The oil grade in a hydraulic jack is typically a hydraulic oil with a viscosity of ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46, depending on the climate and equipment type.
🔧 Common Oil Grades for Hydraulic Jacks
| Oil Type | Viscosity Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Oil 32 | ISO VG 32 | Light viscosity, good for cold climates |
| Hydraulic Oil 46 | ISO VG 46 | Medium viscosity, standard usage |
| AW-32 or AW-46 | ISO VG 32/46 | Anti-wear hydraulic oil (with additives) |
| SAE 10W or 15W | SAE grade | Sometimes used in older or generic jacks |
| Jack Oil | Equivalent to ISO VG 32 or 46 | Specially formulated for jacks |
✅ Key Properties Required in Hydraulic Jack Oil
- Correct viscosity for smooth lifting and lowering
- Low foaming to prevent spongy operation
- Oxidation and corrosion resistance
- Good lubricity to reduce wear in pistons and seals
- Thermal stability (especially for high-use jacks)
🔎 How to Determine What Oil Is in Your Jack
- Check the user manual or label on the jack
- Often specifies: “Use ISO 32 hydraulic oil” or “Use AW-46 oil”
- Manufacturer’s website or customer support
- Drain and inspect: Oil color, thickness, and feel can give hints (though not precise)
- Universal refill oils labeled as “Hydraulic Jack Oil” are typically ISO VG 32 with additives
🌡️ Climate Consideration
| Climate | Recommended Oil |
|---|---|
| Cold climates | ISO VG 22–32 |
| Moderate climates | ISO VG 32–46 |
| Hot climates | ISO VG 46–68 |
⚠️ Avoid These in Hydraulic Jacks
- Motor oil or engine oil: Can damage seals and foam excessively
- Brake fluid: Not compatible with hydraulic jack systems
- ATF (unless specified): May not match viscosity or additive compatibility
Hydraulic jack is one of the common equipment in engineering. It uses the hydraulic principle to convert the input low pressure into the output high pressure, so that it can lift and support heavy objects. In hydraulic jacks, oil plays a key role as the transmission medium. So, what grade is the oil in a hydraulic jack? This article will start from the function and application scope of hydraulic jacks, explain the method of determining oil grade and the uses of different grades of oil.
Some common hydraulic oil grades used in hydraulic jacks include ISO 32, ISO 46, and ISO 68.
As a piece of equipment widely used in various engineering situations, hydraulic jacks can effectively lift and support heavy objects. Its main working principle is to use the transmission of oil to achieve force amplification. Therefore, the grade of oil in a hydraulic jack is particularly important.
The grade of oil in a hydraulic jack is mainly determined based on factors such as oil type, viscosity, and impurity content. Generally speaking, the higher the viscosity of the oil, the higher its load-carrying capacity. Therefore, when selecting the oil grade in a hydraulic jack, it needs to be determined based on the use occasion and load-bearing requirements.
Different grades of oil have different uses in hydraulic jacks. Low-grade oil is mainly used in general engineering situations, such as prestressing some structures. High-grade oil is used in situations that require higher precision, such as the support and jacking operations of some heavy machinery.
In short, the grade of oil in a hydraulic jack directly determines its performance and use. Therefore, when selecting and using a hydraulic jack, attention must be paid to the reasonable selection of oil grade. By understanding the uses and characteristics of different grades of oil, we can better leverage the advantages of hydraulic jacks and improve engineering efficiency and safety.