Caterpillar and others, so in one sense the John Deere story is not entirely unique. On the other hand, the graphics in this story are incredibly enlightening and help show the transformation that the diesel industry has undergone. We encourage you to follow this link and check it out. It shows the remarkable advances all diesel engine manufacturers have achieved when it comes to a cleaner environment, most specifically pertaining to NOx reduction and particulate matter (PM).

The story here is a detailed presentation of the technical hurdles that John Deere worked out to meet ever more stringent emissions standards without sacrificing performance. That last phrase is the second half of the equation that can't be disregarded.

The best way to see the achievements of modern diesel engine builders is to look at the baseline of 1996. These engines used a higher-pressure fuel system, multiple aspirations, 2- or 4-valve cylinder heads, larger displacements, engine callibration and directed top liner cooling to improve oil control. In addition to emissions compliance, the customer experience included improved fuel efficiency, increased power and higher peak torque, among other things. Compared to where the regulators wanted to take things, though, they had a long ways to go.

From 1996 to 1999 the company set about to hit the first set of more stringent targets that were to go into effect in 2000.

What's interesting is how the manufacturers and Federal agencies worked together to achieve these improvements. Reasonable government officials understand that technological development takes time. The industry had four years to comply, not four months or four weeks. Tier Two kicked in in 2001 with its twin objectives of 50% reduction of particulate matter and 20% reduction of Nitrous Oxides.

The next target for NOx was to go into effect in 2006, an additional 40% reduction. 

On top of this the 2011 targets were an additional 90% reduction in PM and 50% in NOx. In addition to optimized engine calibration and a high-pressure fuel system, new advances included series turbochargers, smart exhaust filters, exhaust temperature management (ETM), several technologies to keep things cooler and ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel (ULSD). 

The 2014 target was an addition 80% reduction in NOx. 

These graphics illustrate the remarkable progress that has been achieved over the past 25 years when it comes to improvements in diesel technology. 

Follow the link at the end of this article to see full size.

In each iteration, the objective has been to meet emissions regulations without sacrificing performance. Kudos to the engineers who behind the scenes who have so doggedly dedicated themselves to meet these targets for the benefit of all.

Here is where you can find all the details for each stage.
https://www.deere.com/en/campaigns/engines-and-drivetrain/diesel-engine-technology/

Diesel Inspection: National Brake Safety Week

I'm not sure how these things get started but it seems like there are plenty of them. National Pollinator Week celebrates the work of bees. National Dog Week, the last week in September, celebrates man's best friend. 

This week is Brake Safety Week, emphasizing the importance of brake systems and components during roadside inspections across North America. Here's a press release from Champion Brands followed by a link to a Fleet Owner story about this important topic. 

This Week is Brake Safety Week

You may want to take time to check your vehicle. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's annual Brake Safety Week is in full swing. It’s when law enforcement inspectors across North America will be looking for any commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related violations that might place them out of service.  

During last fall's brake inspection blitz, more than 5,100 commercial vehicles were placed out of service because of brake-related violations. In addition, brake system and brake adjustment violations accounted for more vehicle violations than any other vehicle violation category, accounting for 38.6% of all vehicle out-of-service conditions. 

What can you expect if pulled over for inspection?

Law enforcement officers checking brake systems will look for:

• Loose or missing parts
• Air or hydraulic fluid leaks
• Trouble-indicator lights on the dash, including antilock brakes
• Worn linings, pads, drums, or rotors
• Mismatched air chamber sizes across axles
• Warning device functionality (such as antilock braking system indicator lights)
• Proper brake adjustment
• Brake hoses and tubing condition 
• Measure pushrod stroke to ensure brakes are properly adjusted.

“While you are at it, it’s a good idea to either top up or flush your brake fluid,” suggested Karl Dedolph at Champion Oil.  “Brake fluid is an important component in any hydraulic braking system. The fluid is subjected to hundreds of pounds of pressure but also needs to lubricate rubber components in the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, and hoses. In addition, brake fluid has corrosion inhibitors that keep the bores of hydraulic cylinders from rusting and pitting.”

 

“Most of today’s brake fluids are made of polyalkylene glycol, which is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. The absorption of water prevents “pooling” of the absorbed water in the brake system, where corrosive acids can form and make the components deteriorate.  Water in a brake system will also cause fluids to freeze or boil faster.”

 

“Champion DOT 3 Brake Fluid is typically recommended for cars and trucks prior to the mid-1990s, but DOT 3 brake fluids still makeup a large portion of service fills in newer vehicles. DOT 3 brake fluid has a dry boiling point of 490 degrees, which is fine for brake systems with large brake drums and thick disc brake rotors, where brake heat can be easily dispersed. It has a viscosity of roughly 1500cSt at -40 F. Exceeds the specifications of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #116 and SAE J1703 for DOT 3 brake fluids.”

“Champion DOT 4 Brake Fluid is recommended for most disk brake vehicles and is also a poly-glycol base. DOT 4 has a boiling point of 494 degrees F., and it is rated at a viscosity of 1800cSt at -40 F. This DOT 4 brake fluid differs from DOT 3 due to the ability it has to chemically scavenge water, reducing the rate at which performance deteriorates when the fluid is exposed to humidity in service. Exceeds the specifications of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #116 and SAE J1704 for DOT 4 brake fluids," added Dedolph.  

Read the Fleet Owner story here: 

https://www.fleetowner.com/safety/article/21164730/cvsa-sets-date-focus-for-brake-safety-week

Diesel Shop Supplies: Champion Wipe-R-Clean® Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes

Anyone who turns a wrench knows how important basic shop supplies are. Every little bit helps when running a shop or simply getting under the hood out back in the garage. Here's an announcement that came across the wire last week from Champion.

Champion Wipe-R-Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes  

Champion Oil, a global leader in specialty lubricants and products, recently has introduced Champion Wipe-R-Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes for machine shops, engine builders, etc.   This new product #4530H cleans and de-greases without adding water in one-easy step. 

Champion Wipe-R-Clean® Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes cut through the toughest tar, grease, wax, ink, paint, lubricants, and adhesive. They are extremely versatile, and can be used for nearly any job, from cleaning vehicle interiors, to wiping hands, to cleaning machinery, tools and other surfaces.

These wipes are industrial strength, yet gentle on skin – fortified with an emollient, they won’t crack or dry hands. The textured side of the fabric won’t scratch surfaces and is ideal for scrubbing tough soils, while the smooth side wipes surfaces clean. The formula won’t leave behind a residue, dries on its own, and leaves a pleasant citrus scent.

Champion Wipe-R-Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes are available in 6 pack cases with 70 wipes per container. #4530H/6.  Contains Butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and other components, citrus odor, 9.5” x 12”, pre-moistened. https://www.championbrands.com/Wipe-R-Clean-Cleaning-Wipes/

About Champion Brands, LLC

Champion, a PLZ Aeroscience Company,  is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information call Champion at 660-890-6231 Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO visit championbrands.com

 

About PLZ Aeroscience

PLZ Aeroscience is a leader in specialty aerosol and liquid product technologies. PLZ specializes in the development, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of a comprehensive line of contract fill, branded and private label products. PLZ has a robust and proprietary portfolio of products in household cleaning, personal care, food service, maintenance, specialty and industrial, and automotive. For more information, visit PLZAeroscience.com.

 

About Pritzker Private Capital

Pritzker Private Capital partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products, services and healthcare sectors. The firm’s differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com.

 

2021 Champion New Products/Announcements

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business

Champion Oil's Winter-Blend Diesel Flo Fuel Additive Gets an Upgrade

Highlighting A New All-Season Air Brake Anti-Freeze from Champion Brands

Champion’s Classic & Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil for Vintage Trucks

Blue Flame Contingency Program for Drag Racers: How to Get Your Piece of the Action

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Recommended for Limited-Edition Shelby F-250 Super Baja Pick-Up

Champion Oil Introduces a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid
Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Supports OOIDA Members
Champion Offers Power-Shield Assembly Lube & Oil Booster to Diesel Engine Builders

Champion’s Limited-Slip Friction Modifier Additive Formulated for Diesel Pick-Ups

Champion Launches API CK-4 Premium Heavy Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil

PLZ Aeroscience Acquires Champion Brands

PLZ Aeroscience Acquires Champion Brands to Expand Full-Service Automotive Capabilities

DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. – July 1, 2021 – PLZ Aeroscience Corporation (“PLZ”), North America’s largest independent specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturer, today announced the acquisition of Champion Brands, LLC (“Champion”), a leading manufacturer of specialty lubricants for the automotive and industrial markets. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. With this acquisition, PLZ expands its full-service automotive and industrial offering, positioning the company to better serve its customers with a comprehensive suite of aerosol and non-aerosol products.

Founded by Ralph Lowe in 1956 and with more than 65 years of market leadership, Champion has one of the largest product portfolios in the industry. Champion produces more than 300 functional fluids and performance products, including brake fluid, fuel treatments, semi-synthetic and full-synthetic engine additives and specialty motor oils. Champion operates a 450,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Clinton, Mo., and serves customers across automotive, heavy duty, agricultural and performance racing markets. The speed and versatility of Champion’s lines make the company a cost effective solution for many customers.

“We are very excited to welcome Champion Brands to PLZ,” said Aaron Erter, PLZ’s President and CEO. “Champion is a market leader within the automotive aftermarket industry, and we look forward to leveraging their capabilities across our combined enterprise to strengthen the value proposition we bring to our customers. Champion is an incredible addition to PLZ as we continue growing our specialty automotive and industrial footprint across North America.”

Champion is led by Matt Lowe, the third generation of Lowe leadership at the company. Mr. Lowe will remain with Champion following the transaction.

“I am thrilled for Champion to become part of the PLZ family,” said Matt Lowe. “We look forward to leveraging PLZ’s extensive industry experience and national footprint to help grow Champion in the years to come. Together with PLZ, we will propel the combined company forward into its next chapter as we continue to deliver exceptional innovation, quality and service to our customers.”

Headquartered outside Chicago, PLZ is owned by Pritzker Private Capital.  With their support, PLZ has continued to grow organically and through acquisitions, including four in the last two years – Mansfield-King and Custom-Pak Products in 2020 and Liquid Technologies and Precise Packaging in 2019.

About PLZ Aeroscience
PLZ Aeroscience is a leader in specialty aerosol and liquid product technologies.  PLZ specializes in the development, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of a comprehensive line of contract fill, branded and private label products. PLZ has a robust and proprietary portfolio of products in household cleaning, personal care, food service, maintenance, specialty and industrial, and automotive. For more information, visit PLZAeroscience.com.

About Champion Brands, LLC
Champion Brands, LLC has made a name for themselves as a leader in specialty lubricants. Headquartered in Clinton, Missouri and with over 300 products, Champion is always looking for new and better ways to make their customers more efficient with quality products and high standards. Champion products can be found all over North America and have had long-standing relationships with its customers for over 65 years. For more information, visit ChampionBrands.com

About Pritzker Private Capital
Pritzker Private Capital partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products, services and healthcare sectors. The firm’s differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com.

Champion Oil Recommends DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid for Diesel Trucks

One of the scariest experiences you can have as a truck driver is losing your brakes while carrying a heavy load. This is why one can never take their brakes for granted. This week, Champion introduced a DOT 5.1 glycol based brake fluid. Here are the details.

(Clinton, MO / 06.21.21) Champion Oil, a global leader in specialty lubricants, offers DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid (Part #4056) which is a glycol-based product like DOT 3 and DOT 4, but with a higher dry boiling and wet boiling point. This type of fluid is recommended for diesel trucks and other popular OEM applications.
https://www.championbrands.com/champion-dot-5-1-brake-fluid/

Brake fluid is used in hydraulics systems in most all trucks. These vehicles carry heavy loads, drive on mountainous roads, encounter quick reaction circumstances, endure severe environments, and experience brake failures. The type of brake fluid the diesel vehicle uses determines the efficiency and power of the brake system. The appropriate brake fluid will enhance the responsiveness of a brake system, minimize overheating, and provide sufficient lubrication.

For reference, there are different types of brake fluids for street legal diesel operations which include DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. DOT 5.1 brake fluid was developed due to the lack of acceptance of DOT 5, which is a silicone-based fluid. DOT 5 brake fluid is not compatible with diesel vehicles that have Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), because it is unable to absorb water and adapt to small valves needed for quick

activation.

Care is needed around the diesel vehicle’s bodywork with glycol-based DOT 5.1, DOT 4, and DOT 3; because they will damage the paint compared to DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid.

Champion DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid (Part #4056) is identical to Champion’s DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid (Part #4055) with both boiling point and viscosity; however, it is poly-glycol based like the DOT 3 and DOT 4. Champion DOT 5.1 has a dry boiling point of 532 °F and has a wet boiling point of 360 °F which substantially exceeds the other two. This brake fluid also has a low compressibility level, which is vital in

ensuring stability and consistency in the brake system.

Champion DOT 5.1 Brake fluid can be used in all diesel brake systems, including disc, drum, ABS Anti-Skid applications, Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESCS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and “big-brake” modifications. Other benefits include being corrosion resistant to metal parts in the braking system, can mix it with other glycol-based brake fluids like DOT 3 and DOT 4, meets or exceeds FMVSS no. 571.116, SAE

J1703, ISO 4925 (5.1, 4, ET3), and is hygroscopic.

https://www.championbrands.com/champion-dot-5-1-brake-fluid/

The following Diesel manufacturers have recommended DOT 5.1 in specific new models from the factory or are currently suggesting at time of fluid change to take advantage of this more robust reverse-compatible formula of brake fluid: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, Hummer, Jeep, Land Rover, Mac, Mercedes, Ram, and Volvo.

Champion DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid (Part #4056) Contains: Triethylene Glycol, Monomethyl Ether Borate Ester, Triethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Monoethanolamine, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT). 

Color: Clear to Amber. Viscosity of 900cSt at -40 F. 854 mm/s.

Champion Brake Fluids are all top-tier products. Champion DOT 5.1 goes a long way in defining the ultimate performance of in a high-performance diesel brake system. It will essentially prevent brake failures and make for a terrific and safe driving experience.

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about Champion products contact your nearest Champion distributor or

call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or go to http://www.championbrands.com

2021 Champion New Products
and Announcements

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business

Champion Oil's Winter-Blend Diesel Flo Fuel Additive Gets an Upgrade

Highlighting A New All-Season Air Brake Anti-Freeze from Champion Brands

Champion’s Classic & Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil for Vintage Trucks

Blue Flame Contingency Program for Drag Racers: How to Get Your Piece of the Action

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Recommended for Limited-Edition Shelby F-250 Super Baja Pick-Up

Champion Oil Introduces a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid
Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Supports OOIDA Members
Champion Offers Power-Shield Assembly Lube & Oil Booster to Diesel Engine Builders

Champion Launches API CK-4 Premium Heavy Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil

Champion Dot 5 Brake Fluid Is Purpose Built for Classic, Antique and Collector Diesel Vehicles
Champion Oil Announces 5-Minute Engine Flush

Big Diesel Engines for Big Mining Trucks

"It's dark as a dungeon way down in the mine..."
--Merle Travis

On June 22, International Mining posted a brief article about a massive Toro truck with a Volvo Penta diesel engine that has a 63 metric ton carrying capacity. The highlighted feature wasn't the size of payload it carries, but rather the reduced emissions and fuel economy benefits it provided.

The story's spotlight is on the team effort between Toro, Volvo Penta and Sandvick. The truck is a Toro™ TH663i, Toro's largest.

Sandvik is a global engineering group with 37,000 employees. What they have designed is a powerful, reliable fuel efficient 16-litre Stage V engine that delivers 585 kW output. It uses a Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) instead of a diesel particulate filter. The SCR uses diesel exhaust fluid to reduce emissions of NOx without sacrificing the truck's performance or fuel efficiency. 

Stage V is a reference to EU emissions standards for vehicles or equipment used in non-road applications. Stage V set stricter standards for emissions and particulate matter.

When you think about trucks carrying heavy loads underground, several thoughts come to mind. First, you need equipment that is reliable. The last thing you want are breakdowns. Diesel is the workhorse in that department. Second, anything you can do to reduce emissions and particulates is a plus. 

The Stage V Penta Volvo diesel is a new engine option that requires ultra-low sulphur fuel and low-ash engine oil to operate. It can also be run on paraffinic diesel fuels that meet the EN 15940 standard. According to the article, renewable paraffinic diesel fuel significantly reduces the greenhouse gas footprint as well a emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter in the engine exhaust. Because it can use use both fossil diesel and paraffinic fuel without limitations, it is a very versatile engine. It's both flexible and user friendly.

The article notes that Sandvik has made a number of improvements in the past few years for the Toro TH663i including a new transmission that has cost benefits and improves reliability. The engineering firm has also introduced what they call an autonomous system called  AutoMine® that enables miners to operate the equipment remotely.

The end result of these incremental improvements is an increase in both productivity and efficiency.

Related Links

Sandvik deploys Stage V Volvo Penta engine on 63 t underground Toro TH663 truck

Five benefits of Volvo Penta's Stage V off-road engines 

Champion Classic Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Available at America's Oldest Speed Shop

Champion Brands, LLC, a globally recognized industry manufacturer of chemicals, lubricants, motor oils and additives; announced this week that Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop®, offers the complete line of Champion products including Blue Flame Classic 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil. 

Speedway Motors founder Bill Smith was Born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bill developed an early passion for performance. He first started racing motorcycles as a teenager in the late 1940s, then transitioned to cars in 1948. In 1952, as a young entrepreneur, Bill opened one of the Midwest’s first speed shops and named it Speedway Motors. The store grew in popularity, with a reputation for quality products, great service, and low prices.

Bill’s racing endeavors helped keep the Speedway Motors name out in front of racers. His purple 4x stock cars were familiar sights on dirt tracks throughout the Midwest and were regular winners. In 1956, Bill built one of the first Pontiacs in NASCAR. 

Drag racing also took off in the '50s, and Bill successfully campaigned cars powered by Ford Flatheads and newer Oldsmobile, Chevy, and Chrysler V8 engines. The future was clear. Bill and his Speedway Motors would remain involved as a pioneer of every type of racing with countless wins and awards. Bill and Speedway Motors have been inducted into numerous motorsports and hot-rodding Halls of Fame.

Today Speedway Motors has a 520,000 sq. ft., 46-acre facility in Lincoln, Nebraska plus other nationwide locations, and a technologically advanced call center and warehouse that provides the capacity to process and ship record numbers of orders without sacrificing delivery.

Bill’s legacy has continued to live on since his death in 2014. It remains a family business and they consider their customers as part of that family. Their large inventory has the parts to get the job done and their staff provides the knowledge you need. Whether you're under the hood or behind the wheel, Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop®, is always right by your side.

“It is extremely important for Champion Oil to identify a partner that shares the same goals and has the ability to provide our customers with first class service, support and distribution,” said Karl Dedolph, Director of Racing and Performance. “Speedway Motors clearly fits the stringent criteria we identified to promote our 'Blue Flame' line and effectively will move our business forward in this key strategic market of diesel performance.

“Champion Blue Flame Classic 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (Part #4359) is a unique, purpose-built oil that combines workhorse high zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids.

“In addition, Champion’s Classic Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horsepower and torque,” added Dedolph. 

About the company: Headquartered in Clinton, Missouri, just 75 miles southeast of Kansas City; Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in lubricants and has been for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 other products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and motor oils for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about Champion contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or to http://www.championbrands.com

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Champion-Racing-4359N-Blue-

Flame-Diesel-Engine-Oil-15W40-4-1-Gal,357850.html

Ferretti's Diesel-Powered Yacht Is Making Waves in the Luxury Boat Market

The Robb Report is an American luxury and lifestyle magazine that covers automobiles, airplanes, watches, yachts and even real estate. Its beginnings, however, were much narrower.

Now owned by the Penske Media Corporation, it was originally founded by Robert L. "Rusty" White as a newsletter designed to sell his Civil War memorabilia and Rolls Royces. As anyone familiar with the publication will attest, it has truly evolved. 

This past weekend the Robb Report's Boat of the Week feature focused on a cutting edge 100-foot wide-body yacht by the Ferretti Group, an Italian multi-national ship-building organization specializing in the design and production of custom luxury yachts. Ferretti's new yacht, the 1000, is not the largest it has ever built, but it has features that look to disrupt the industry. Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group's chief commercial officer. described it as a "crucial" design that will be "a template for other models going forward."

The article spends time detailing the spaciousness of the interior rooms. Photos give the impression that we're looking at restrained extravagance. One rule of thumb here is that design must not defeat functionality. The spaces feel big, and the ocean views are even more vast.

Our fascination with this yacht has to do with its power source. Of this the author writes, "What’s unusual is its 28-knot top speed, thanks to twin 2217-hp MTU diesels. That’s lightning fast for a boat its size." Indeed.

The yacht itself looks like it would be right at home in a James Bond film. And who doesn't like Ferretti's tag line for the 1000: A thousand reasons to fall in love. 

Full story here, with lots of nice photos: 

Why Ferretti’s New 100-Foot Wide-Body Flagship Could Disrupt Its Entire Class