Which oil for pallet trucks?
Pour oil into a pallet truck
The hydraulic oil is needed for the sliding ability of the piston and ensures the transmission of pressure energy, the lubrication of all hydraulic components and protection against corrosion. There are numerous oils and a few things have to be taken into account when using them.
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oils and pallet trucks
When manufacturing pallet trucks, hydraulic oils are used that comply with DIN 51524 - the DIN designation for lubricants. The exact name of the oil can be found in the operating instructions for the industrial truck. Hydraulic oils that comply with DIN 515214 ensure the proper operation of the pump system.
For example, a distinction is made between the following oils:
- Hydraulic oil DIN 51524-1 HL
- Hydraulic oil DIN 51524-2 HLP
- Hydraulic oil DIN 51524-3 HVLP
- Hydraulic oil DIN 51524-2 HLP-D
- Bio-hydraulic oil HETG
- Bio-hydraulic oil HEES
Which oil for which pallet truck?
Basically, you should always refill the oil that is already in the hydraulic system. The operating instructions indicate which oil is involved.
If necessary, the oil in an industrial truck can be completely drained and new oil filled in. However, it is important to use the right oil. Below is an overview of the different oils and their respective areas of application.
Oils are selected for a pallet truck depending on the application. Typically, higher quality hydraulic oils are used in pallet trucks with advanced functions and/or features.
- The hydraulic oil according to DIN 51524-2 HLP , an oil with high-pressure additive, is designed for high temperatures and high pressure. It also has increased resistance to aging. They are used at pressures up to and over 200 bar. They can withstand the classic thermal stresses.
- The hydraulic oil according to DIN 51524-3 HVLP contains not only active ingredients for corrosion protection and ageing resistance, but also active ingredients that reduce scuffing in the mixed friction area and improve the viscosity-temperature behavior. In short: these oils can withstand large temperature increases.
- The hydraulic oil according to DIN 51524-1 HL is a conventional oil and is used for the majority of pallet trucks in the form of forklift trucks , high lift trucks , scissor lift trucks or weighing pallet trucks. HL oils are mixed with active ingredients that provide increased corrosion protection and high resistance to aging. They can withstand pressures of up to 220 bar and are sufficient for classic thermal loads.
- HLPD oils increase corrosion protection, aging resistance and detergent additives.
- Bio-hydraulic oils are manufactured for use in biologically critical environments (forestry work, work in water protection areas or in the mountains). The oils are biodegradable and usually consist of vegetable oils.
Due to the different oils and their properties, it is a good idea to think about how the pallet truck will be used before you buy it. For classic applications, conventional hydraulic oil will suffice, but for use in deep-freeze environments or other circumstances, a special oil is usually required.
What do oils do?
Hydraulic oils are required for the sliding ability of the piston. They ensure the transmission of pressure energy, the lubrication of all hydraulic components and protection against corrosion.
To be more precise: The hydraulic oil transfers the pressure from the hydraulic cylinder to the lifting cylinder in the pallet truck. This causes it to move. Since hydraulic oil is not compressible, it passes the dirt from the pump directly to the lifting device. If there is too little oil, the pressure cannot be transferred sufficiently, which means that the pallet truck fork no longer lifts.
By the way : Since there are hardly any reasons for the oil to become less, the oil rarely needs to be topped up. Nevertheless, there are a few points that are crucial for oil loss and are good to know:
- If the lift truck is on an inclined surface or tips over, oil loss can result
- Leaky piston seals are signs of wear and tear and cause oil loss
- General leaks in the system, for example, allow air to enter - which must be removed!
requirements for hydraulic oils
Hydraulic oils must have good lubricating properties , high ageing resistance and high wetting and adhesive properties .
Equally important are a high flash point and a low pour point .
- According to DIN V 14011, the flash point of a substance is the lowest temperature at which an ignitable vapor-air mixture can form above a substance.
- According to DIN 51597, the pour point of a liquid product is the temperature at which it just flows when cooled.
