Forklift Oil Selection

Manufacturer Guidelines for Forklift Oil

The forklift operator manual provides oil guidelines, but it's wise to consider what works best for your specific application. Forklifts are built for industrial, heavy-duty work. Without a quality oil that includes the right additives, major components of the forklift may show early signs of breakdown.

Consider a scenario where matching the oil and grease to the forklift's specific application leads to better performance and longevity of its parts. For instance, the mast pivot endures significant pressure and is often exposed to water and dirt from the ground. After switching to a more suitable grease for the bushings, the wear and tear on the equipment became noticeably less severe.

Forklift Oil and Engine Design

Your forklift oil selection when performing maintenance will depend greatly on its engine design. A standard sit-down counterbalance forklift may use 5W-30 or 10W-40 while diesel units require oil with additional additives.

Forklift Oil Viscosity

The first number of the forklift oil description describes its viscosity at lower temperatures. The second number relates to the thickness at operating, or warmer, temperature. A lower viscosity will perform better in winter’s colder temperatures.

The recent trend for many forklift manufacturers is usage of lighter oil such as 5W-30 or 5W-40 for its fuel economy benefit. The lightness decreases the resistance of an engine turn, using less energy and oil.

Feel confident in your equipment's performance and reliability when you partner with ProLift for maintenance programs or service. Our team is also available to source replacement parts.