How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Fluid (or Hydraulic Oil)

Finding the best hydraulic oil or hydraulic fliud for your machine is key to extending the life of your machine's hydraulic components like hoses, pumps, and even the hydraulic fluid itself. Understanding the oil viscosity, anti-wear (AW) properties, and hydraulic fluid grade will help you make the right choice.

Hydraulic Oil Viscosity: Your Essential Guide

Hydraulic oil viscosity is the lifeblood of any hydraulic system. It's not just about how thick or thin the oil is; it's about how it behaves under different temperatures and pressures, and how it affects the performance, efficiency, and longevity of your equipment.

Need-to-Know Fluid Power Facts: The 5 W's of Hydraulic Oil Viscosity

The grade of hydraulic oil viscosity is a determination of what kind of oil works best, in comparison to other kinematic viscosities at standard temperatures, as seen in the chart below.

Hydraulic Fluid [Part 1] Requirements, Classification, …

JIS standards for hydraulic fluids do not currently exist, and fluids that meet the above requirements and have a viscosity equivalent to that of petroleum based turbine oils (JIS K 2213) are used. Turbine oils are classified into two types: Type 1 …

Hydraulic oil analysis – determining viscosity

Oil viscosity refers to measuring a fluid's resistance to flow, essentially determining how thick or thin the oil is as it moves. It is a crucial property in hydraulic systems due to its direct impact on system performance and efficiency.

Understanding the Importance of Hydraulic Oil Viscosity

Choosing the right hydraulic oil viscosity is essential for maximizing productivity and minimizing total operating expenses. The recommended viscosity range for most hydraulic equipment, including industrial hydraulic oil, is 13 to 860 cSt.

A Look at Hydraulic Fluid Viscosity

Viscosity, a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow at a specific temperature, plays a pivotal role in determining how well hydraulic systems function. Understanding viscosity and your specific equipment is crucial for selecting the right hydraulic oil to ensure the optimal balance between protection and energy efficiency.

How Do You Know if You're Using the Right Hydraulic Oil?

With hydraulics, there are two primary considerations – the viscosity grade and the hydraulic oil type (AWor R&O). These specifications are typically determined by the type of hydraulic pump employed in the system, the operating temperature and the system's operating pressure.

Determining Hydraulic Fluid Viscosity Requirements

Machine builders recommend hydraulic fluids for their equipment by specifying characteristics such as viscosity, antiwear performance and oxidation stability. They may also identify qualified lubricants by brand name or the ISO viscosity grade. An abridged version of ISO viscosity grades is listed in Table 1.

Hydraulic Fluids and Lubricants, Technical Information

When choosing a hydraulic fluid the following features are most important for consideration: • Viscosity • Viscosity Index (VI) and/or Viscosity Grade (VG) viscosity at 40 °C [104 °F].