Purchasing gear lubricants: be careful when playing the numbers game
Written by John Sander
10-Step Gear Oil Selection Process
For years, many have stated that when selecting a gear lubricant, or any lubricant for that matter, one must consider only temperature, speed and load. More recently, this advice has been expanded to include environment. An easy way to remember this is LETS: load, environment, temperature and speed. While this advice is simple and memorable, it still doesn't provide sufficient direction to make an educated decision. Instead, the following 10-step process is recommended to anyone who is responsible for purchasing enclosed gear lubricants.
1. Set Lubrication Goals
2. Seek Professional Advice & Consultation
3. Review OEM Recommendations, Including Compatibility
4. Determine Type of Load
5. Know Gearbox Construction & Capacity
6. Minimize Effects of Operating Environment
7. Identify Viscosity Recommendation
8. Consider Gear Speed
9. Ensure Fluid Durability for Extended Drains
10. Evaluate Price
