Are You Using the Right Hydraulic Oil?

October 18, 2021

High-powered machines run at a cost. It’s not just a wattage cost; it’s a physical one. Machines don’t get tired, but they do get sore! The wear and tear caused by rapid, constant movements break down metal parts and can potentially render a machine useless. 


Machines need oil to mitigate the damage—but what kind of oil? Oil type can vary from machine to machine but choosing the right one will help ensure your machines have long and productive lifecycles. 


We know that hydraulic oil is required for hydraulic machines, but even that knowledge is not specific enough. Various factors must be considered in determining whether the oil will keep the machine in working order or if it will just make a mess. 


Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid is the natural go-to for hydraulic machines. It’s created with hydraulic mechanisms in mind and engineered to handle the heat generated from hydraulic processes and movements. These processes include heat transfer, power transfer, temperature, and pressure swings, and, obviously, lubrication. Different kinds of hydraulic fluids exist based on their chemical makeup. 


Petroleum fluids derived from crude oil are the common household variety of machine oil. These are the more natural kinds of oils and are made from regular ground-based fossil fuels. As such, they come with many natural benefits. They can be mixed and refined at different levels to have higher anti-wear, anti-rust, or varied viscosity indexes. They are low cost but are popular for a good reason: they work. 


Synthetic fluids are artificially created to have as many valuable properties as possible. One brand of synthetic fluid can be more viscous and have higher insulation than another that’s more geared for easy flowing and lubrication. Due to the highly chemical nature of synthetic fluids, they might not mix well with certain materials, and their production can cause them to be more expensive than planned. 


The rarest and most specialized kind of hydraulic fluids are water-based. Water, by itself, is not very good at lubrication, but other elements can be added and emulsified into the water to generate a more desirable effect. These are especially useful when there is a fire risk or where the heat is too great for petroleum or synthetic fluids. It’s mostly made of water, so the risk of fire is next to none, but high heat will evaporate it. They also don’t protect from much else. It’s a specialty fluid for unique problems.


Understand Your Gear

Hydraulic systems are created with one of three distinct pump types: Vane, Piston, and Gear. Depending on which one you work with, it will have a different overall use, different ranges of centistokes, and require different operating temperatures. Ultimately, this indicates using a different kind of fluid for each type of machine. 


Check the statistics for your gear carefully and find an oil that matches it. Don’t just settle for what’s in reach on the shelf. Be sure your machines are getting the right drink to keep them healthy. 


October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.