Hydraulic oil is an indispensable part of factory work since it runs machines.
It is characterized by low viscosity, and in addition to that, it is non-compressible. Additionally, this oil can be either synthetic or mineral-based.
However, a situation may arise when you’ve run out of this oil. So, if you’re wondering, “What can I use as a substitute for hydraulic oil?” then you’re in the right place. Read on to know more about the options you have!
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Hydraulic Oil?
Features Of Hydraulic Jack Oil
- Corrosion-resistant
- Doesn’t wear out
- Resistant to fire
- Hydrolytic stability
- Oxidative
- Can work with a diverse temperature range
- Clean, and can be filtered
The qualities mentioned above should be there in hydraulic oil. However, oil viscosity is one of the most essential factors when it comes to what can be used in a hydraulic system. The viscosity of hydraulic oil is measured using the unit Centistokes(cSt).
What Are Additives?
These get added to hydraulic oil to ensure that it is long-lasting. Some of them also enhance the performance of the jack. Here are some of the common additives mixed with hydraulic fluid:
- Anti-wear, which makes the components and parts of the fluid more durable
- Cold flow, which protects against frigid conditions to the jack
- Anti-rust, which minimizes damage from oxidation by creating a protective layer around the jack
- Anti-oxidant, which helps the machine run without frequent oil changes
Suitable Alternatives/Substitutes Of Hydraulic Oil
1. Automatic Transmission Fluid
One alternative to hydraulic oil is automatic transmission fluid, or ATF, provided it has enough viscosity. However, certain major problems tend to crop up during its use. For starters, ATF has additives, which may end up breaking hydraulic seals.
Moreover, hydraulic fluid is designed to withstand foaming when exposed to high pressures. However, ATF does not have the same resistance. In addition to this, many cylinders are compatible with a certain kind of fluid, and if other fluids are used, then the cylinder doesn’t work to its fullest potential.
I recommend using ATF only with small jacks that are operated by hand. For bigger jacks, the warranty of the jack specifies the kind of fluid that is compatible with it and, using any other kind of fluid might nullify the warranty.
2. Vegetable Seed Oils
Oils extracted from canola, soy, and sunflower seeds that are commonly used to make food, can also be used in place of hydraulic oil. However, using them can be a gamble since the performance is influenced by the base oil chosen and the additives added to them.
Vegetable seed oils have an edge over other kinds of mineral oils when it comes to using them as hydraulic fuel. They aren’t toxic, have greater lubricative abilities, are environment-friendly, and have a high flashpoint. However, they are expensive, prone to reduced oxidation resistance, and unable to perform in low temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Before I bid you farewell, I must reiterate that you should be very careful when selecting a substitute for hydraulic oil. This is because using the wrong fuel might lead to breakage or swelling of seals. So, use a substitute if they’re one of the two options above, and you’re sure about what you’re doing.
With this, I’ll conclude my guide and hope to see you again soon!