Goodyear Nederland B.V. Tilburg

Goodyear is a world-renowned brand in the field of tires. At Goodyear Nederland B.V. in Tilburg (Aviation Tires), many aircraft tires are given a new life. At this location of the global brand, aircraft tire treads are renewed in a highly sophisticated manner.

They were using Shell Tellus 46, Shell Stamina RL, Shell Alvania EP-2, and Shell Retinax EP-2. On the machine where Shell Stamina, described as a high-temperature grease, was used, it started dripping out of the machine at just 160°C, leading to extensive cleaning work and frequent re-lubrication. The hydraulic oil was running quite hot (84°C) and, in another machine, was leaking out through the cylinder walls. With Shell Retinax, the oil was also leaking out.

In July 2008, Frank Kleijn suggested replacing Shell Stamina with SWEPCO 121 Tri-Plex Universal Grease. Additionally, two identical machines performing the exact same work were selected—one using Shell Tellus 46 and the other filled with SWEPCO 703 Multi-Grade Hydraulic Oil.

• SWEPCO 121 Tri-Plex Universal Grease does not drip at all. The only grease that is still removed from the machines is the old grease being displaced, which is clearly visible due to the color difference.
• The oil temperature with SWEPCO 703 Multi-Grade Hydraulic Oil has been significantly reduced compared to Shell Tellus: cooling line temperature dropped from 84°C to 70°C, pressure line from 39°C to 34°C, and oil reservoir from 36°C to 33°C.
• As the final test, SWEPCO 121 also replaced Shell Retinax. Oil leakage through the cylinder walls is no longer an issue.
• Additionally, surface irregularities are being absorbed, and the cylinders now appear polished instead of dirty.

“We were curious if the dripping of the grease, the high oil temperature, as well as the oil leakage could be addressed. In stages, we replaced various machines with SWEPCO 121 and SWEPCO 703, and the result has exceeded expectations. SWEPCO 703, as shown by oil analysis, lasts at least three times longer than Shell Tellus 46, and we still haven’t had to replace the oil. Additionally, we now have the convenience of only needing to use one type of grease. This prevents potential lubrication errors and makes inventory management a bit easier.”– Mr. M. Brekelmans, Maintenance Engineer.

Goodyear Nederland B.V. (Aviation Tires) in Tilburg has been using SWEPCO lubricants since 2008.