Hydraulic fluid for topping off and for replacement (2024)

FAQs

What can you use as a replacement for hydraulic fluid? ›

Automatic transmission fluid: Automatic transmission fluids are among the most popular hydraulic fluid substitutes because they have an extensive operating temperature range and can maintain optimal performance in diverse environments. Vegetable seed oils: Most vegetable oils have higher flash and fire points.

Lucas Oil's AW-32 and AW-46 have the same additives, so there is no problem mixing the two together if you want an oil with a weight higher than 10 but lower than 20, or if you are beginning a system change.

Topping up the hydraulic reservoir is a vital piece of routine maintenance, because – if it is not done correctly – the ramifications are severe. A sure sign of a leaking system is one that requires make-up fluid regularly.

Looking at the hydraulic fluid is the simplest way to determine if it may be contaminated. Clean fluid is almost clear to amber in color. A milky, dark, or otherwise abnormal color may indicate the presence of one or more contaminants.

Most hydraulic systems will operate satisfactorily using a variety of fluids. These include engine oil, automatic transmission fluid and oil formulated specifically for the hydraulic compartment.

It is a key factor in a hydraulic system's performance, impacting how power is transmitted, lubrication, and heat dissipation. Selecting the right viscosity of hydraulic oil is essential for effective operation, helping to prevent leakage and reducing the risk of component wear.

It's essential to use hydraulic fluid with the right viscosity, to avoid high operating temperatures or increased friction that can cause damage to the system and potentially premature failure. The wrong oil can also cause increased power usage, both diesel, and electric, at the expense of your business.

Therefore, the mixing of hydraulic oils with differing water separation characteristics may cause a reduction in emulsification characteristics or eliminate these characteristics altogether, thereby causing undesirable operating conditions.

Clear fluid (our CW8) improves gauge life by assisting in reducing rig vibrations and corrosion from harsh industry conditions. Red fluid, also known as red hydraulic fluid (CW-15), is used in pressure, torque and weight systems to transmit readings between a gauge and its sensor.

CAN I MIX HYDRAULIC FLUIDS? As far as possible, it is always best to avoid mixing different hydraulic fluids. This is because the technical properties could be spoiled by chemical reactions between different additives.

What fluid is best for hydraulics? ›

As a best practice, opt for mineral, mono-grade hydraulic oil blended with a zinc-based anti-wear additive. In case your application requires a multigrade oil, look for a fluid that contains additives that specifically improve the oil's shear stability.

Water is not used in fluid power system because it corrodes, encourages growth of bacteria, easily evaporates and gets contaminated easily, has poor lubricity, viscosity and prone to more leakage.

Air and water contamination are the leading causes of hydraulic failure, accounting for 80 to 90% of hydraulic failures. Faulty pumps, system breaches or temperature issues often cause both types of contamination.

As a general rule, hydraulic oil should be changed every 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use, depending on the operating conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations. Here are some reasons why that is so: Contamination: Dirt, water, and other contaminants can build up in the oil and can cause wear and tear on components.

The short answer is no, users should not use engine oil to replace hydraulic, as these are two very different kinds of lubricants – each designed for a specific role and possessing different chemical compositions.

Three common varieties of hydraulic fluids found on the market today are petroleum-based, water-based and synthetics. Petroleum-based or mineral-based fluids are the most widely used fluids today.

In summary, hydraulic oil is a type of hydraulic fluid. However, unlike hydraulic oils, hydraulic fluids are used in automatic transmissions and are an alternative to hydraulic oil when flammability is a potential issue involved in operating environments.

Depending on the system, you might want a water-based or a petroleum-based fluid; it can be natural/bio or synthetic; some specialized types are even flame-retardant! Agricultural machinery may often use biodegradable hydraulic fluid, while heavy equipment tends to use synthetic, petroleum-based products.

Due to the high lubricity of vegetable oil, it is not recommended for use in applications where hydraulic systems supply oil to wet brakes or clutches on mobile equipment. This could limit its use in some excavators, loaders, and crawler-tractors.