Compare the hydraulic range
See HM, HL, HV, HS and specialist families together.
View Hydraulic OilsBUYER GUIDES
Hydraulic oil vs hydraulic fluid
The terms overlap in purchasing searches. The useful question is which fluid type and grade the hydraulic system actually requires.
Why do both terms appear?
Hydraulic fluid is the broader application term. Hydraulic oil is commonly used when discussing oil-based hydraulic lubricants. A buyer may use either phrase in a search, so a product discussion still needs the complete machine specification.
Use the fluid designation to narrow the range.
The range includes HM and L-HM anti-wear oils, L-HL mineral hydraulic oil, low-temperature families and specialist fluids. These designations help organize the products, but the required type comes from the equipment manual.
A viscosity number is only part of the requirement.
A request for grade 46 leaves out the required fluid type and performance specification. Keep those fields together. Oils with similar viscosity are not necessarily interchangeable or compatible for topping up.
Read AW and HM in context.
AW is a common purchasing description for anti-wear hydraulic oils. It does not prove that every HM product matches every oil sold under an AW label. Include the performance requirement when asking us to compare a proposed product.
Treat specialist hydraulic fluids separately.
A clean hydraulic oil needs a defined cleanliness requirement as well as the fluid specification. A fire-resistant fluid needs its chemistry and equipment compatibility reviewed. Neither choice can be settled from the product name or viscosity alone.
FROM THE GUIDE TO YOUR REQUIREMENT
A practical reference for your review.
| Review item | What to record | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic fluid | A broad term for fluids used in hydraulic systems | Establish the specific type required by the equipment. |
| Hydraulic oil | Commonly used for oil-based hydraulic products | The term alone does not provide the complete specification. |
| AW / anti-wear | A purchasing description of an anti-wear function | Keep the actual fluid designation and required evidence. |
| HM / HL / HV / HS / HG | Different product designations in the range | Do not replace one designation solely by matching a viscosity number. |
| Fire-resistant fluid | A separately specified fluid requirement | Review chemistry, seals and the equipment requirement. |
| Cleanliness | A separate system and delivered-fluid requirement | Do not infer a cleanliness code from the product name. |
RELATED PRODUCTS & READING
Use the guide for your next decision.
Precision-system cleanliness
Review clean hydraulic oil and the information to request.
View Clean Hydraulic OilREQUEST A QUOTE
Have a product or equipment question?
Send the product name or equipment model, the requirement and the information you need us to review.