The engine oil and hydraulic oil used in skid steer loaders are critical to the equipment's performance, service life, and reliability. There are significant differences in oil requirements for different components, as detailed below:
Type: Diesel is generally used (most skid steer loaders are equipped with diesel engines). The appropriate grade should be selected based on ambient temperature:
Summer or high-temperature areas: 0# diesel (freezing point 0°C, suitable for temperatures ≥4°C).
Winter or low-temperature areas: -10# (freezing point -10°C), -20# (freezing point -20°C), etc., to prevent diesel from solidifying and blocking the fuel line.
Quality Standards: Must comply with national standards (e.g., GB 19147). Avoid using fuel with excessive impurities or moisture, as this may cause injector blockages and increased engine wear.
Viscosity Grade: Choose based on ambient temperature; multi-grade oils (e.g., 15W-40) are commonly used:
15W-40: Suitable for a wide temperature range (-20°C to above 40°C) and is versatile in most working conditions.
For extremely low temperatures (e.g., below -30°C), 5W-30 or 5W-40 can be used to ensure smooth cold starts.
Quality Grade: Must meet the requirements of the engine manufacturer. Common standards include API (American Petroleum Institute) CJ-4, CI-4, or ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) E7/E9. High-performance engines typically require CJ-4 grade to handle high loads and low-emission demands.
Notes: Avoid mixing oils of different brands or grades. Change the oil regularly (refer to the manual, usually every 500-1000 hours) and replace the oil filter simultaneously.
The hydraulic system is the core of a skid steer loader (controlling bucket, boom, and other movements). Hydraulic oil must meet the following requirements:
ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil is commonly used (high viscosity index, suitable for a wide temperature range, approximately -10°C to 50°C).
For low-temperature environments (e.g., below -20°C), ISO VG 32 can be selected; for high-temperature environments (e.g., above 60°C), ISO VG 68 is suitable to ensure proper lubrication and sealing of hydraulic pumps and valves.
Anti-wear Properties: Must have excellent anti-wear performance (e.g., meeting HM anti-wear hydraulic oil standards) to reduce wear on hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and other components.
Oxidation Resistance: Resistant to oxidation and degradation during long-term use, extending the oil change interval (usually every 1000-2000 hours, depending on working conditions).
Demulsibility: Can quickly separate mixed water (water in the hydraulic system can cause component rust and oil failure).
Anti-foaming Properties: Reduces bubbles in the oil to avoid "cavitation" in the hydraulic system (which causes pressure fluctuations and increased noise).
Viscosity-Temperature Characteristics: Small viscosity changes with temperature (high viscosity index) to ensure stable pressure transmission at both high and low temperatures.
Must comply with international standards such as ISO 11158 (HM anti-wear hydraulic oil) or well-known brand standards (e.g., Shell Tellus, Mobil DTE 20 series).
Some manufacturers may specify dedicated hydraulic oil (e.g., original hydraulic oil for John Deere, Case, etc.), so it is advisable to follow the manual first.
Do not mix different types of hydraulic oils (e.g., mineral oil and synthetic oil) to avoid chemical reactions that reduce performance.
Clean the fuel tank and filler port before refueling to prevent impurities from entering (the hydraulic system is highly sensitive to contamination; particulate impurities may cause valve jamming and pump damage).
Gear Oil: Dedicated gear oil is required for drive axles, gearboxes, etc. The viscosity grade is such as 85W-140 (suitable for heavy loads), and the quality standard refers to API GL-5 (heavy-duty gear oil).
Grease: Lithium-based grease (e.g., NLGI Grade 2) should be regularly applied to hinge points, bearings, etc., which has good temperature resistance and adhesion.
The core principle for oil use in skid steer loaders is to strictly follow the requirements of the manufacturer's manual (variations may exist among different brands and models). Select the appropriate viscosity based on ambient temperature, and ensure the cleanliness and performance indicators of the oil meet standards. Using incorrect oil may lead to premature component wear, system failures, and increased maintenance costs. It is recommended to choose well-known brand oils and regularly test the oil condition (e.g., viscosity, moisture, and impurity content).
