This document outlines the technical considerations relevant to lubricant selection and controlled changeover in construction and earthmoving equipment. It is intended to support engineering, maintenance and procurement teams when assessing lubricant suitability within existing operating and approval frameworks.
Equipment covered
- Excavators and loaders
- Dump trucks and articulated haulers
- Bulldozers and graders
- Diesel powered auxiliary equipment
Key operating risks addressed
- High hydraulic loading under variable duty cycles
- Extended idle and high load engine operation
- Exposure to dust, dirt and temperature variation
- Limited tolerance for unplanned downtime
Hydraulic oil technical basis
Hydraulic systems used in construction and earthmoving equipment operate under sustained load and variable conditions. Lubricants used in these systems are commonly selected to provide stable viscosity performance, defined antiwear protection and thermal stability. Oils meeting ISO 11158 L-HM and DIN 51524 Part 2 are widely applied in these applications.
Hydraulic viscosity grade selection
| Operating condition | Typical viscosity grade | Selection rationale |
|---|---|---|
| General construction duty | ISO VG 46 | Provides balanced hydraulic response, wear protection and thermal stability |
| High load or elevated operating temperatures | ISO VG 68 | Improves film strength and protection under sustained thermal and mechanical stress |
Engine oil technical basis
Diesel engines used in construction and earthmoving equipment operate under high load and variable duty cycles. Engine oils used in these applications are commonly aligned with mid SAPS heavy duty performance categories such as ACEA E9 to support durability and compatibility with emissions control systems.
Engine oil viscosity selection
| Operating focus | Typical viscosity grade | Selection rationale |
|---|---|---|
| General mixed fleet operation | 15W40 | Provides stable protection across wide temperature ranges and load conditions |
| Cold start performance or efficiency focus | 10W30 | Improves low temperature flow and reduces internal friction during operation |
Equivalency and approval position
Lubricants aligned with ISO 11158 L-HM or DIN 51524 Part 2 for hydraulic systems, and ACEA E9 for diesel engines, are generally considered technically suitable for construction and earthmoving equipment when viscosity grades are selected in line with OEM guidance and operating conditions.
Changeover guidance
- Changeover is typically carried out during planned maintenance activities
- System flushing is not normally required when replacing lubricants of the same specification category
- Filters are normally replaced in accordance with standard service practice