Hydraulic oil is essential for the safe operation of presses, injection moulding machines and construction machinery. But what should you look for when choosing hydraulic oil, how long can it be stored and what is the right container size? In this article, you will learn which criteria are decisive, how to determine your requirements and why our hydraulic oil is now also available in handy 5-litre canisters.
Hydraulic oil is a crucial factor in the reliability and performance of machines. Whether in agricultural machinery, hydraulic drilling equipment or machine tools, the oil ensures smooth power transmission, reduces abrasion of moving parts and contributes to the long service life of the equipment. Anyone looking to buy hydraulic oil should pay attention to several criteria: in addition to viscosity, which must be suitable for the operating conditions, ageing stability and additives are also important criteria. An oil with high-quality additives reduces wear, protects against corrosion and prevents deposits. For many applications, oils according to DIN 51524 (HLP, HVLP) or ISO classes such as ISO VG 46 are relevant. This ensures that the machine remains reliable even under high loads.
Storing hydraulic oil correctly
A common question is how to store hydraulic oil correctly. In principle, hydraulic oil can be kept for several years if it is stored in closed original containers in a cool, dry place. However, it is advisable to use the contents as soon as possible after opening to minimise the risk of contamination or moisture ingress. Those who need smaller quantities benefit from handy storage sizes, which can be used up more quickly and provide a better overview in the warehouse.
How much hydraulic oil a machine actually needs depends on the tank volume, the design and the maintenance intervals. Information on this can be found in the operating instructions or in the maintenance schedule. A rule of thumb is to always keep a reserve on hand to allow for unplanned refills during operation. For better planning, it is worth documenting oil consumption regularly. This allows reorders to be placed in good time before bottlenecks occur.
While large systems hold several hundred litres, refills often require only a few litres, especially during the operation of mobile machinery or construction vehicles. The advantage of smaller container sizes is particularly evident in everyday work. A 5-litre canister of hydraulic oil is easy to transport, clean to dispense and allows for flexible stockpiling. This not only reduces the risk of quality loss due to long storage times, but also lowers costs, as less capital is tied up in unused stock. For minor maintenance, specific refills or businesses with manageable oil requirements, this size is the ideal complement to the classic 20- or 200-litre containers.
New: Hydraulic oil in 5-litre canisters
This is exactly where our new offer comes in: our high-quality hydraulic oil is now also available in 5-litre canisters. This size complements the established larger containers and offers an ideal option for refills, minor repairs or targeted stockpiling. This means you always have the right amount of hydraulic oil to hand, whether for mobile use on the construction site or during ongoing operations during harvest.
Checklist: 5 points to consider when using hydraulic oil
- Check viscosity and standards: observe manufacturer specifications, ISO classes and DIN standards
- Consider ageing stability and additives: for clean, long-lasting machine performance
- Store oil correctly: in a cool, dry place, sealed and protected from light.
- Determine your requirements: know your tank volume, plan for reserves, document consumption
- Choose the right container size: 5-litre canisters for refills, larger containers for continuous use