Everything you need to know about industrial hydraulic oil for forklifts, an interview with a UTEC expert

INTERVIEW WITH A UTEC EXPERT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC OIL FOR FORKLIFTS

Today we talk with Andrei Chirca, service specialist for logistics equipment at UTEC, about an essential but often overlooked topic: industrial hydraulic oil. What role does it play, how does it impact the proper functioning of a forklift, and what are the most common mistakes users make? Find out below from our expert.

Reporter: Andrei, to start with, tell us: how important is hydraulic oil in the operation of a forklift?

Andrei Chirca: It’s vital. Hydraulic oil is not just a lubricant—it is the backbone of force transmission in the forklift’s hydraulic system. It enables lifting the forks, tilting the mast, or operating hydraulic accessories. Without proper or well-maintained oil, the hydraulic system becomes inefficient, even dangerous.

Reporter: How can hydraulic oil positively or negatively affect the operation of a forklift?

Andrei Chirca: When using high-quality oil with the right viscosity and specifications recommended by the manufacturer, you ensure consistent pressure, responsive controls, and smooth equipment operation. On the other hand, using inappropriate or degraded oil can cause pressure drops, premature wear of components, internal corrosion, or even serious failures. Worse, sometimes we see clients top up with non-compliant oils, which can cause expensive damage.

Reporter: Hydraulic oil is also available in DIY stores. Is there any difference compared to industrial-grade oil?

Andrei Chirca: Yes, the difference is major. Industrial hydraulic oils are formulated for heavy-duty equipment, with high requirements in terms of temperature, pressure, and oxidation resistance. Oils from DIY stores are generally meant for light-use equipment like jacks or home installations. They may lack key additives or contain chemicals incompatible with industrial systems. Using such oil in a professional forklift can void the warranty and lead to quick failures.

Reporter: So the negative impact is clear. But can a high-quality industrial oil bring additional benefits?

Andrei Chirca: Absolutely. Premium industrial oils provide increased protection against wear, stable performance under extreme temperatures, and extended equipment lifespan. Additionally, some products include anti-foaming agents, corrosion inhibitors, and detergents that help keep the system clean and efficient.

Reporter: What happens to hydraulic oil over time? What is the wear process?

Andrei Chirca: Hydraulic oil degrades over time due to high temperatures, contamination with water, dust, or metal particles, and chemical breakdown. Over time, it forms varnish, deposits, and acids that damage seals, valves, and cylinders. Old oil no longer lubricates effectively and cannot transmit pressure efficiently.

Reporter: Are there factors that accelerate or slow this degradation?

Andrei Chirca: Yes. Heavy use, working in dusty or humid environments, and lack of regular maintenance all accelerate wear. On the other hand, high-quality filters, regular oil changes, and proper storage slow the process. Regularly checking oil level and quality also makes a huge difference.

Reporter: What do you recommend to UTEC clients to protect their equipment? What are the 5 key recommendations regarding hydraulic oil?

Andrei Chirca: Here are the most important:

1. Always use the oil recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Don’t rely on “similar” alternatives. Check the manual or ask a specialist.

2. Change the oil at regular intervals. For normally used forklifts, we recommend changing every 1000 hours or once a year—whichever comes first. For equipment used in harsh environments (cold, humidity, dust), changes might be needed at 600–800 hours.

3. Regularly check the oil level and appearance. If the oil changes color or smells burnt, it must be replaced. Low oil levels may indicate a leak that needs fixing.

4. Replace the hydraulic filter at every oil change. A clogged filter can cause more harm than good by trapping contaminants that damage valves and pumps.

5. Never mix different types of oil. Chemical incompatibilities can cause foaming, deposits, or loss of lubrication.

Bonus tip: If the equipment is idle for a long time, check the oil before restarting. Condensation can contaminate the system and lead to failures.

Reporter: For those who use multiple types of equipment—electric pallet trucks, aerial platforms, stackers—are the rules similar?

Andrei Chirca: Mostly, yes. Even though the oil volume may be smaller, its importance is just as great. Electric stackers or lifting pallet trucks must be maintained with the same level of care. The hydraulic systems on smaller machines are often ignored, but even there, using improper oil can cause serious issues.

Reporter: In conclusion?

Andrei Chirca: Hydraulic oil is like the blood in a forklift’s body. It's cheap to maintain, but expensive to ignore. Choose quality products, stick to proper service intervals, and don’t forget the filters. If you’re unsure what oil to use, UTEC specialists can offer personalized recommendations, including replacing and recycling old oil.

Reporter: Thank you, Andrei, for the helpful advice and insights!

This article is part of UTEC’s preventive maintenance campaign aimed at educating users of logistics equipment. Stay tuned for more technical advice and expert interviews.