Lubricant & Oil

Choosing the right lubricant for your machines is critical to maximize the life of its 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.

Keep it zinc free
Zinc is commonly added to hydraulic oils to reduce the wear of components, such as pumps, motors and valves. However, zinc itself is a heavy metal that can cause wear and erosion, and is also unfriendly to the environment. Zinc free oils, such as Panolin Hydraulic Oil, include synthetic additives to provide the same wear reducing benefits of zinc, without the risk of corrosion or harm to the environment.

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, such as Panolin Hydraulic Oil, 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.

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, such as Panolin's EP GEAR, 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 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.

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.

Always consult your operator's manual.