The most common questions about lubrication
Straight answers from the LUBESOLUT technical team to the questions most frequently received from maintenance engineers and procurement managers.
Product selection
How do I know which hydraulic oil I need?
To select the correct hydraulic oil you need three pieces of data from the machine manufacturer: the viscosity grade (ISO VG 32, 46 or 68 are the most common), the recommended oil type (HLP or HVLP) and whether any specific approval is required. If the machine operates outdoors or with large temperature variations, choose HVLP. For indoor use at constant temperature, HLP is sufficient and more cost-effective. Our technical team can recommend the exact product with just the machine nameplate data.
What grease should I use for general-purpose bearings?
For most general-purpose bearings, a lithium EP NLGI 2 grease is the correct choice. If the temperature exceeds 130°C, you need lithium complex or polyurea. If there is water or moisture, calcium sulphonate complex. If the speed is very high (K factor > 500,000), NLGI 1 or even oil may be required. Always verify that the new grease is compatible with the existing one before adding more.
What is the difference between mineral and synthetic oil?
Synthetic oils (PAO, esters) have a higher viscosity index (viscosity changes less with temperature), better cold-temperature behaviour and greater oxidation stability. This translates into drain intervals 2–3 times longer, less energy consumption during cold starts and less degradation in high-temperature applications. The initial cost is higher, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) is generally lower in demanding applications.
Can I use the same oil for everything?
This is not recommended. Although multi-grade oils exist that cover several applications, each system has specific requirements: hydraulic oils contain AW anti-wear additives; gear oils contain EP (extreme pressure); compressor oils need high oxidative stability; turbine oils require excellent water separation. Mixing these oils can cause additive incompatibilities and equipment damage. Our team can help you rationalise them correctly.
What lubricant do I need if I work in the food industry?
In the food industry you must use NSF H1 certified lubricants at any point with incidental food contact risk. These lubricants are formulated with FDA-approved ingredients. LUBESOLUT has a complete H1 range: hydraulic oils, gear oils, greases and chain oils. We provide all documentation required for IFS Food, BRC and FSSC 22000 audits.
Compatibility
Can I mix greases from different manufacturers?
It depends on the thickener type. Lithium greases are generally compatible with each other. However, mixing greases with different thickeners can cause loss of consistency and lubricant failure. Before changing brand or type, consult the grease compatibility chart. If in doubt, fully purge the point before relubrication with the new product.
What happens if I mix oils from different brands?
Mineral oils of the same type are usually compatible if they use similar additive systems. However, synthetic oils (especially PAG) can be incompatible with mineral or PAO oils. If you change brand without first flushing the system, there may be additive incompatibilities that precipitate or form deposits. A clean changeover is always recommended.
Are LUBESOLUT lubricants compatible with my equipment?
Yes. Our lubricants are formulated to meet international standards (DIN, ISO, AGMA) and the OEM approvals of the major equipment manufacturers. If you have a specific manufacturer specification, contact us with the specification number and we will confirm the exact equivalent.
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Intervals and maintenance
How often should hydraulic oil be changed?
The change interval depends on the oil type, operating temperature and contamination conditions. General guidelines: mineral HLP oil under normal conditions 2,000–4,000 hours; with adequate filtration up to 6,000 hours. Synthetic oil: 6,000–10,000 hours. The most reliable method is periodic oil analysis and changing when the analysis indicates it.
How often should bearings be relubricated?
Relubrication frequency depends on bearing size, speed and temperature. A practical formula: interval (hours) = 14,000,000 / (n × √d), where n is speed in rpm and d the bore diameter in mm. At temperatures above 70°C, the interval halves for every 15°C increase.
How do I know if the oil is still good or needs changing?
The only reliable method is laboratory oil analysis, which evaluates viscosity, TAN, water content, wear particles and additive condition. As basic visual indicators: the oil should not have a milky colour (indicates water), a burnt smell (severe oxidation) or visible particles.
What happens if I use too much grease in a bearing?
Excess grease is a common cause of bearing failure. The surplus grease cannot escape, generates heat through friction and ends up degrading and blocking the bearing. A bearing should be filled to 30–50% of its free space.
Food-grade lubricants
What is NSF H1 certification and why do I need it?
NSF H1 is the certification that accredits a lubricant as suitable for use in food processing machinery at points with incidental food contact risk. It is required by IFS Food, BRC and FSSC 22000 standards.
Do H1 lubricants perform as well as conventional ones?
Yes. Modern H1 lubricants have virtually the same technical performance as their conventional equivalents. LUBESOLUT guarantees that its H1 products meet the same technical requirements as standard ones.
Where are H1 lubricants mandatory?
At all lubrication points with incidental food contact risk: bearings in packaging machinery, conveyor chains on process lines, reducers on mixers and kneaders, hydraulic systems on machinery in contact with the production line.
Working with LUBESOLUT
How long does an order take to arrive?
For standard catalogue products, the usual lead time is 24–48 hours in mainland Spain. For custom formulations, the lead time is communicated in the order confirmation (normally 5–10 working days).
Do you carry out custom formulations?
Yes. LUBESOLUT has an in-house R&D laboratory and can formulate specific lubricants for concrete technical requirements. Contact us with the technical requirements and we will prepare a no-obligation proposal.
What technical documentation do you provide?
For each product we supply: Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch number on request, and for H1 products: current NSF certificate.
Do you offer on-site technical assistance?
Yes. Our technical team can visit your facility to carry out lubrication audits, resolve lubrication issues on specific machines or train your maintenance team.
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