Zhengzhou Chorus Lubricant Additive Co.,Ltd.

Zhengzhou Chorus Lubricant Additive Co.,Ltd.

What's the difference between zinc-containing hydraulic oil and ashless hydraulic fluid?

2025 09/01

1. Essential Difference: Significant Difference in Additive Formula

Zinc-containing (ashy) hydraulic fluid, as the name suggests, contains a zinc antiwear agent (zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate, or ZDDP) or use hydraulic oil additive package with zinc. A zinc content greater than 0.03% is considered high-zinc, while a content less than 0.03% is considered low-zinc. After combustion, zinc oxide ash remains, hence the name "ashy."

 

Ashless hydraulic oil contains no metal additives and uses a sulfur-phosphorus antiwear agent, can use ashless hydraulic oil additive package to blend. And leaving no metal oxide residue after combustion. It's particularly suitable for systems with silver components.

 

2. Selection Guide: Optimize the Oil for the Equipment

1) Choose a zinc-containing hydraulic fluid when the equipment has these characteristics:

Heavy-duty applications such as construction machinery and mining equipment use traditional hydraulic pumps such as the YB-D25 vane pump and PF15 plunger pump. The system operates in a -10°C to 40°C temperature range. Limited budget and no silver components.

 

2) Choose ashless oil in the following situations:

Precision CNC machine tools, servo valve control systems containing copper alloy or silver-plated components (such as certain valves); Working conditions with frequent water contact (such as marine hydraulic systems); Extended oil change intervals (for improved oxidation stability); Locations with strict environmental requirements