What oil does the excavator use? Comprehensive analysis of excavator oil types and selection guide
Recently, hot topics in the field of construction machinery focus on excavator maintenance and oil selection. With the challenges of high temperatures in summer and construction in the rainy season, the correct choice of oil for excavators has become the focus of machine owners and operators. This article will combine the hot content on the entire network in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the types, standards and precautions for excavator oil.
1. Classification and functions of excavator oil

Excavator oil is mainly divided into four categories: engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil and grease. Each oil plays a different role in the operation of the excavator:
| Oil type | Function | Replacement cycle |
|---|---|---|
| engine oil | Lubricates internal engine parts to reduce wear | 500 hours or 6 months |
| Hydraulic oil | Transmit hydraulic system pressure and protect components | 2000 hours or 1 year |
| gear oil | Lubricate the slewing mechanism and traveling gearbox | 1000 hours or 1 year |
| Grease | Reduce friction in joints | Refill oil every 8 hours |
2. Recommended popular brands and models
According to sales data from e-commerce platforms and industry forums, the following brands of excavator oil have received relatively high attention recently:
| Oil type | Recommended brands | Applicable temperature |
|---|---|---|
| engine oil | Shell Rimula R4, Mobil Delvac | -20℃~40℃ |
| Hydraulic oil | Great Wall L-HM46, Castrol Hyspin AWS | -10℃~50℃ |
| gear oil | Kunlun GL-5 85W-90, Total Transaxle | -30℃~35℃ |
3. Misunderstandings and precautions when using oil
1.Mixing different brands of oil: May cause additive conflict and reduce lubrication effect.
2.Ignore oil viscosity grade: High-viscosity oil (such as SAE 15W-40) should be used in high-temperature environments, and low-viscosity oil (such as SAE 10W-30) should be used in low-temperature environments.
3.Failure to regularly check oil quality: The oil detector can determine whether it is oxidized or contaminated to avoid equipment damage.
4. Answers to hotly discussed questions from users
Q: Can small excavators use car engine oil?
A: Not recommended. The engine load of the excavator is higher and requires special construction machinery oil (such as API CJ-4 level).
Q: Does the hydraulic oil have to be replaced when it turns black?
A: Not necessarily. If the replacement cycle has not been reached and there is no performance degradation, it may be normal oxidation.
5. Future trends: Environmentally friendly oils attract attention
As environmental protection policies tighten, biodegradable hydraulic oils (such as ISO VG 46 grade) and low-ash engine oils have become the focus of manufacturers' promotion, and the market share is expected to increase in the future.
Summary: The selection of oil for excavators requires comprehensive consideration of equipment model, working conditions and environmental factors. Regular maintenance and the use of compliant oil can significantly extend the life of the excavator and reduce maintenance costs.
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