Marc Hald knows the practicalities of working in the forest – and the challenges faced by man and material. The trained master forester runs Baum- & Forstservice Hald, a company in the district of Göppingen that specializes in tree care, felling work, chainsaw training and forestry services. In this interview, he explains why lubricants are much more than just operating materials for him – and why sustainable alternatives such as Divinol AquaChainFluid or Divinol Bio Kettenöl R from Zeller+Gmelin have a permanent place in his business.
Between forest maintenance and chainsaw courses
“No two days are the same,” says Marc Hald. “We work outdoors in and with nature – and for nature.” As a master forester at ForstBW and owner of his own company in Ottenbach, he knows all facets of the profession: forest maintenance, timber harvesting, felling under difficult conditions as well as training and further education.
A growing focus is on chainsaw courses and training on occupational safety in the forest – a subject area that Hald has specifically expanded in recent years. The main target groups are private individuals, forest owners and employees from building yards or agricultural businesses who require practical and safe training.
Practical and responsible lubrication
Marc Hald has been working with Zeller+Gmelin lubricants since his apprenticeship in 2008. Today, he uses them in all of his company’s machinery: from chainsaws and brushcutters to tractors, cable winches and lifting platforms. Chain lubricating oils, engine and hydraulic oils as well as technical cleaners are used – both in forestry operations and in garden and landscape maintenance.
Hald attaches particular importance to biodegradable products from the Divinol range. “Viscosity and adhesion are the most important factors for me: how well the oil stays on the chain and whether it lubricates reliably without resinifying or clogging,” explains the expert. He does not lose sight of occupational safety either: “Oil mist on protective clothing or on the machine is not only unpleasant, but can also pose a real risk.”
In addition to technical performance, environmental compatibility is particularly important to him. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us, it’s part of everyday life,” emphasizes the forester. He therefore ensures that all operating materials are used as cleanly as possible, are residue-free and are easily biodegradable.
Divinol AquaChainFluid: mineral oil-free, resin-free, suitable for practical use
Divinol AquaChainFluid – a mineral oil-free saw chain oil from Zeller+Gmelin that does not require any vegetable raw materials – has proven itself in daily use. “It behaves like a high-quality mineral or rapeseed oil product, but has decisive advantages,” says Hald. “The oil does not resinify, does not form an oil mist and provides reliable protection against corrosion and wear.”
The AquaChain also helps to conserve resources: It is not based on renewable raw materials whose cultivation area is needed elsewhere and completely dispenses with fossil components. This is a clear advantage for forestry experts – especially when using the chainsaw regularly and for long periods of time.
Biodegradable and certified: Divinol Bio Chain Oil R 21820
The forestry professional uses the biodegradable Divinol Bio Kettenöl R 21820 even more frequently. It is based on renewable raw materials and is certified with the Blue Angel, the EU Ecolabel and the Austrian Ecolabel.
“The organic chain oil is our standard oil. We use it every day – for tree care, felling and all work in the forest,” explains the master forester. The tested environmental compatibility is an important decision factor for him. “As a forester, you know how important it is to protect the soil, water and vegetation.” This is a particularly important aspect when working in sensitive areas such as biotope trees, water protection areas or near playgrounds. The certifications provide good guidance “A high-quality, biodegradable chain oil is part of my basic equipment.”
Sustainability as a professional maxim
For the former German forestry champion, the topic of sustainability is not just lip service. “The principle originally comes from forestry,” he says. “As long as 300 years ago, it was stipulated that only as much could be used as would grow back through natural regeneration or planting.” To this day, this principle not only shapes everyday life in the forest, but also the self-image of his business.
Accordingly, attention is also paid to sustainability when selecting machines, fuel supplies and products. “A lubricant that is not biodegradable hardly stands a chance with us,” emphasizes Marc Hald. Especially with the increasing number of operations in urban areas, it is crucial to work with fuels that are as low-emission and environmentally friendly as possible.
Systematic forest management: Targeted promotion of future trees
Another field in which Hald is the professional care of young forest stands. As part of what is known as young stand maintenance, so-called Z-trees – i.e. vigorous, high-quality future trees – are specifically released and encouraged to grow.
The selection is based on defined criteria such as crown development, freedom from branches and trunk straightness. The aim is to keep the stand stable, fit for the climate and economically viable – while at the same time preserving biodiversity. Here, too, the long-term view that characterizes Hald’s work is evident: “We don’t want to promote monocultures, but rather mixed forests rich in structure and species.”
The measures range from the systematic removal of crowding trees to the control of light and space availability and targeted replanting. “In the hardwood area, we work with selective thinning, in the coniferous area we systematically reduce stem numbers,” says the experienced forester. The rule is: it is better to intervene early and moderately – and check the maintenance regularly.
Partnership in practice
Hald thinks just as systematically as he does in the forest when working with his partners – for example with Zeller+Gmelin. He appreciates the fact that feedback from the field is taken seriously there. “I regularly give feedback from the field – and it’s listened to,” he says. “We work together as equals. That’s not a given with a forestry company of our size and a large lubricant manufacturer.”
The demands placed on lubricants are particularly high in forestry – from extreme temperatures to highly variable types of wood. “It’s important that a manufacturer is open to specific suggestions and that product development takes place close to reality.”
Passing on specialist knowledge – also on the subject of lubrication
Just how seriously the forestry professional takes the transfer of knowledge is also reflected in the training courses he offers. In chainsaw courses and safety training sessions, he not only teaches the technical basics, but also raises awareness of the responsible handling of machines and operating materials. One focus is on correct lubrication: How does the oil pump work? When does it deliver oil? What needs to be considered during maintenance and cleaning? “This is particularly important for newcomers – incorrect operation not only leads to damage to the chainsaw, but also to unnecessary environmental pollution,” explains Hald.
Technology and responsibility in harmony
Whether in urban green spaces, young forests or chainsaw training courses – the Ottenbach-based company shows that ecologically responsible work and technical standards can go hand in hand. Biodegradable lubricants such as Divinol AquaChainFluid or Divinol BIO chain oil R 21820 are not a special solution here, but standard.
“We need lubricants that work reliably, are safe and have as little impact on the environment as possible,” summarizes the forestry expert. The Zeller+Gmelin range fulfills this performance promise – and this is precisely what he considers indispensable in his day-to-day work as a specialist, trainer and practitioner in the forest.
