Since 1968 Stein has incorporated hydraulic drives in its machines. Originally designed for a new Stein fryer, hydraulic drives offered a wide range of speeds to the customer as well as eliminating any problems with water. Soon customers also began requesting hydraulic drives in their coating machines. From this point Stein began a long history of offering hydraulic drives, which continues to this day.
Initially, the hydraulic fluids used in Stein machines were the fluids recommended by fluid power equipment manufacturers. These fluids were petroleum based and very flammable.
In an effort to improve safety for Stein direct-fired gas fryers, Stein began the search for a safer fluid.
Houghton International contacted Stein to learn whether there was an opportunity for the use of their products in Stein machinery. A review was made of the requirements for fluids, and Houghton indicated an interest in developing a fluid safe for use in food plants. Soon afterward, Houghton announced that a fluid was now available which was fire resistant and USDA approved for incidental food contact.
Stein has recommended that fluid for use in our customers' plants ever since it became available and this recommendation continues today.