What Type of Forklift Oil Do You Need?
A Complete Guide to the Types of Oil for Your Forklift
You’re in one of two places right now: you own a forklift and want to keep it running, or you’re the guy who just got told to check the forklift oil.
We don’t know your specific forklift, so we can’t say, “Hey, go buy this product.” If you need help finding a particular product, we suggest calling your closest Berry Material Handling location. But, if you’re looking for answers to questions, we can help.
In this article, we’ll cover the types of oil in a forklift, when to check and change them, and what happens if you fall behind on oil changes. We’ll even look at common oil grades and sub-categories. Let’s talk forklift oil!
What Type of Oil Does a Forklift Use?
Forklifts rely on several different types of oil to keep every system running. Each oil has a job to do, from powering the lift cylinder(s) that raise the forklift carriage and forks to cooling the engine. The four main types of forklift oil are:
- Hydraulic oil
- Engine oil
- Transmission oil
- Gear oil
Forklift Hydraulic Oil
When people ask about forklift oil, they usually mean hydraulic oil. That’s the fluid that powers lifting, steering, and tilting. It also lubricates hydraulic components and helps manage system temperature.
- Check interval: Daily
- Change interval: Around every 1,000 hours
- Common grades: AW32, AW46, AW68
What is the Best Hydraulic Oil for Forklifts?
The best hydraulic oil is always the one your manufacturer recommends. For a lot of reasons, your unique forklift runs best on oil that has a certain viscosity (or thickness). Always match the oil to your forklift model and climate. As a general rule, here’s what that looks like for the grades we mentioned above:
AW32
AW32-grade oil is best for cold conditions. It is often used in smaller machines or machines that deal with light indoor work.
AW46
AW46 is a balanced oil grade for moderate climates and standard mid-sized applications.
AW68
AW68-grade oil is better for hot conditions, especially if you work with heavy workloads. It is often used for larger outdoor forklifts.
Forklift Engine Oil
Engine oil reduces friction and lubricates moving parts. It also helps manage heat so that the engine does not wear out too quickly.
- Check interval: Daily
- Change interval: Every 200 to 250 hours of operation
- Common types: 5W-30 or 10W-40 for standard sit-down forklifts, diesel-specific oils with additives for diesel models
Forklift Transmission Oil
Forklift transmission oil, also called transmission fluid, allows gears to shift smoothly so that the system remains cool. Without it, your forklift will struggle to move.
- Check interval: Weekly
- Change interval: Depends on the manufacturer
- Common Types: Automatic transmission fluids (ATF) or manufacturer-specific blends
Keep in mind: forklift transmission oil is very brand and model specific. Even forklifts made by the same manufacturer in the same year can require different fluids. We recommend always confirming with the operator’s manual before you buy this fluid.
Forklift Gear Oil
Gear oil lubricates the axle and differential gears, protecting them from grinding and wear. It is much thicker than engine or hydraulic oil. Heat, water, or debris exposure can break gear oil down faster, so if you’re operating in those elements, check the gear oil more often to stay on the safe side.
- Check interval: Monthly
- Change interval: Per manufacturer, often every 1,000 hours or more
- Common types: SAE 80W-90 or 85W-140 gear oil, usually GL-5 rated for axle and differential protection.
Reasons to Keep Up with Oil Checks (By Type of Oil)
Regular oil checks on your forklift keep fluids from running low or getting dirty. Skip them, and you might start to see problems like these:
- Hydraulic Oil: Sluggish lifting, leaks, or steering issues
- Engine Oil: Faster wear, overheating, and engine failure
- Transmission Oil: Hard shifts, overheating, and transmission failure
- Gear Oil: Grinding gears and damaged axles
Get in Touch with Our Service Department
Still have questions about forklift oil? Reach out to our Service department. Our forklift technicians can help you pick the right oil and get your machine running again.