Industrial Gear Oil Selection: ISO VG, EP Additives, Load & Temperature

Industrial gearboxes in mining, cement, and manufacturing operate under immense stress. Selecting the wrong gear oil leads to micropitting, accelerated wear, and catastrophic gear failure.

Key Selection Factors

• Viscosity (ISO VG): The most critical factor. Typical industrial gear oils range from ISO VG 150 to 1500. Higher speeds require lower viscosity; heavy loads and slow speeds require higher viscosity.
• Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives: Essential for heavily loaded gears (like spur and helical gears) to prevent metal-to-metal contact under shock loading.
• Synthetic vs. Mineral: Synthetics (PAO or PAG) offer superior oxidation stability and lower traction coefficients, reducing gearbox operating temperatures and energy consumption.