What Oil Can Replace Hydraulic Oil?
2 Answers
Engine oil, gear oil, or transmission oil can be used. Here is some relevant information about hydraulic oil: 1. Characteristics: It has good anti-foaming properties, ensuring stable power transmission and preventing accelerated oxidation of the hydraulic oil. It also has excellent rust prevention and oxidation stability, making it less prone to oxidation and degradation, thus extending its service life. It has suitable viscosity and good viscosity-temperature performance, enabling accurate and sensitive power transmission while ensuring normal lubrication of hydraulic components. 2. Function: Hydraulic oil is the hydraulic medium used in hydraulic systems that utilize liquid pressure energy. It plays roles in energy transmission, wear resistance, system lubrication, corrosion prevention, rust prevention, and cooling within the hydraulic system.
Back when I operated heavy machinery, the hydraulic oil suddenly ran out. Unable to find the specialized oil immediately, I tried using clean 10W40 engine oil as a temporary solution. It worked barely—the hydraulic pump could still operate, but within just a few days, it started making abnormal noises and leaking. Hydraulic oil is designed to withstand high pressure and resist oxidation, whereas engine oil, despite its higher viscosity, tends to foam and corrode rubber seals. Long-term use of substitutes can lead to system failure. Any alternative should only be considered an emergency fix; always prioritize finding the manufacturer-recommended oil, especially since heavy machinery systems are highly sensitive to contaminants. After that incident, I always carry a spare bottle of professional-grade hydraulic oil to prevent similar emergencies—this directly impacts operational safety and should never be taken lightly.