Choosing the Right Hydraulic Oil for Your Rock Drill

Hydraulic oil is the lifeblood of any hydraulic rock drill. Using the wrong oil — or neglecting oil changes — is one of the most common causes of premature component failure.

Viscosity Grade

Most hydraulic rock drills require ISO VG 46 or ISO VG 68 hydraulic oil. The correct grade depends on the ambient temperature and the manufacturer's specification. Using oil that is too thick or too thin causes poor performance and accelerated wear.

Anti-Wear Additives

Always use hydraulic oil with anti-wear (AW) additives. These additives form a protective film on metal surfaces, significantly reducing wear in high-pressure components like pistons and valves.

Cleanliness Standards

Hydraulic oil cleanliness is critical. Contaminated oil is the leading cause of hydraulic component failure. Maintain ISO 4406 cleanliness class 16/14/11 or better for rock drill hydraulic systems.

Oil Change Intervals

Change hydraulic oil at the manufacturer's recommended intervals — typically every 1,000 to 2,000 operating hours. Always change the filter at the same time.

Oil Analysis

Regular oil analysis can detect contamination, wear particles, and oil degradation before they cause damage. This predictive maintenance approach can save significant repair costs.