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
Viscosity is one of the most important
criteria in the selection of a hydraulic fluid. A
hydraulic fluid that is too low in viscosity will
cause low volumetric efficiency, fluid
overheating, and increased pump wear. A
hydraulic fluid that is too high in viscosity
will cause poor mechanical efficiency,
difficulty in starting, and wear due to
insufficient fluid flow. Selecting the proper
viscosity fluid requires an understanding of
the low and high temperature requirements
of different types of hydraulic components.
The effects of mechanical shear on fluid
viscosity must also be taken into
consideration.
This article aids users of hydraulic fluids in
selecting the proper viscosity fluid by
providing a compilation of minimum and
maximum viscosity requirements specified
by a number of manufacturers of hydraulic
pumps and motors. Once the user
determines the fluid operating temperature
range, the user will be able to utilize the
method described in this paper to select the
proper viscosity hydraulic fluid. Selecting
the proper viscosity hydraulic fluid will
improve the efficiency and life of hydraulic
equipment.
Nomenclature (1),(2),(3)
Viscosity-
A fluids resistance to flow.
Dynamic viscosity-
Viscosity measured under force induced
flow. The cgs unit for dynamic viscosity is
cms/g which is commonly known as a
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.
Newtonian fluid-
Fluid whose viscosity is constant over all
values of shear stress and/or shear rate
such as a petroleum base oil.
Non-newtonian fluid-
Fluid whose viscosity is not constant over all
values of shear stress and/or shear rate
such as a polymer-containing petroleum oil
at significantly high shear rates.
Viscosity index-VI
Dimensionless value indicating the effect of
temperature change on the kinematic
viscosity of an oil.
Shear stability-
The resistance of a fluid, especially a
polymer-thickened fluid, to shear
degradation. The higher the shear stability
index, SSI, the more shear degradation of
the fluid is likely to occur.
Effects of Viscosity on System
Performance
The performance of pumps and motors is a
critical factor in overall hydraulic system
reliability. Not only must these components
transmit energy, they must do so in an
efficient manner. There are two elements of
hydraulic efficiency; volumetric efficiency
and mechanical efficiency. Mechanical
efficiency relates to the frictional losses
within a hydraulic component and the
amount of energy required to generate fluid
flow. Volumetric efficiency relates to the
flow losses within a hydraulic component
and the degree to which internal leakage
occurs. Both of these properties are to a
large degree viscosity dependent.
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
times if the proper fluid viscosity had been
selected. Unfortunately, such a hydraulic
system is purely theoretical because a
typical hydraulic system converts about
20% of its input horsepower into heat (5).
Thus, the temperature of a fluid at start-up
is nearly always lower than the fluids
operating temperature.
Low temperatures can create high viscosity
conditions that compromise the mechanical
efficiency of the hydraulic system and cause
sluggish system response, lubricant
starvation and cavitation. Cavitation is
defined as the dynamic process of gas
cavity growth and collapse in a fluid (6).
f
Figure 2. Cavitation damaged piston
pump bearing plate (7)
There are several prerequisites for
cavitation to occur in a hydraulic pump.
First, there must be dissolved gasses or a
vaporizable liquid in the fluid. Second,
there must be a flow restriction at the pump
inlet that creates a low-pressure (vacuum)
zone where these gasses form a cavity.
Third, the resulting bubble must pass into a
high-pressure zone where it energetically
collapses.
Cavitation is of significant concern in
hydraulic applications because the resulting
implosion of the gas bubble causes metal

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
under low temperature conditions is pump
starvation. Starvation occurs when an
insufficient amount of fluid is supplied to
prime the pump. When this type of failure
occurs it usually results in rupture of the
lubricating film, high contact temperatures,
wear and ultimate pump seizure.
Figure 3. Rotor seizure due to lack of
lubrication (8)
In the failure depicted in figure 3, the rotor
and vanes are severely scored due to lack
of lubrication. Starvation can also shorten
the life of pump bearings.
While pump starvation can result in a rapid
and catastrophic hydraulic failure, and
cavitation can accelerate fatigue failures,
excessively high fluid viscosity also can
produce sluggish hydraulic performance.
Not only does this have a negative impact
upon the productivity of hydraulic
equipment, in applications such as electric
company bucket trucks it can create safety
hazards because sluggish hydraulic systems
cause erratic actuator motion.
One of the functions of a hydraulic fluid is to
provide a hydrodynamic lubricating film that
reduces wear. The effectiveness of this film
depends upon a balance between viscosity,
sliding speeds and loads within a hydraulic
pump. When the viscosity of a fluid is
reduced due to high temperatures, it can
create conditions where the hydrodynamic
lubricating film ruptures and metal-to-metal
3
contact takes place. This results in wear
within the pump. While it is intuitive that
wear is undesirable, what is less obvious is
that it predominantly occurs in locations
within a pump that are critical in terms of
volumetric efficiency. Loss of volumetric
efficiency causes the pump to work harder
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
hydraulic fluids contain polymeric additives
called viscosity index improvers (VI
improvers). VI Improvers raise the viscosity
of the base fluid to which they are added.
Besides thickening the fluid, they also
increase the viscosity index of the fluid and
reduce viscosity fluctuation over a
temperature range.
Multigrade hydraulic fluids are often
recommended in equipment where
temperature of operations can vary
significantly. Multigrades allow the optimum
viscosity of the fluid to be available over a
wider temperature range than straight
graded oils. Multigrades are also
recommended as a way to eliminate
seasonal oil changes since a properly
formulated multigrade should perform in
both winter and summer temperatures.
Multigrades are good for low temperature
startup because at these startup
temperatures, their viscosity is lower than a
straight graded oil with the same high
temperature viscosity. This allows the
hydraulic fluid to flow more quickly for
smoother operation, thus avoiding sluggish
system response. Multigrades also reduce
the likelihood of low temperature lubricant
starvation, low mechanical efficiency and
cavitation. These are the reasons that
multigrades are often recommended for low
temperature hydraulic operations.
Not as often thought of, but just as
important, is the multigrades effectiveness
for maintaining pumping efficiency at high
temperatures. As temperature in a
hydraulic system rises, pumping efficiency
drops since the increased temperature
reduces the fluid viscosity leading to
increased internal leakage. Multigraded
fluids viscosity will decrease less with
increasing temperature, thus maintaining
optimum pumping efficiency to a higher
temperature.
VI improvers are available in various
chemical compositions and molecular
weights (Mw) ranging from about 20,000
to 900,000 Daltons. Previous studies of
mechanical shearing have documented
that different types of equipment impart
different levels of shearing severity.
Kopko and Stambaugh (10)
demonstrated the relative severity of
engines, automatic transmissions (AT),
pumps and hypoid gear sets with
polymethacrylate (PMA) VI improvers of
differing molecular weights as shown in
figure 5. The higher the Shear Stability
Index, SSI, the greater the shearing of
the polymer.
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
exist in pumps, servos, directional
valves and actuators. Once the VI
improver molecule is ruptured, the two
resulting smaller molecules provide less
thickening than the original VI improver
molecule. This permanent shear loss
does not reverse itself when the shear
stress is reduced or removed completely.
Shear
Stress
Higher Sheer
Stress
Removal of
Shear Stress
relationship for various
applications.
These data demonstrate a higher degree
of shearing severity in a high pressure
vane pump compared to automotive
internal combustion engines and
automatic transmissions, but less
severity than in an automotive rear axle
hypoid gear set. In general, multigrade
hydraulic fluids tend to be formulated to
be more shear stable than automatic
transmission fluids (ATFs) and engine
oils but less shear stable than multigrade
gear oils.
Bond
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
severe case for allowable viscosity at pump
startup. The L viscosity grades and the
ranges associated with each were
established by extrapolating the 40C
viscosity ranges of each ISO VG , using 100
VI, down to the 750 cP limit. For example,
an ISO L32 has a temperature range of -8
to -14.9C. All the low temperature grades
are shown in table 2.
manufacturers were surveyed regarding the
fluid viscosity requirements of their pumps
and motors. Table 3 shows the minimum,
maximum and optimum viscosity
recommendations provided by these
manufactures. There are two ways in which
this data may be used to select the proper
viscosity fluid. The first method is based on
a Temperature Operating Window or TOW.
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
overview of the procedure for viscosity
selection is depicted in the flow chart, figure
8, that appears at the end of this document.
The TOW Method
The temperature ranges for the viscosity
grades that appear in the TOW chart,
figure 6, are based upon the calculated
temperatures for which a mid-range ISO
VG, 100 VI hydraulic fluid has a viscosity
between 13 and 860 cSt. Based upon the
data in table 3, the majority of pumps and
motors provide satisfactory performance
with a fluid that has a minimum viscosity of
13 cSt under operating conditions and a
maximum start-up viscosity of 860 cSt
(approximately 750 cP). Components listed
in bold in the Equipment Builders Viscosity
Guidelines, table 3, meet this criteria. Thus
for the components listed in bold, the
appropriate viscosity grade may be
determined from the TOW Chart.
Temperature Operating Window
For 13 to 860 cSt
Straight Grade, 100 VI Hydraulic Fluid
Temperature, C
ISO Viscosity Grade
Figure 6. TOW Chart
7
When selecting a hydraulic fluid using TOW
criteria, determine the lowest ambient
temperature at start-up and the highest fluid
temperature in use. This defines the
temperature operating range. Any fluid that
has a Temperature Operating Window, that
encompasses the temperature operating
range may be selected for the application.
For example, consider a plastic injection
molding press with a Denison Vane pump.
This pump is highlighted in bold on table 3.
Assume the lowest temperature at start-up
is 15C and the maximum for this system is
65C. This operating temperature range
falls within the TOW of ISO VG 46, 68 and
100 fluids. Thus any of these viscosity
grades may be selected, assuming they are
100 VI or higher.
ALTOW Method
Many hydraulic applications do not fall
within the TOW system because of wide
operating temperature ranges or the pump
manufacturer recommends a viscosity
range of less than the 13 to 860 cSt range
developed for the TOW system. In these
applications the optimum fluid viscosity may
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
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
extrapolated to 100C assuming a minimum
VI of 100. These ranges are provided to
simplify interpretation of the viscosity-
temperature chart.
The procedure for using the attached
ALTOW chart, figure 7, is describe below:
1) Look up the minimum and maximum
viscosity requirements for system
pumps and motors.
2) Determine the lowest and highest fluid
temperature.
3) Plot the highest recommended
viscosity at the lowest fluid temperature
on the ALTOW chart.
4) Plot the lowest recommended viscosity
at the highest fluid temperature on the
ALTOW chart.
5) Draw a line through these values that
connects the low temperature and high
temperature areas of the chart.
6) Where the line intersects the horizontal
boxes is the low temperature viscosity
grade requirement.
7) Where the line intersects the vertical
boxes is the high temperature viscosity
grade requirement.
8) If the low temperature viscosity grade
is the high temperature viscosity
grade requirement, a straight grade
hydraulic fluid that meets either grade
may be used.
9) If the low temperature viscosity grade
is < the high temperature viscosity
grade requirement, a multigrade
hydraulic fluid that meets both viscosity
grades should be used.
For example, consider a compactor
operating outdoors in Chicago with a Eaton-
Vickers mobile piston pump. The low
temperature at start-up could be as low as
20C. The highest temperature in the
application can reach 65C. This operating
temperature range does not fall within any
of the Temperature Operating Windows for
straight grade oils given in the TOW Chart,
figure 6. Since the TOW method cannot be
used in this application, the ALTOW method
should be used. From table 3 it is evident
that the minimum viscosity allowed is 10 cSt
and the maximum viscosity allowed is 860
cSt. On the ALTOW chart, plot 10 cSt , the
minimum viscosity allowed, at 65C, the
maximum fluid temperature expected. Plot
860 cSt, the maximum viscosity allowed, at
-20C, the minimum fluid temperature
expected. Draw a line through these 2
8
points on the ALTOW chart. An ISO 22 oil
meets the low temperature requirement and
an ISO 32 oil meets the high temperature
requirement for this application. Since the
high temperature viscosity grade is greater
than the low temperature viscosity grade, a
multigrade fluid is required. In this instance
one would select a fluid that meets the L22-
32 specification per ASTM D 6080. In
applications where the high temperature
grade is 2 or more ISO viscosity grades
higher than the low temperature ISO grade,
it is usually necessary to employ seasonal
oil changes or use reservoir heaters/coolers.
Summary and Conclusions
This paper provides a compilation of the
viscosity requirements for hydraulic pumps
and motors. It has been shown that the
TOW and ALTOW methods can be a simple
and useful means of selecting the
appropriate viscosity fluid. By selecting a
hydraulic fluid with the proper viscosity,
designers and users of hydraulic equipment
are able to maximize the efficiency,
reliability and durability of hydraulic
equipment.
References
(1) Godfrey, D. and Peeler, R. Explanation
of Viscosity Units Lubrication
Engineering, Vol 38, No. 10, Oct 1981,
pp 613-614.
(2) Exxon Encyclopedia for the User of
Petroleum Products, Lubetext DG-400,
1993.
(3) ASTM D 6080-97, Annual Book of
ASTM Standards, Volume 5.03,
Petroleum Products and Lubricants,
1999, ASTM, Philadelphia.
(4) Totten, G.E., Handbook of Hydraulic
Fluid Technology, Marcel Dekker, New
York, 2000, p 27.
(5) Schneider, R.T., Hydraulics &
Pneumatics, Vol. 52, No. 11, Nov 1999,
p 47.
(6) Totten, G.E., Handbook of Hydraulic
Fluid Technology, Marcel Dekker, New
York, 2000, p 257.
(7) Photograph courtesy of Benz Oil.
(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
Locate pump and hydraulic
motor in Table 3
Are components NO
highlighted in bold?
YES
Identify the viscosity grades
that encompass the
operating range in the
TOW chart (Figure 6)
Is there a TOW that NO
covers operating
conditions?
YES
Select the fluid with the
appropriate ISO viscosity
grade based upon the TOW
Determine the min. and max.
viscosity requirements from
Table 3
Plot the intersection of
viscosity requirements with
operating temperatures on
ALTOW Chart (Figure 7)
Draw a line connecting high
and low temperature regions
Use the ALTOW method
in the
ALTOW chart (Figure 7)
NO Is the low temp vis
grade below that of the
high temp grade?
YES*
Select a straight-grade or multi-
Select the appropriate multi-
grade fluid for the application that
grade fluid based upon the
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