Purchasing gear lubricants: be careful when playing the numbers game
Written by John Sander
3. Review OEM Recommendations, Including Compatibility
The next step is to consider the recommendations of the original manufacturer of the gear equipment. Ask any potential gear oil suppliers if they are able to provide evidence that their products are either approved by, or meet the requirements of, the OEM.
Often the OEM has determined – through field experience or extensive testing – what the lubricant requirements are for the equipment. Some will publish a specification that lists the physical and performance requirements for the gear lubricants. Some gear OEMs even take it a step further by creating their own approval system, including approvals and the publication of a list of approved products. It is important to become familiar with these specifications or approval lists so as not to void any warranties provided by the OEM and to maximize the reliability of the equipment.
Many lubricant purchasers fail to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the equipment in which it is going to be installed. Some OEMs use coatings or paints to protect the insides of a gearbox from corrosion. Unfortunately, some lubricants can compromise these coatings. Another compatibility issue can be the use of certain elastomeric seals in a gearbox. If the lubricant is incompatible with these elastomers, the seals could start leaking. If not caught soon enough, these leaks can result in lubricant starvation if too much fluid escapes from the unit. Oil leaks also can result in safety issues if the oil collects where it causes a slip hazard.
Based upon specific end uses of a gearbox, there are circumstances in which the OEM-recommended oil does not provide adequate protection. In these cases, it is extremely important that the professional advisor mentioned in step 2 be consulted for other recommendations, and that proper testing be conducted to ensure a successful change to a new, better-performing product.
