Hydraulic oil is a non-compressible fluid that is used to transfer power in hydraulic machinery and equipment. Hydraulic oil, also called hydraulic fluid, can be made from either synthetic or mineral-based components. Machines that use hydraulics convey their power through a hydraulic oil.
Hydraulic oil is a combination of base oils and special additives that allow it to transmit power while also serving as a lubricant and a coolant. The oil protects machinery from deterioration, corrosion, and rust throughout a broad temperature range.
While conventional oil serves numerous purposes in vehicles, hydraulic oil has a broader range of applications due to its employment in systems like automatic transmissions, power brakes, and power steering.
Additionally, hydraulic fluids are used in aircraft systems. When selecting an appropriate oil, viscosity should be given first priority.
When you are in charge of operating large pieces of machinery, there are a great number of details that you need to keep in mind. Without this, it would be extremely difficult to achieve the unit’s target performance.
However, many people don’t pay enough attention to the recommended hydraulic oil and instead use anything they seem to have lying around. In addition to shortening the life of your machine, it can cause a variety of performance concerns.
So, before you go out and get some hydraulic oil, make sure you get some professional advice.
The effectiveness of AW32 and AW46 hydraulic oil has been the subject of many recent inquiries. The following information will clarify the differences between these two and help you choose the one that is most appropriate for your machine. Let’s dive deeper into it!
AW32 vs AW46 Hydraulic Oil – Which To Get For Your Equipment?
AW is short for anti-wear, and the ISO designation for these oils is “—HM.” These oils safeguard hydraulic equipment, extending its useful life and ensuring its continued efficiency.
A wide variety of viscosities and additives are available for AW hydraulic oils to meet your needs, but all of them start with just two fundamental ingredients.
The two main components of AW Oils are a petroleum-based fluid and an anti-wear ingredient. The hydraulic pump is shielded from harm by this additive. When it comes to functionality, hydraulic oils vary greatly because each type is tailored to meet a unique set of needs.
AW 46 hydraulic oil, for instance, is used to power the hydraulic systems of off-road machinery like dump trucks, excavators, and backhoes, whereas AW 32 hydraulic oil is utilized in colder weather applications, such as the pump of a snow plow.
However, AW 68 hydraulic oil is suitable for use in a wider variety of industrial machinery, including machinery that operates at higher temperatures, such as a cardboard compactor or hydraulic press.
Lubricant prices are affected by the variety of AW oil performances possible due to variations in base oil quality and additive quantities. Hydraulic oil specifications can shed light on a lubricant’s functionality and quality, therefore it’s important to understand them before buying.
In this article, we’ll go through the various properties of our AW Hydraulic Oil (AW32 & AW46) that make them the best in the industry. Let’s get right into it!
Comparing AW32 vs AW46 Hydraulic Oil
| AW32 Hydraulic Oil | AW46 Hydraulic Oil | |
| Season | Winter | Summer |
| Viscosity | Thinner | Thicker |
AW32 Hydraulic Oil
The AW32 is a great option for an oil to use during the winter because it provides a decent degree of performance for the people who use it. Because of this oil decreased viscosity, it functions very well in environments with lower temperatures.
Because the oil won’t be able to flow through the system, you can’t rely on anything more powerful than an AW46 in these conditions. Think about the environment where it will be used before making a purchase. This will make it simple for you to allocate your resources effectively.
The amount of oil present in the mixture as compared to the total amount of additives is the sole thing that differentiates AW32 from AW46. The AW32 is more slender and contributes less thickness to the machinery.
Even when the temperature is low, power transfer is simplified by this method. Numerous authorities agree that there will likely be oil of about 10 weight in the mixture.
Other than that, there is no discernible difference in quality or anti-rust effectiveness between the two fluids. Neither of these hydraulic oils has any detractors, therefore your decision should be based on the specifics of your job. For extreme cold, it’s best to continue with AW32 rather than upgrading to AW46.
When compared to the thicker AW46 oil, the thinner AW32 nevertheless provides the same level of performance for your machine. The only real difference is that its lower viscosity makes it a less good choice in the winter.
Keeping with AW32 could be the best option for your unit if you’re thinking ahead and need something to get it through the winter.
AW46 Hydraulic Oil
This type of oil, with its moderate viscosity, is recommended for use in temperate climates where the weather and other factors are not extreme. Consequently, there is no reason to avoid using the AW46 hydraulic oil if you live in an area where the winters aren’t particularly harsh and the temperature is consistently cool.
The same holds true at high temperatures, which may necessitate a more viscous solution in order to keep the engine running smoothly. It’s best to stick with AW68, which adds the greatest viscosity to your system, if you’re in an area with a particularly hard summer.
When compared to the AW32, this hydraulic oil offers the same level of oxidation and other additives in its formulation. This choice is identical to the previous one except that it has a higher viscosity and contains a greater quantity of oil relative to the additives.
So, If you want to prevent your machine from rust over the long term, use AW46 hydraulic oil in moderate features.
Consequently, throughout the course of the year, there will be a variety of different hydraulic oils to choose from. This does not give you freedom to experiment with different oils of varying viscosity in the machine.
It is possible that the performance of the hydraulic system will be compromised as a result, and you won’t be able to achieve the same degree of performance. So, if you aren’t sure what kind of oil to use in the machine, it’s best to see a professional.
All things considered, AW46 is more viscous and has a greater degree of thickness than your current configuration. It can operate satisfactorily within a narrow temperature range but suffers significantly under extreme cold or heat.
As a result, you should evaluate the workplace setting before making the final investment in hydraulic oil.
With any luck, you’ll be able to use this information -mentioned in the article- to make an appropriate decision when making a purchase for your machine hydraulic oil.
In winter, we use AW 32 for the elevator without any issue but the elevator goes shaking in the summer. Can I add a little AW 46 to AW 32 during summer time to fix shaking of the elevator?