5 Gallon Bucket of Lucas Oil in Front of Hydraulic Equipment

 

Triad Technologies proudly offers several Lucas Oil products, including AW-32 and AW-46 hydraulic oil. However, it can be challenging to know which oil is best suited to achieve your machine’s target performance. To help you decide, we have outlined key differences between these two types of oil and the various factors that may affect performance.

 

Anti-Wear

The designation “AW” indicates that your hydraulic oil is anti-wear. AW oils are usually made of a petroleum-based fluid and an anti-wear additive, which helps to shield your equipment from harm. Both AW-32 and AW-46 oils from Lucas Oil contain this additive to keep your equipment running smoothly.

 

Weight & Viscosity

The main difference between AW-32 and AW-46 hydraulic oil is the weight, or the amount of oil present in the mixture as compared to the total amount of additives. AW-32 is a 10-weight fluid, which is less viscous and helps to simplify power transfer. AW-46 is a 20-weight fluid. The higher the weight, the thicker the oil and the less easily it flows. Viscosity is the most important factor when selecting a hydraulic fluid because it helps to achieve the maximum lifespan for your components. Neither oil is inherently better or worse than the other, but based on outside factors (such as temperature or age of equipment) one may be preferable for your application.

 

Temperature

The higher the operating temperature of your equipment, the thinner hydraulic oil becomes. AW-46 oil is thicker and has a moderate viscosity, so it is recommended for use in temperate climates where weather is not extreme. A hydraulic system operating in a cold climate, however, would operate better with a lower viscosity oil like AW-32 because the thinner oil will be less resistant to flow on start-up.

 

Age of Equipment

AW-32 and AW-46 hydraulic oil technically offer the same level of oxidation and other additives in their formulation. However, since AW-46 is thicker, it contains a greater quantity of oil relative to the additives, which helps to prevent your hard-working hydraulic systems from rust over the long term.

 

Application

ISO grades 32 and 46 are commonly used for vane-, piston-, or gear-type pumps in hydraulic applications. For example, AW-46 hydraulic oil is often used to power hydraulic systems for dump trucks, excavators, and other off-road machinery. AW-32 hydraulic oil is better suited for colder weather applications, like powering the pump of a snowplow. However, when used indoors under the normal range of operating temperatures, both options can lubricate and protect your system.

 

Previous Hydraulic Oil Use

Before replacing or adding oil to your hydraulic system, it is important to know the type of oil that is already in use. Mixing oils with different additive packages is never recommended as this could compromise the additive performance, cause corrosion, or increase mechanical wear. Lucas Oil’s AW-32 and AW-46 have the same additives, so there is no problem mixing the two together if you want an oil with a weight higher than 10 but lower than 20, or if you are beginning a system change. For example, if you have used AW-32 in the past, but you work in moderate temperatures with older equipment, you can add AW-46 to the system which is thicker and less likely to leak from an older machine. Or, if equipment is moving from an indoor space to a colder outdoor operating area, AW-46 oil can have AW-32 added to make it thinner and simplify power transfer upon startup.

 

Which Hydraulic Oil to Choose

In general terms, AW-32 is better suited for cold temperatures, while AW-46 is best suited to older equipment at moderate temperatures. Under normal manufacturing conditions, both oil options are equipped to keep your equipment running.

 

Visit our site to shop a wide variety of Lucas Oil products. If you have any additional questions about your hydraulic oil, visit your local ParkerStore or contact us on our website and a Triad representative will be happy to help you find the right solution for your equipment.