What kind of hydraulic oil does an excavator use? ——Comprehensive analysis and purchasing guide
Recently, among the hot topics on construction machinery maintenance on the Internet, "selection of hydraulic oil for excavators" has become the focus. With the arrival of the peak construction period in spring and summer, how to equip excavators with suitable hydraulic oil has become a concern for many machine owners and operators. This article will combine the industry hot spots in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the selection criteria, performance requirements and usage precautions for excavator hydraulic oil.
1. The importance of hydraulic oil in excavators

The hydraulic system is the "heart" of the excavator, and the hydraulic oil is the "blood" that maintains the normal beating of the heart. High-quality hydraulic oil can not only reduce equipment wear and extend service life, but also improve work efficiency and reduce energy consumption. According to statistics, about 70% of excavator hydraulic system failures are related to improper selection of hydraulic oil or untimely maintenance.
2. Core performance indicators of excavator hydraulic oil
| Indicator type | Standard requirements | Scope of influence |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity grade | ISO VG 32/46/68 | Low temperature startability/high temperature stability |
| Anti-wear properties | Zinc content ≥0.03% | Pump valve service life |
| Antioxidant | TOST≥1500h | Oil change interval |
| Demulsibility | ≤30min | Moisture separation ability |
3. Comparison of mainstream hydraulic oil types
| Oil type | Applicable temperature | Oil change interval | reference price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HM mineral oil | -15℃~50℃ | 2000 hours | 300-500 yuan/barrel |
| HV semi-synthetic oil | -30℃~60℃ | 3000 hours | 600-800 yuan/barrel |
| HS fully synthetic oil | -40℃~80℃ | 5000 hours | 1000-1500 yuan/barrel |
4. Select hydraulic oil according to working conditions
1.Normal working conditions: When the temperature is between -10℃ and 40℃, it is recommended to use ISO VG46 anti-wear hydraulic oil (HM grade)
2.Operation in cold areas: When the temperature is lower than -15°C, HV low-temperature hydraulic oil with a pour point lower than -36°C should be selected.
3.High temperature environment: HS high viscosity index hydraulic oil (VI>150) is required for continuous high-temperature operations.
4.Heavy load condition: Large-tonnage excavators are recommended to use HM or HV grade oil containing extreme pressure additives
5. New trends in hydraulic oil use in 2024
According to recent industry discussion hot spots, the following trends deserve attention:
1.Environmentally friendly hydraulic oil: Demand for renewable oil products with biodegradation rate >60% increased by 35%
2.Long life oil: Ultra-long-lasting hydraulic oil using nanotechnology can extend the oil change interval to 8,000 hours
3.Intelligent monitoring system: The installation of IoT devices for real-time monitoring of oil status increased by 120% year-on-year
6. Precautions for use
• Strictly adhere to the oil grade specified by the equipment manufacturer
• Do not mix different brands/types of hydraulic oil
• It is recommended that the first oil change of a new machine be completed within 50 working hours
• Oil storage drums should be sealed and stored in a cool, dry place
• Regular oil testing (recommended every 500 hours)
7. Frequently Asked Questions
| question | solution |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic oil turns black | Replace and check filter element immediately |
| System noise increases | Check the oil level and add appropriate oil |
| slow movements | Check whether the viscosity reaches the standard |
Choosing the right hydraulic oil is key to ensuring efficient operation of your excavator. It is recommended that users choose qualified oil products produced by regular manufacturers based on actual working conditions, equipment requirements and budget conditions, and establish a scientific maintenance system. With proper hydraulic fluid selection and use, equipment performance can be significantly improved and overall operating costs reduced.
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