Construction vehicles and heavy-duty equipment are designed to accomplish specific jobs and as such require machinery parts that can do those jobs.  Hydraulic systems are designed to provide the power and lift necessary to get those tasks done.  Because hydraulic systems work by transferring power from one end of a system to another through the use of external force, they require an oil designed to expedite this process.

Hydraulic oil is used for equipment such as forklift trucks, log splitters, automotive lifts, snowplows, tractors, and several others. If you are responsible for keeping these, or other hydraulic-dependent machinery, working, it is important to choose the right oil.

What to Look for When Choosing Oil

Formulation

Hydraulic oils are either petroleum, synthetic, or water-based.  Of the three, synthetic provides the greatest stability and lubrication.  It is also your best choice if you work in an area where there are extreme temperatures or pressure fluctuations.  Petroleum hydraulic oil has a variety of additives to provide greater viscosity and protection against wear and tear. Water-based fluid is best when there is a high risk of fire.  They are cheaper than synthetic or petroleum but offer less protection and performance.

The Pump and Viscosity

Nearly every type of hydraulic equipment is designed to be either a gear, piston, or vane pump style.

• • Vane pumps have rotors attached to a revolving shaft, placed within a cam ring.  They will usually need a hydraulic fluid with a viscosity ranging between 14 and 160 centistokes (10W-40W oil).  This type has great fluid capacity but requires a significant amount of maintenance.
  • Pistons – The most popular, they offer great performance and will last for years.  They require a viscosity in the 10 to 160 centistokes.
  • Gear – These may be external or internal. Internal gear pumps are quieter and offer more efficiency.  External pumps are less efficient, but also cost less and are the easiest to maintain.  Gear pumps work well with a wide range of viscosities.

Application

Look for a hydraulic oil designed for your specific equipment, as every piece has its own needs.  For tips on the best products, no matter what you are buying for, talk to your AMSOIL dealer, Buy Great Oil.  With a wide range of products, you can be sure they will have the ideal hydraulic oil for your machinery.

Recommendation

Always check the owner’s manual for what type of hydraulic oil is best for the machinery.  This will save you time and money, as well as extend the life of the equipment. You will also want to check the manual to determine how frequently to change the oil and follow the recommendations.

Temperature Range

The same hydraulic oil used in a snowplow operated in South Dakota is not recommended for a bulldozer used in South Carolina.  Temperature can affect how the oil moves through the equipment, so you need one designed for the region where the machinery will be used.

If part of your job includes maintaining hydraulic equipment, then it is important to use the correct oil.  Mixing two types of oils or using the wrong one can have long-term effects on your equipment and your budget.  Check out the line of AMSOIL products today.