FLUID VISCOSITY SELECTION CRITERIA FOR HYDRAULIC PUMPS AND MOTORS

Steven N. Herzog, RohMax USA, Inc., Horsham, PA

Thelma E. Marougy, Eaton Corporation, Southfield, MI
Paul W. Michael, Benz Oil, Milwaukee, WI

Abstract
Newtonian fluid-
Viscosity is one of the most important Fluid whose viscosity is constant over all
criteria in the selection of a hydraulic fluid. A values of shear stress and/or shear rate
hydraulic fluid that is too low in viscosity will such as a petroleum base oil.
cause low volumetric efficiency, fluid Non-newtonian fluid-
overheating, and increased pump wear. A Fluid whose viscosity is not constant over all
hydraulic fluid that is too high in viscosity values of shear stress and/or shear rate
will cause poor mechanical efficiency, such as a polymer-containing petroleum oil
difficulty in starting, and wear due to at significantly high shear rates.
insufficient fluid flow. Selecting the proper Viscosity index-VI
viscosity fluid requires an understanding of Dimensionless value indicating the effect of
the low and high temperature requirements temperature change on the kinematic
of different types of hydraulic components. viscosity of an oil.
The effects of mechanical shear on fluid Shear stability-
viscosity must also be taken into The resistance of a fluid, especially a
consideration. polymer-thickened fluid, to shear
degradation. The higher the shear stability
This article aids users of hydraulic fluids in index, SSI, the more shear degradation of
selecting the proper viscosity fluid by the fluid is likely to occur.
providing a compilation of minimum and
maximum viscosity requirements specified
by a number of manufacturers of hydraulic
pumps and motors. Once the user Effects of Viscosity on System
determines the fluid operating temperature Performance
range, the user will be able to utilize the
method described in this paper to select the The performance of pumps and motors is a
proper viscosity hydraulic fluid. Selecting critical factor in overall hydraulic system
the proper viscosity hydraulic fluid will reliability. Not only must these components
improve the efficiency and life of hydraulic transmit energy, they must do so in an
equipment. efficient manner. There are two elements of
hydraulic efficiency; volumetric efficiency
and mechanical efficiency. Mechanical
Nomenclature (1),(2),(3) efficiency relates to the frictional losses
within a hydraulic component and the
Viscosity- amount of energy required to generate fluid
A fluids resistance to flow. flow. Volumetric efficiency relates to the
Dynamic viscosity- flow losses within a hydraulic component
Viscosity measured under force induced and the degree to which internal leakage
flow. The cgs unit for dynamic viscosity is occurs. Both of these properties are to a
cms/g which is commonly known as a large degree viscosity dependent.
centipoise, cP.
Kinematic viscosity-
Viscosity measured under gravity induced
flow. The cgs unit for kinematic viscosity is
mm2/s which is commonly known as a
centistoke, cSt.
As can be seen in figure 1 (4), mechanical
efficiency varies inversely with fluid
viscosity. Volumetric efficiency on the other
hand increases with fluid viscosity.
Consequently the range of optimum
performance requires a compromise. The
optimal overall efficiency corresponds to
the maximum product of mechanical and
volumetric efficiencies.
E

Viscosity

Figure 1. Typical hydraulic pump

efficiency curves

A hydraulic system that could operate at

constant temperature, including start-up,
would function at optimum efficiency at all Figure 2. Cavitation damaged piston
times if the proper fluid viscosity had been pump bearing plate (7)
selected. Unfortunately, such a hydraulic
system is purely theoretical because a There are several prerequisites for
typical hydraulic system converts about cavitation to occur in a hydraulic pump.
20% of its input horsepower into heat (5). First, there must be dissolved gasses or a
Thus, the temperature of a fluid at start-up vaporizable liquid in the fluid. Second,
is nearly always lower than the fluids there must be a flow restriction at the pump
operating temperature. inlet that creates a low-pressure (vacuum)
zone where these gasses form a cavity.
Low temperatures can create high viscosity Third, the resulting bubble must pass into a
conditions that compromise the mechanical high-pressure zone where it energetically
efficiency of the hydraulic system and cause collapses.
sluggish system response, lubricant
starvation and cavitation. Cavitation is Cavitation is of significant concern in
defined as the dynamic process of gas hydraulic applications because the resulting
cavity growth and collapse in a fluid (6). implosion of the gas bubble causes metal
f

The characteristic appearance of cavitation fatigue. Viscosity influences cavitation

wear is depicted in figure 2. because high viscosity fluids can create
excessive pressure drop at the pump inlet.
Consequently, pump manufacturers specify
a maximum fluid viscosity under start-up
conditions in order to insure that cavitation
conditions are avoided.

2
f
Another consequence of excessive viscosity contact takes place. This results in wear
under low temperature conditions is pump within the pump. While it is intuitive that
starvation. Starvation occurs when an wear is undesirable, what is less obvious is
insufficient amount of fluid is supplied to that it predominantly occurs in locations
prime the pump. When this type of failure within a pump that are critical in terms of
occurs it usually results in rupture of the volumetric efficiency. Loss of volumetric
lubricating film, high contact temperatures, efficiency causes the pump to work harder
wear and ultimate pump seizure. to produce the required flow to activate
hydraulic actuators. At the same time, high
temperatures compromise the volumetric
efficiency of hydraulic pumps due to internal
leakage as the result of low viscosity fluid
bypassing critical pump clearances. Thus
inadequate viscosity due to high
temperatures creates a destructive cycle of
rising temperatures and accelerated wear.

Multigrade Hydraulic Fluids

Many types of lubricants are used in

hydraulic systems - engine oils, automatic
transmission fluids, anti-wear hydraulic
fluids, gear oils, etc. Some of these
lubricants known as multigrades or HV
Figure 3. Rotor seizure due to lack of hydraulic fluids contain polymeric additives
lubrication (8) called viscosity index improvers (VI
improvers). VI Improvers raise the viscosity
In the failure depicted in figure 3, the rotor of the base fluid to which they are added.
and vanes are severely scored due to lack Besides thickening the fluid, they also
of lubrication. Starvation can also shorten increase the viscosity index of the fluid and
the life of pump bearings. reduce viscosity fluctuation over a
temperature range.
While pump starvation can result in a rapid
and catastrophic hydraulic failure, and Multigrade hydraulic fluids are often
cavitation can accelerate fatigue failures, recommended in equipment where
excessively high fluid viscosity also can temperature of operations can vary
produce sluggish hydraulic performance. significantly. Multigrades allow the optimum
Not only does this have a negative impact viscosity of the fluid to be available over a
upon the productivity of hydraulic wider temperature range than straight
equipment, in applications such as electric graded oils. Multigrades are also
company bucket trucks it can create safety recommended as a way to eliminate
hazards because sluggish hydraulic systems seasonal oil changes since a properly
cause erratic actuator motion. formulated multigrade should perform in
both winter and summer temperatures.
One of the functions of a hydraulic fluid is to
provide a hydrodynamic lubricating film that Multigrades are good for low temperature
reduces wear. The effectiveness of this film startup because at these startup
depends upon a balance between viscosity, temperatures, their viscosity is lower than a
sliding speeds and loads within a hydraulic straight graded oil with the same high
pump. When the viscosity of a fluid is temperature viscosity. This allows the
reduced due to high temperatures, it can hydraulic fluid to flow more quickly for
create conditions where the hydrodynamic smoother operation, thus avoiding sluggish
lubricating film ruptures and metal-to-metal system response. Multigrades also reduce

3
the likelihood of low temperature lubricant
starvation, low mechanical efficiency and VI improvers are available in various
cavitation. These are the reasons that chemical compositions and molecular
multigrades are often recommended for low weights (Mw) ranging from about 20,000
temperature hydraulic operations. to 900,000 Daltons. Previous studies of
mechanical shearing have documented
Not as often thought of, but just as that different types of equipment impart
important, is the multigrades effectiveness different levels of shearing severity.
for maintaining pumping efficiency at high Kopko and Stambaugh (10)
temperatures. As temperature in a demonstrated the relative severity of
hydraulic system rises, pumping efficiency engines, automatic transmissions (AT),
drops since the increased temperature pumps and hypoid gear sets with
reduces the fluid viscosity leading to polymethacrylate (PMA) VI improvers of
increased internal leakage. Multigraded differing molecular weights as shown in
fluids viscosity will decrease less with figure 5. The higher the Shear Stability
increasing temperature, thus maintaining Index, SSI, the greater the shearing of
optimum pumping efficiency to a higher the polymer.
temperature.
100

VI Improver Shear in Hydraulic 90

Applications 80

70
Gear Hydraulic
As shown in figure 4 (9), when a 60 Oil Fluid

sufficiently high shear stress is applied to

SSI

50

a VI improved oil, the VI molecules will 40 ATF

become stretched out in the direction of 30

the fluid flow resulting in a temporary Engine

20
lowering of the fluid viscosity. This Oil
10
temporary viscosity loss reverses itself
as the shear stress is reduced on the oil. 0
10
50
100 500 1000
-3
Mw x 10

Shear stresses of sufficient magnitude to Figure 5. SSI - Molecular weight

permanently shear VI improvers may relationship for various
exist in pumps, servos, directional applications.
valves and actuators. Once the VI
improver molecule is ruptured, the two These data demonstrate a higher degree
resulting smaller molecules provide less of shearing severity in a high pressure
thickening than the original VI improver vane pump compared to automotive
molecule. This permanent shear loss internal combustion engines and
does not reverse itself when the shear automatic transmissions, but less
stress is reduced or removed completely. severity than in an automotive rear axle
hypoid gear set. In general, multigrade
Shear
hydraulic fluids tend to be formulated to
Stress be more shear stable than automatic
Higher Sheer
Stress
transmission fluids (ATFs) and engine
oils but less shear stable than multigrade
gear oils.
Removal of Bond
Shear Stress Breakage

Shear
Stress

Figure 4. Example of Temporary and

Permanent Viscosity Loss.

4
These data also show that shear stability
of a fluid varies with the molecular Table 1 - ISO 3448
weight of the VI improver. The lower the ISO Viscosity Grades
2
molecular weight of the VI improver, the Kinematic Viscosity, 40C (mm /s)
more shear stable the product. In fact, ISO VG Midpoint Minimum Maximum
one can design an entirely shear stable 2 2.20 1.98 2.42
hydraulic fluid by choosing the right 3 3.20 2.88 3.52
molecular weight VI improver for the 5 4.60 4.14 5.06
shear stress of the operation. For a 7 6.80 6.12 7.48
more detailed discussion on multigraded 10 10.0 9.00 11.0
hydraulic fluids, VI improvers and shear 15 15.0 13.5 16.5
stability see reference # 11, chapter 5. 22 22.0 19.8 24.2
32 32.0 28.8 35.2
46 46.0 41.4 50.6
Hydraulic Fluid Viscosity 68 68.0 61.2 74.8
Classification Systems 100 100 90.0 110
150 150 135 165
Several viscosity classification systems are 220 220 198 242
currently used. They were designed to 320 320 288 353
provide lubricant suppliers, users and 460 460 414 506
equipment manufacturers a common, 680 680 612 748
meaningful basis for specifying and 1000 1000 900 1100
selecting lubricants for use. The 1500 1500 1350 1650
classification systems range from the simple
ISO system to the more recent ASTM D There are flaws in the ISO 3448 system.
6080-97. The ISO viscosity grades are not
continuous. Each ISO VG is approximately
ISO Viscosity Grades 50% more viscous than the next lower
In 1975, a co-operative effort between grade. Since the ISO grades are only + or -
ASTM, ASLE, BSI, and DIN resulted in the 10% around the midpoint viscosity, gaps
ISO 3448 Viscosity Classification for exist between grades. A fluid with a
Industrial Liquid Lubricants. This viscosity that does not fall into a ISO VG
classification is commonly referred to as range cannot be formally classified.
ISO viscosity grades. The ISO system
classifies lubricants solely on kinematic Another flaw is that this is a simple viscosity
viscosity measured at 40C. The choice of classification system that addresses only the
40C as the reference temperature is a fluids kinematic viscosity at one
compromise between maximum operating temperature. Because it only deals with
and ambient temperatures. 40C viscosity, ISO 3448 does not deal with
viscosities at higher or lower temperatures
The ISO classification system is made up of that equipment might experience such as
18 ISO viscosity grades, usually written as cold start ups or high temperature
ISO VG. The grades start with ISO VG 2 operations.
and go up to ISO VG 1500. Each grade is
named by the whole number which is the A third flaw with the ISO 3448 system is that
rounded, midpoint viscosity of its associated it does not deal with high or low VI hydraulic
range of viscosity. Each range is + or - 10% fluids. Based on this system, a user cannot
of the midpoint viscosity. The viscosity tell if he has a 30 VI or a 200 VI fluid.
ranges for all the ISO grades are shown in
table 1. The fourth deficiency of this system is that it
only deals with fresh oil viscosity. It does
not take into consideration the hydraulic
fluids used oil viscosity.

5
ASTM D 6080
ASTM D 6080 (Standard Practice for Table 2
defining the Viscosity Characteristics of Low Temperature Viscosity Grades for
Hydraulic Fluids) builds upon the ISO VG Hydraulic Fluid Classification ASTM D 6080
system because of its wide recognition. It ISO Temperature, C for Brookfield
addresses the above issues by including a VG Viscosity of 750 cP
second tier of information that indicates the L5 -50 or below
following: L7 -42 to -49
Cold temperature grade L10 -33 to -41
40C viscosity after shearing L15 -23 to -32
VI after shearing L22 -15 to -22
L32 -8 to -14
The second classification tier does not L46 -2 to -7
require viscosity to fall within the standard L68 4 to -1
ISO ranges. This system is limited to ISO L100 10 to 5
VG 5 through ISO VG 150 since these L150 16 to 11
grades represent the vast majority of
hydraulic fluids. A fluid description under To address the issue of shear stability of VI
ASTM D 6080 would look like the following: improved oils (zz), ASTM D 6080 includes a
kinematic viscosity at 40C after a 40
ISO VG xx minute sonic shear test. Previous work has
Lyy-zz (VI) indicated a strong correlation between this
sonic shear test and mechanical shearing of
Where multigraded fluids in pump service.10
xx is the fresh 40C viscosity grade of
the hydraulic fluid (as per ISO 3448) The viscosity index (VI) of the fluid after the
Lyy is the low temperature viscosity above shear test is also included in this
grade (based on the temperature at classification system in order to provide a
which the fluids viscosity reaches 750 means of calculating the viscosity of the
cP, measured by ASTM D 2983, fluid at any temperature from 40C to
Brookfield viscometer) 100C. This gives a much better
zz is the used oil viscosity at 40C after understanding of a fluids viscosity at the
shearing (in the 40 minute sonic shear pumps operating temperature.
test, ASTM D 5621)
VI is the viscosity index after shearing
(in the same 40 minute sonic shear test) Viscosity Selection Criteria

The 750 cP low temperature limit was A number of hydraulic component

chosen because it represents a relatively manufacturers were surveyed regarding the
severe case for allowable viscosity at pump fluid viscosity requirements of their pumps
startup. The L viscosity grades and the and motors. Table 3 shows the minimum,
ranges associated with each were maximum and optimum viscosity
established by extrapolating the 40C recommendations provided by these
viscosity ranges of each ISO VG , using 100 manufactures. There are two ways in which
VI, down to the 750 cP limit. For example, this data may be used to select the proper
an ISO L32 has a temperature range of -8 viscosity fluid. The first method is based on
to -14.9C. All the low temperature grades a Temperature Operating Window or TOW.
are shown in table 2. The second method, which we call the
ALTOW method (ALternate TOW), is based
upon a modification of the conventional
viscosity-temperature technique for
selecting fluid viscosity.

6
The TOW and ALTOW methods are
discussed in more detail below. An When selecting a hydraulic fluid using TOW
overview of the procedure for viscosity criteria, determine the lowest ambient
selection is depicted in the flow chart, figure temperature at start-up and the highest fluid
8, that appears at the end of this document. temperature in use. This defines the
temperature operating range. Any fluid that
The TOW Method has a Temperature Operating Window, that
The temperature ranges for the viscosity encompasses the temperature operating
grades that appear in the TOW chart, range may be selected for the application.
figure 6, are based upon the calculated For example, consider a plastic injection
temperatures for which a mid-range ISO molding press with a Denison Vane pump.
VG, 100 VI hydraulic fluid has a viscosity This pump is highlighted in bold on table 3.
between 13 and 860 cSt. Based upon the Assume the lowest temperature at start-up
data in table 3, the majority of pumps and is 15C and the maximum for this system is
motors provide satisfactory performance 65C. This operating temperature range
with a fluid that has a minimum viscosity of falls within the TOW of ISO VG 46, 68 and
13 cSt under operating conditions and a 100 fluids. Thus any of these viscosity
maximum start-up viscosity of 860 cSt grades may be selected, assuming they are
(approximately 750 cP). Components listed 100 VI or higher.
in bold in the Equipment Builders Viscosity
Guidelines, table 3, meet this criteria. Thus ALTOW Method
for the components listed in bold, the Many hydraulic applications do not fall
appropriate viscosity grade may be within the TOW system because of wide
determined from the TOW Chart. operating temperature ranges or the pump
manufacturer recommends a viscosity
range of less than the 13 to 860 cSt range
Temperature Operating Window developed for the TOW system. In these
For 13 to 860 cSt applications the optimum fluid viscosity may
Straight Grade, 100 VI Hydraulic Fluid be determined by using a variation on the
ASTM D 341 viscosity-temperature chart. A
viscosity-temperature chart is routinely used
to generate a graphical depiction of the
relationship between viscosity and
temperature. Normally viscosity selections
based upon a viscosity-temperature chart
Temperature, C

involve the determination of actual fluid

viscosity at 40C and 100C. In the
ALTOW chart attached, figure 7, normal
ranges for the standard ISO viscosity
grades are identified at low and high
temperatures. The low temperature ranges
are based upon the standard ranges
established by ASTM D 6080. The high
temperature ranges are based upon a
similar extrapolation. The 40C viscosities
for the various ISO grades were
ISO Viscosity Grade
extrapolated to 100C assuming a minimum
VI of 100. These ranges are provided to
Figure 6. TOW Chart
simplify interpretation of the viscosity-
temperature chart.

7
The procedure for using the attached points on the ALTOW chart. An ISO 22 oil
ALTOW chart, figure 7, is describe below: meets the low temperature requirement and
an ISO 32 oil meets the high temperature
1) Look up the minimum and maximum requirement for this application. Since the
viscosity requirements for system high temperature viscosity grade is greater
pumps and motors. than the low temperature viscosity grade, a
2) Determine the lowest and highest fluid multigrade fluid is required. In this instance
temperature. one would select a fluid that meets the L22-
3) Plot the highest recommended 32 specification per ASTM D 6080. In
viscosity at the lowest fluid temperature applications where the high temperature
on the ALTOW chart. grade is 2 or more ISO viscosity grades
4) Plot the lowest recommended viscosity higher than the low temperature ISO grade,
at the highest fluid temperature on the it is usually necessary to employ seasonal
ALTOW chart. oil changes or use reservoir heaters/coolers.
5) Draw a line through these values that
connects the low temperature and high
temperature areas of the chart. Summary and Conclusions
6) Where the line intersects the horizontal
boxes is the low temperature viscosity This paper provides a compilation of the
grade requirement. viscosity requirements for hydraulic pumps
7) Where the line intersects the vertical and motors. It has been shown that the
boxes is the high temperature viscosity TOW and ALTOW methods can be a simple
grade requirement. and useful means of selecting the
8) If the low temperature viscosity grade appropriate viscosity fluid. By selecting a
is the high temperature viscosity hydraulic fluid with the proper viscosity,
grade requirement, a straight grade designers and users of hydraulic equipment
hydraulic fluid that meets either grade are able to maximize the efficiency,
may be used. reliability and durability of hydraulic
9) If the low temperature viscosity grade equipment.
is < the high temperature viscosity
grade requirement, a multigrade
hydraulic fluid that meets both viscosity References
grades should be used.
(1) Godfrey, D. and Peeler, R. Explanation
For example, consider a compactor of Viscosity Units Lubrication
operating outdoors in Chicago with a Eaton- Engineering, Vol 38, No. 10, Oct 1981,
Vickers mobile piston pump. The low pp 613-614.
temperature at start-up could be as low as (2) Exxon Encyclopedia for the User of
20C. The highest temperature in the Petroleum Products, Lubetext DG-400,
application can reach 65C. This operating 1993.
temperature range does not fall within any (3) ASTM D 6080-97, Annual Book of
of the Temperature Operating Windows for ASTM Standards, Volume 5.03,
straight grade oils given in the TOW Chart, Petroleum Products and Lubricants,
figure 6. Since the TOW method cannot be 1999, ASTM, Philadelphia.
used in this application, the ALTOW method (4) Totten, G.E., Handbook of Hydraulic
should be used. From table 3 it is evident Fluid Technology, Marcel Dekker, New
that the minimum viscosity allowed is 10 cSt York, 2000, p 27.
and the maximum viscosity allowed is 860 (5) Schneider, R.T., Hydraulics &
cSt. On the ALTOW chart, plot 10 cSt , the Pneumatics, Vol. 52, No. 11, Nov 1999,
minimum viscosity allowed, at 65C, the p 47.
maximum fluid temperature expected. Plot (6) Totten, G.E., Handbook of Hydraulic
860 cSt, the maximum viscosity allowed, at Fluid Technology, Marcel Dekker, New
-20C, the minimum fluid temperature York, 2000, p 257.
expected. Draw a line through these 2 (7) Photograph courtesy of Benz Oil.

8
(8) Pump Failure Analysis, Vickers
publication 513-K91JJ, 1991, p 9.
(9) Hyndman, C.W., Kinker, B.G., Placek,
D.G., Shear Stability of Multigraded
Hydraulic Fluids, Hydraulic Failure
Analysis: Fluids, Components, and
Systems Effects, ASTM STP 1339,
2000
(10) Kopko, R.J. and Stambaugh, R.L.
Effect of VI Improvers on the In-
Service Viscosity of Hydraulic Fluids,
1975 SAE Paper 750683.
(11) Kinker, B.G., Fluid Viscosity and
Viscosity Classification, in Handbook of
Hydraulic Fluid Technology, G.E. Totten
ed., Marcel Dekker, New York, 2000,
pp 305-338.
(12) Stambaugh, R.L., Kopko, R.J., Roland,
T.F., Hydraulic Pump Performance - A
basis for Fluid Viscosity Classification,
1990, SAE Paper 901633.

9
 Appendix
Table 3
EQUIPMENT BUILDERS VISCOSITY GUIDELINES FOR HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

Manufacturer Equipment Operating Start-up Optimum

(Under Load)
Minimum Maximum Maximum cSt
cSt cSt cSt
Bosch FA;RA;K. 15 216 864 26-45
Form No S/106 US Q;Q-6;SV-10, 15, 20, 25,
VPV 16, 25, 32. 21 216 864 32-54
SV-40; 80 &100
VPV 45, 63. 32 216 864 43-64
Radial Piston (SECO) 10 65 162 21-54
Axial & RKP Piston 14 450 647 32-65
Commercial Intertech Roller and Sleeve Bearing
Gear Pumps. 10 -- 1600 20
Danfoss All 10 -- 1618 21-39
Denison Piston Pumps 13 - - 24-31
Bulletin 440 Vane Pumps 10 107 860 30
(low speed &
pressure)
Dynex/Rivett PF4200 Series 1.5 372 372 20-70
axial piston pumps PF2006/8, PF/PV4000,
and PF/PV6000 series. 2.3 413 413 20-70
PF 1000,PF2000 and
PF3000 series. 3.5 342 342 20-70
Eaton Heavy Duty Piston Pumps
& Motors, Medium Duty
Piston Pumps & Motors
Charged Systems,
Light Duty Pumps. 6 -- 2158 10-39
Medium Duty Piston Pumps
& Motors - Non-charged
Systems. 6 -- 432 10-39
Gear Pumps, Motors, &
Cylinders. 6 -- 2158 10-43
Eaton - Vickers Mobile Piston Pumps 10 200 860 16-40
Industrial Piston Pumps 13 54 220 16-40
Mobile Vane Pumps 9 54 860 16-40
Industrial Vane Pumps. 13 54 860 16-40
Eaton - Char-Lynn J, R, and S Series Motors,
and Disc Valve Motors. 13 -- 2158 20-43
A Series and H Series
Motors. 20 -- 2158 20-43
Haldex Barnes W Series Gear Pumps 11 -- 750 21
Kawasaki
P-969-0026 Staffa Radial Piston Motors 25 150 2000 (no load) 50
P-969-0190 K3V/G Axial Piston Pumps 10 200 1000
 Table 3 (continued)
EQUIPMENT BUILDERS VISCOSITY GUIDELINES FOR HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

Manufacturer Equipment Operating Start-up Optimum

(Under Load)
Minimum Maximum Maximum cSt
cSt cSt cSt
Linde All 10 80 1000 15-30
Mannesmann Rexroth V3 , V4, V5, V7 Pumps 25 -- 800 25-160
V2 Pumps 16 160 800 25-160
R4 Radial Piston pumps 10 200 -- 25-160
G2, G3,G4 pumps & motors
G8, G9, G10 pumps. 10 300 1000 25-160
Parker Hannifin Gerotor Motors. 8 -- -- 12 60
Gear Pumps PGH Series. -- -- 1000 17 180
Gear Pumps D/H/M Series. -- -- 1000 17 180
Hydraulic Steering. 8 -- -- 12 60
PFVH / PFVI vane pumps. -- -- 1000 17 180
Series T1. 10 -- 1000 10 400
VCR2 Series. 13 -- 1000 --
Low Speed High Torque
Motors. 10 -- -- --
Variable Vol Piston Pumps. -- -- 1000 17 180
PVP & PVAC. -- -- 1000 17 180
Axial Fixed Piston Pumps. -- -- 850 12 100
Variable Vol Vane - PVV. -- -- 440 16 110
Poclain Hydraulics H and S series motors 9 -- 1500 20-100
Sauer-Sundstrand, All 6.4 -- 1600 13
USA
Sauer-Sundstrand, Series 10 and 20,
GmbH RMF(hydrostatic motor). 7 -- 1000 12-60
Series 15 open circuit. 12 -- 860 12-60
Series 40, 42, 51,& 90
CW S-8 hydrostatic motor. 7 -- 1600 12-60
Series 45. 9 -- 1000 12-60
Series 60,
LPM(hydrostatic motor). 9 -- 1600 12-60
Gear Pumps + Motors. 10 -- 1000 12-60

11
Figure 7

ALTOW Chart
Viscosity-Temperature Chart
100 VI Hydraulic Fluid
 Figure 8
Viscosity Selection Process

Determine the min. and max.

Locate pump and hydraulic viscosity requirements from
motor in Table 3 Table 3

Plot the intersection of

Are components NO viscosity requirements with
highlighted in bold? operating temperatures on
ALTOW Chart (Figure 7)

YES

Identify the viscosity grades Draw a line connecting high

that encompass the and low temperature regions
Use the ALTOW method
operating range in the in the
TOW chart (Figure 6) ALTOW chart (Figure 7)

Is there a TOW that NO NO Is the low temp vis

covers operating grade below that of the
conditions? high temp grade?

YES YES*

Select the fluid with the Select a straight-grade or multi-

Select the appropriate multi-
appropriate ISO viscosity grade fluid for the application that
grade fluid based upon the
grade based upon the TOW corresponds to the vis grades
ASTM D6080
identified in the ALTOW chart

* If the high temp. ISO grade is two or more ISO

grades higher than the low temp. ISO grade, it may
be necessary to employ seasonal oil changes or use
reservoir heaters/coolers.

13