Hydraulic Oil Basics
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.
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
Normal Hydraulic Oil
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
Water in Hydraulic Oil
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
Automatic Trasmission Fluid
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
Glacial Blue
