Oil discharges are small

The cutting chains of the harvesters and chain saws are lubricated with oil, all of which will end up in the environment during use. The lubricant consumption of a chain saw is 0.07 litres per each cubic metre felled, and that of a harvester about half of this. Each year, two million litres of cutting chain lubricant end up in the environment in Finland.

Accidental discharges of fuel or hydraulic oils into the soil are very small. Hydraulic pipes contain baffles, thanks to which a ruptured pipe will not cause a large discharge.

The use of biodegradable oils in hydraulic equipment is not without problems, for they do not withstand cold as well as mineral oils. Moreover, the price of biodegradable oil is many times that of mineral oils, and yet its quality is not as good.

The advantage of biodegradable oils over mineral oils is not indisputable. According to some studies, for instance, mineral-based cutting chain oils are composted as fast as or faster than biodegradable ones. What is more, biodegradable oils may cause more occupational hazards than mineral oils. Although certain forestry companies recommend the use of biodegradable oils, they are becoming less and less popular.

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