Hydraulic Oil Basics — Learn Fittings
Keep hydraulic oil under 160° F, read its color to spot problems, and pick the right grade — AW 32, AW 46, ATF, or Glacial Blue — by temperature range, pour point, and flash point.
Operating temperatures
It is important to keep your oil temperatures operating around 160° F or less. If oil temperatures start to exceed 200° it will start to break down seals and o-rings that are essential in keeping your system running and operating smoothly.
Watch your oil temperature
Keep oil temperatures around 160° F or less. Above 200° F the oil starts to break down the seals and o-rings that keep your system sealed and running smoothly.
Color indicators
- Light Brown and Transparent would be normal
- Milky oil would indicate water in the oil
- Red in color would indicate ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
AW (anti-wear) 32 — 10 weight
- Lighter oil
- Great for year-round applications
- Use in temperatures ranging from -20° F to +50° F
- Pour point of -31° F
- Flash point of 400° F
AW (anti-wear) 46 — 15 weight
- Heavier, thicker oil
- Better summertime application
- Use in temperatures ranging from +25° F to +70° F
- Pour point of -22° F
- Flash point of 400° F
AFT (automatic transmission fluid)
- Red in color
- Used for short cycle applications (dump trailer, bale bed)
- Good winter season application
- Pour point of -40° F
- Flash point of 410° F
Glacial blue — 15 weight
- Nonconductive properties
- Used in power/utility, tree trimming, railroad, and snow plow industries
- Flash point of 253° F
- Pour point of -81°
- Blue in color
Fitting Tiles
Our Fitting Tiles are a simple format for assisting customers in identifying fittings and adapters. The color guide is on the rear decal of the Easy Pack case. The design allows new customers and green employees to identify the adapter family quickly. In addition, a Q.R. code is available to read tutorials, watch thread videos and gain more knowledge.