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Hydraulic Oil HL, HM, HG, HV, HS Explained | How to Choose the Right Oil for Hydraulic Motors

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Introduction: Choosing the Wrong Oil Can Ruin Your Hydraulic Motor

In a hydraulic system, hydraulic oil is the lifeblood, and the hydraulic motor is the heart. Selecting the wrong fluid—often due to misunderstanding codes like HL, HM, HG, HV, and HS—can lead to premature wear, system failure, and costly downtime.

This comprehensive guide decodes these industry-standard oil codes based on ISO and GB/T 11118.1-2011, helping you make informed decisions that improve system longevity and performance.

What Do Hydraulic Oil Codes Mean? (HL, HM, HG, HV, HS)

Each oil grade serves a specific function and is formulated to meet distinct equipment requirements.

HL – General Anti-Rust and Oxidation Hydraulic Oil

  • Standard: ISO-L-HL

  • Features: Base oil + anti-rust & antioxidant additives

  • Use Case: Low-pressure systems (<7 MPa), older piston pumps

HM – Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil (Most Common)

  • Standard: ISO-L-HM

  • Features: HL base + zinc or ashless anti-wear additives

  • Use Case: Construction equipment, excavators, high-pressure hydraulic motors

HG – Hydraulic-Guideway Dual Purpose Oil

  • Standard: ISO-L-HG

  • Features: HM base + stick-slip modifier

  • Use Case: CNC machines with combined hydraulic and guideway lubrication

HV – High Viscosity Index Hydraulic Oil

  • Standard: ISO-L-HV

  • Features: VI > 130, excellent flow at low temperatures

  • Use Case: Cold climate machinery, outdoor mobile hydraulics

HS – Synthetic Hydraulic Oil for Extreme Cold

  • Standard: ISO-L-HS

    Features: Synthetic base, pour point below -40°C

    Use Case: Arctic operations, polar research stations, high-altitude machinery


    Hydraulic Oil

Why the Wrong Hydraulic Oil Causes Serious Damage

⚠ Case 1: HL Oil in a High-Pressure Piston Motor

A mining client used HL oil in a piston motor designed for high-pressure use. Within a month, performance deteriorated due to poor anti-wear capacity. Replacing the motor and switching to HM oil resolved the issue—but the lost time cost over $80,000.

⚠ Case 2: Cold-Weather Failure with HM Oil

In sub-zero conditions, standard HM oil thickened and caused the hydraulic motor to stall. Switching to HV or HS ensured reliable low-temperature starts and stable torque delivery.

⚠ Case 3: Marine Corrosion from Water Contamination

Seawater intrusion in marine applications caused emulsification, leading to corrosion and motor failure. HS synthetic oil with better demulsification and rust protection resolved the issue.

Hydraulic Oil Selection Guide (With Recommendations)

Equipment Type Recommended Oil Key Performance Parameter Notes
Piston Motors (High-Pressure) HM / HS FZG ≥ 10 (anti-wear rating) Do not mix brands
High-Speed Vane Motors HV VI > 150 Regularly monitor viscosity
Excavator Main Pumps HM NAS cleanliness ≤ 8 Maintain filtration systems
CNC Machines HG Static friction < 0.08 Keep system free from contaminants
Arctic/Alpine Equipment HS Pour point < -40°C Store in dry, cold-protected areas

Expert FAQ: What You Should Know Before Replacing Hydraulic Oil

Q: Should I replace hydraulic oil if it turns dark?
A: Not necessarily. Perform lab tests for acid value, water content, and particulate levels.

Q: Can I mix hydraulic oils from different brands?
A: No. Different additive systems may cause chemical reactions. Always flush the system before changing oil types.

Q: Is hydraulic motor noise related to oil quality?
A: Yes. Oxidized oil leads to sludge formation and impaired lubrication, causing vibration and noise.

Q: How do I know when oil needs to be changed?
A: Regular testing for viscosity, oxidation, water content, and particle count is essential.

Q: What are the storage guidelines for hydraulic oil?
A: Store in sealed containers, away from heat and humidity, and avoid contamination.

Final Thoughts

Correctly identifying and applying hydraulic oil types—HL, HM, HG, HV, HS—is essential for protecting your hydraulic motor, especially under extreme pressure or environmental conditions. From factory floors to remote cold-weather sites, the right fluid keeps your system efficient, safe, and long-lasting.


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