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Multi-weight hydraulic fluid??

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airbrushguy

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Nov 24, 2011
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55
I have a double scissor 7000lb lift that I keep outdoors but don't use in very cold winter days.
I assume it is the hydraulic fluid getting thick in the cold that makes it run slow until spring comes around and was wondering if anyone makes a multi-grade fluid that would perform like a lighter weight fluid when it is cold.
Thank you
 
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Fix Until Broke

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You want a high viscosity index oil. Most standard oils (10w, 30w, etc) have VI's around 100.

Multi weight oils (10w30) will be in the 120's.

Really good stuff will be 150-180 - It won't be cheap ($20/gallon minimum)

The latest Dextron 6 transmission fluid is a low viscosity (thin side of a 10w), high VI (~150) fluid that will be available just about anywhere.

Deere has a Plus-50 II in a 0w40 that has a VI of 167 that will also work pretty good.
 
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matt_i

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Figure out what they put in an airplane.

That goes from -50F or lower to 100F or higher and must work perfectly at all temperatures.

As I recall most "standard" hydraulic fluid is around ISO 68 in viscosity. Look for something ISO 32 as that should do better in colder weather.
 
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Fix Until Broke

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matt_i said:
Figure out what they put in an airplane.

That goes from -50F or lower to 100F or higher and must work perfectly at all temperatures.

As I recall most "standard" hydraulic fluid is around ISO 68 in viscosity. Look for something ISO 32 as that should do better in colder weather.
Click to expand...

Be careful with airplane fluids, they are high performance, but many of them are phosphate esters which will be a disaster with every seal in the system.

The vast majority of hydraulic fluids are an ISO 46 (about a 20 weight motor oil). An ISO 68 is ~30w and an ISO 32 is ~10w. But, don't be deceived by the nominal viscosity. I've seen 100 VI ISO 32 oils that look like a block of grease where high VI (150+) ISO 46 oils still pour like room temperature honey at -40F
 
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aarcuda

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https://www.derekweaver.com/learn/hydraulic-oil-for-lifts/

Most Lift manufacturers will recommend a few different types of hydraulic oil that can be used in their lifts. We have listed those types below to help you choose the proper grade of oil for your 2-Post or 4-Post car lift, 4-Post Roller Jacks and Pro-Jacks, Mid-Rise or Low-Rise car lift, Motorcycle Lift and Transmission Jacks.



► R&O – Stands for Rust & Oxidation; also contains Anti-Foam additives. R&O is approximately a 10 weight oil with the additives.

Suitable for use in applications where a premium R&O product is not required.

► AW – Stand for Anti-Wear; also protects against Rust & Oxidation, and contains Anti-Foam additives.

AW32 is approximately a 10 weight oil with the additives

AW46 is approximately a 15 weight oil with the additives.

AW –provides many of the advantages of premium hydraulic oil at a moderate price. Suitable for use in applications where a Premium AW product is not required. All are blended with highly refined naphthenic/paraffinic base oils.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

► Q) What is the difference between AW32 and AW46 Hydraulic Oils?

A) The weights (10 & 15) Sometimes called (ISO32, ISO46)



► Q) What is the difference between Premium AW32 and Quality AW32?

A) Quality AW32 is approximately a 1500-hour oil, whereas, Premium AW32 has increased oxidation stabilizers making it approximately a 5000-hour oil.



► Q) What is the most recommended Hydraulic Oil by Lift Manufacturers?

A) AW32 and AW46 because of their Anti-Wear, Anti-Foam and protection against Rust & Oxidation. AW32 is the most popular choice being a 10 weight oil, it works best for all climates.



► Q) Can I use ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) in my lift?

A) The use of ATF may affect the warranty on certain lift manufacturers hydraulic components and power units. However, some manufacturers allow Dexron III ATF as an AW32 / ISO32 equivalent. Check the owners manual for the correct oil for your lift.
 
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