Why Lubricant Viscosity Matters For Heavy Equipment Efficiency?

Viscosity, or the internal friction in oil that prevents it from moving, is a measure of a liquid’s reluctance to flow. For instance, the flow of thinner oil is swifter than the thick ones. Similar to thinner oils (lower viscosity), thicker oils (higher viscosity) provide superior protection for equipment but may not flow as smoothly.

Why understanding the viscosity of a fluid is important?

Understanding and appropriately dealing with lubricant viscosity is one of the skills for fleet owners to preserve the productivity and dependability of the equipment. Every kind of lubricant, including greases, gear oils, hydraulic oils, and engine oils, has a specific viscosity need. This becomes especially important for mixed fleets since they frequently need a range of lubricants to guarantee maximum operation on various kinds of machinery. That is why, experts suggest being aware of the importance of viscosity and knowing how to select the appropriate one can help you maintain the machinery in your fleet longer, perform better, and avoid problems.

What happens when you choose an inappropriate viscosity of oil?

Using the incorrect viscosity can cause malfunctions or performance problems in equipment especially in larger earth-moving equipment. This can negatively affect your fleet’s dependability and efficiency.

For example, crawler excavators for sale might need ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil, yet a loader might need ISO VG 32. The incorrect grade of oil can lead to damage and downtime, which lowers output and raises maintenance expenses. Ultimately this may turn to the increased expenses on the repair and replacement of the equipment parts.

What is the Viscosity grade and how to choose the right one?

Because there are so many different measurement systems, viscosity grades can be problematic. Kinematic viscosity and dynamic (absolute) viscosity are the two primary methods used to measure viscosity. The force needed to overcome fluid friction is measured by dynamic viscosity, which is expressed in Pascal seconds (Pa s) or centipoises (cP). The flow of a fluid under gravity is measured by kinematic viscosity, which is expressed in centistokes (cSt) or mm³/s. Isn’t it simple?

However, it is common practice to measure kinetic viscosity at 40°C or 100°C. Industrial oils, such as hydraulic and gear oils, are measured at 40°C, whereas engine, axle, and transmission oils are normally measured at 100°C. it may look confusing but once you keep working with them, it will be more convenient for you to identify the right viscosity for your specific equipment.

How modern engine oil has transformed?

The viscosity of engine oils has decreased over the years. The development of engines, which have gotten smaller but more potent, is what is causing this shift. Lower viscosity oils are necessary for smaller engines with narrower oil passageways to ensure adequate flow and lubrication.

In a modern engine, for instance, utilizing high viscosity oil, such as a straight 50 monograde, can strain the oil pump and cause oil leaks. Multigrade oils, like 15W-40, reduce wear and increase efficiency by providing improved protection and flow, particularly during commencement.

On the other hand, consolidating engine oils can help fleet owners handle storage more easily, save money, and increase fuel efficiency for multiple equipment. You may need to ensure that you use oils approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When necessary, you can convert to newer standards because these oils are frequently compatible with previous ones.

Selecting the proper hydraulic oils 

For fleet operations, hydraulic and gear oils are essential. Hydraulic oils typically fall between ISO VG 15 and ISO VG 100. Although ISO VG 32 is the most widely used grade, it is crucial to select the appropriate viscosity for each application.

Tight tolerances in hydraulic systems require accurate operation and cleanliness. There is a defined range for each viscosity grade. For Example, ISO VG 46 ranges from 41.4 to 50.6 cSt. It is essential to comprehend operational temperatures and refer to OEM instructions while choosing the appropriate grade. Whereas, different systems, such as the ISO or AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association), can be used to grade gear oils. Viscosity conversion charts illustrate how switching between different systems can help guarantee that the right oil is utilized.

Is blending viscosities a useful method?

There may be occasions during field operations when the necessary viscosity grade is not available. In certain situations, blending oils with varying viscosities might help get a satisfactory consistency. Using resources such as the Widman viscosity calculator to calculate the final viscosity and make sure it is within allowable bounds, this procedure should be carried out carefully.

Consider, if only ISO 46 oil is available but an ISO 68 oil is required, a mixture may be utilized to get the necessary viscosity. It’s critical to review OEM specifications and confirm that the oils are compatible. Because of possible incompatibilities, mixing oils of various brands or types—for example, gear oil and hydraulic oil—is typically not advised.

Two Cents

Achieving increased efficiency and dependability in your fleet requires knowing and dealing with the proper viscosity of your equipment. Optimized performance is ensured, wear is minimized, and breakdowns are avoided with proper lubrication. Fleet owners can enhance their operations, lower maintenance costs, and increase the equipment’s lifespan by adjusting the viscosity. To make the best judgments about the lubricating needs of your fleet, always refer to OEM recommendations and collaborate closely with lubricant providers.

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