Choosing the right lubricant for your machines is critical to maximizing the life of their components and minimizing downtime. For optimal machine operation, adhere to specifications in the owner’s manual. We have put together lubricant tips to enhance your equipment’s operation.
Hydraulic Oil/Fluid
Why is it important?
Hydraulic oil’s primary purpose is to transfer power, but the fluid is also important to protect hydraulic components by lubricating the parts it comes into contact with.
Best Practices
- Keep the zinc content above 300 ppm—Zinc is an anti-wear agent that is added to hydraulic oil to reduce wear of components, such as pumps, motors, and valves. Standard hydraulic oils contain 300-500 parts per million (ppm) of zinc, while premium oils contain as much as 1,200 ppm. Choose hydraulic oil with a minimum of 300 ppm of zinc to avoid wear and downtime.
- Choose hydraulic oils with water emulsifiers—When water separates from oil, it can cause serious damage in heavy machinery. Emulsifiers disperse water, reducing the risk of water damage. Choose hydraulic oil with emulsifiers, and avoid oils that promise to shed, separate, or release water.
- Filter first—Make sure you filter any hydraulic fluid you add to your machine, even if it is brand new. By filtering before you add it, you can avoid contamination, which can lead to component wear and system failure.
Transmission Oil
Why is it important?
Transmission oil enhances clutch performance, protects gears and bearings from wear, and keeps components cool when in operation.
Best Practices
- Use the right oil—Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type of transmission oil. The most important consideration is weather. If you are going to use your equipment in a variety of conditions, make sure you choose a multi-season transmission oil. By choosing a multigrade oil, you can avoid unnecessary oil changes as the seasons change.
- Change oil correctly—Oil change intervals vary with use, but when you do change your transmission oil, make sure you take a number of precautions to avoid contamination: wash the transmission tank before removing the cap, drain the oil as quickly as possible, install filters carefully, and keep filter packages sealed until they are ready for use.
- Change your filters periodically—By properly following the guidelines set out in your owner’s manual, you can avoid damage and wear caused by contamination.
Grease
Why is it important?
Choosing the right grease for your machine is extremely important to maintain optimal performance. Grease reduces friction and wear caused by daily operation.
Best Practices
- Meet or exceed the owner’s manual requirements—The owner’s manual outlines the grease specifications to meet minimum operating requirements. Choose grease that exceeds these minimum requirements to increase parts life and performance.
- Purge when adding any new grease—When grease is changed in any part of the machine from one type to another, purge the old grease. The old and new grease may not be compatible, which could cause serious problems for your machine.
