With the challenging, hot climate in the UAE, construction equipment operators are always faced with the same challenge: they need to ensure their machines perform smoothly while adapting to the high temperatures. The correct selection of hydraulic oil is one of the most vital factors to ensure optimum performance. However, with different grades on the market, especially ISO AW 32, 46, and 68, which is most appropriate for your equipment? And does it matter that much what hydraulic oil you select?
This blog will discuss the importance of hydraulic oil grade, the differences between ISO AW 32, 46, and 68 oils, and why it is important to use the right oil in your construction machinery to ensure operations proceed smoothly in the UAE's punishing heat.
Understanding Hydraulic Oil and Why It Matters in UAE Conditions
Most construction equipment, from excavators to cranes to bulldozers, has a hydraulic system as part of its functionality. Hydraulic oil in these systems lubricates and conveys power in hydraulic pumps, valves, and actuators. The grade of hydraulic oil, especially its viscosity, will influence the performance of your machinery.
It is even more important in the UAE, where temperatures can reach over 50°C, and selecting hydraulic oil becomes crucial. The result of poor choice of oil may be inefficient equipment, expensive maintenance, and high downtime -all of which may severely impact your bottom line. The appropriate hydraulic oil grade provides smooth-running equipment that is unlikely to wear out prematurely and has few breakdowns.
What Are ISO AW 32, 46, and 68 Hydraulic Oils?
You will frequently encounter the names ISO AW 32, ISO AW 46, and ISO AW 68 when discussing hydraulic oils. These figures indicate the viscosity grade of the oil at a normal temperature of 40 °C. Viscosity is the resistance of a fluid to flow, and in hydraulic systems, it plays a pivotal role in controlling pressure and flow rate. The following grades imply the following meanings:
ISO AW 32
This is a comparatively thin oil that is normally applied to machinery that operates in colder conditions or that requires high accuracy. ISO AW 32 is suitable for high‑precision or high‑speed hydraulic systems, and for indoor environments where temperatures are controlled.
ISO AW 46
This is the most commonly used grade of hydraulic oils in most applications, such as construction machinery. It has a moderate viscosity, enabling smooth flow and operation even at moderate temperatures. It can be used with most UAE construction equipment that operates in typical conditions, particularly in the summer.
ISO AW 68
This is an oil of higher viscosity used in high-pressure equipment operating in warmer climates. It is more applicable to heavy machinery operating under heavy loads or extreme temperatures, such as bulldozers and large excavators in a desert environment. This is the oil that gives the viscosity to remain stable even in the presence of a lot of heat.
How Does High Heat Affect Hydraulic Oil Performance?
In the UAE, high ambient temperatures are directly proportional to the viscosity of hydraulic oil. The oil becomes thinner as temperature increases, which may reduce its lubrication capacity and its efficiency at transferring power. When hydraulic oil is too thin, it may cause poor system performance, wear and tear on machine parts, and system failures.
In hot summer seasons, when temperatures often exceed 40 °C and even reach 50 °C, too thin hydraulic oil (such as ISO AW 32) can lead to excessive wear and overheating in your equipment. A higher Viscosity Index (VI) helps the oil resist thinning in UAE heat. Many modern AW hydraulic oils use VI improvers to maintain stable performance.
That is why it is so important to select an appropriate grade of hydraulic oil. With the right viscosity, an oil will not only keep your machinery's performance on track but also extend its life, even in extreme conditions.
ISO AW 46: The Gold Standard for Construction Equipment in the UAE's Heat
ISO AW 46 is widely used in UAE construction equipment, but the correct grade must always follow the equipment manufacturer’s specification.The grade is highly recommended in the country's high temperatures and is suitable for most heavy construction machinery, such as excavators, loaders, and cranes. It is sufficiently thick to provide good lubrication and power transfer in areas of excessive heat, yet not so thick as to interfere with the machine's performance.
ISO AW 46 maintains adequate viscosity at elevated temperatures, provided the equipment is designed for this grade. Most construction machinery requires AW (Anti‑Wear) hydraulic oils, such as AW 32, AW 46, or AW 68, which contain zinc‑based additives to protect pumps and valves.
In case you are not certain whether ISO AW 46 would be the most suitable to use in your particular equipment, it can be consulted with the specialists of the local oil distributors, such as Atlantic Oil Store. We are able to provide customized recommendations for your particular machinery and working circumstances. If you are looking for a premium quality AW 46 hydraulic oil, you can try Atlantic X Hydraulic Oil AW 46.
Recommended Hydraulic Oil Change Intervals for UAE Conditions
The frequency of oil changes differs with numerous factors, such as the type of hydraulic oil that is being used, the recommendations of the manufacturer, as well as the environmental conditions in which the equipment will be used, and most importantly, the environmental conditions. Hydraulic oil will wear out more quickly in the UAE compared to cooler climates because of the harsh climate, which will necessitate more frequent changes.
In the case of construction machines in use in the UAE, the frequency of changing hydraulic oil is recommended to be more frequent than the recommended time in the temperate area. When using ISO AW 46, a typical interval under UAE conditions is 1,000–1,500 hours, but the optimal schedule should be confirmed by OEM guidelines and periodic oil analysis. This is particularly important in equipment that operates in hot summer conditions.
The change interval in ISO AW 32 as well as ISO AW 68 can also depend on the condition of the oil; however, it is important to regularly check the state of the oil by observing it and performing oil testing. Another factor you should take into consideration is to shorten the oil change interval in case your machinery is heavily loaded or in extreme temperatures.
Frequent preventive maintenance, oil tests, and oil level monitoring can greatly help in ensuring that your construction equipment continues to perform well in the UAE climate. These practices are used in determining problems before they turn out to be costly.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Hydraulic Oil Use
It should be mentioned that there is a difference between the operating conditions of indoor and outdoor industrial equipment (i.e., in a factory or workshop, and outdoor construction machinery). Although the two categories of equipment are also based on the use of hydraulic oils in order to perform optimally, the high temperature at the construction sites in the UAE outdoors requires a more robust oil, e.g., ISO AW 46 or ISO AW 68.
In contrast, indoor industrial equipment working in air-conditioned areas can still probably use ISO AW 32 because of the absence of extreme heat and temperature variations such as those of outdoor equipment.
But even indoor equipment may experience temperature rises, especially during the summer months, so it would be a good idea to consider the choice of hydraulic oils depending on your particular operation requirements.
Ready to Order the Right Hydraulic Oil for Your UAE Equipment?
Choosing the right hydraulic oil grade is not just about adhering to the standard guidelines; it’s about understanding the unique challenges posed by the UAE's high temperatures. In the construction machinery, hydraulic oils need to be able to withstand intense heat without diminishing their performance. As the ISO AW 46 is the best suited to most machines of the UAE environment, finding a product that guarantees efficient functionality, minimizes wear, and does not cost the company expensive downtime is crucial.
When it comes to getting quality and safe hydraulic oils that should be used in the UAE, as it is a challenging climate, you should visit the Atlantic Oil Store and get to consult with the experts and use the best quality products. We have a large selection of high-temperature hydraulic oils that will keep your machinery running smoothly, even in the hottest conditions.
