Hydraulic oil isn’t just another lubricant — it's the lifeblood of any high-pressure hydraulic system. At Zinko, we exclusively recommend hydraulic oil for all our jacks, pumps, and cylinders to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and safety.

In this post, we’ll explain the role of hydraulic oil, why using other oils (like motor or transmission fluid) is a bad idea, and how to keep your Zinko hydraulic tools operating at their best.

What Is Hydraulic Oil, and Why Is It Important?

Hydraulic oil is a specialized fluid that transfers energy within hydraulic systems. It enables components like cylinders, motors, and actuators to produce powerful mechanical motion.

Unlike general-purpose oils, hydraulic oil is designed to:

• Operate under extreme pressure
• Resist corrosion and oxidation
• Maintain stability over a wide temperature range
• Avoid foam formation that could affect performance
  

Using the proper oil is critical to ensuring your hydraulic system runs smoothly and safely.

Why You Should Never Use Motor Oil or Transmission Fluid

Zinko hydraulic equipment is built to operate with non-detergent, synthetic hydraulic oil with corrosion inhibitors, such as ISO-150 or AW-32.

Using incorrect fluids like:

• Brake fluid
• Motor oil
• Transmission fluid
  
  

…can seriously damage internal components. These fluids are not compatible with hydraulic seals, may cause corrosion, and reduce equipment lifespan. Always stick to approved hydraulic oils to avoid costly failures.

(The images above were taken from a recent repair project, where the pump had failed due to the use of an incorrect oil type. The use of non-specified oil led to operational failure and necessitated a full inspection and repair. )

Importance of keeping work stations clean

When working with hydraulic pumps, it is crucial to have a clean working station in preventing any unwanted contaminants from entering into the pumps and causinf damages. 

• Regular wipe down on the exterior of equipment. 
• Make sure all connections are clean before connecting.
• Conduct daily visual inspections of the equipment for any leaks or wear and tear.
• Regular fluid checks in ensuring hydraulic oil is clean, free of any contaminants and at the right fluid level needed.

(Metal shavings could cause damage on the valves which stops the pump from building pressure or holding load. )  

Safety Tips When Handling Hydraulic Equipment

Working with hydraulic tools requires attention to safety. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Always wear eye protection and gloves.
• Before any maintenance, fully release system pressure.
• Store hydraulic oil in a clean, dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Keep fluids out of reach of children and never reuse dirty oil.
  
  

Proper safety habits protect both the user and the equipment.

Maintain Air-Powered Hydraulic Systems with FRL Units

For Zinko pneumatic systems, we strongly recommend using an FRL (Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator) unit. It:

• Filters out contaminants
• Regulates consistent air pressure
• Lubricates air as it travels downstream
  
  

This helps maximize the efficiency and service life of air-powered tools.

FRL Combo with Shutoff Valve, 1/4" NPT Port Model: FRL-5926

FRL Combo with 1/4" NPT Port Model: FRL-212N-1

(Rust was found within the air inlet for one of our report projects, this could be easily prevented by adding a FRL. )

(The use of incorrect oil, combined with the absence of a FRL unit, has resulted in damage to internal valves and seals. This has allowed water ingress, leading to oil contamination and subsequent leakage from the equipment.)

Need to Repair or Rebuild Your Zinko Equipment?

We support our customers with OEM rebuild kits and replacement parts for most Zinko hydraulic products. Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, each product comes with a detailed user manual and parts breakdown to guide you through:

• Routine maintenance
• Troubleshooting
  
  

Keep your equipment running smoothly for years to come.

ZAP-101 Repair Kits

Final Thoughts

Hydraulic oil is essential to the performance and safety of your Zinko hydraulic equipment. Avoid the temptation to use off-the-shelf alternatives like motor oil or brake fluid. Stick with high-quality hydraulic oil, and follow recommended maintenance practices for best results.

Have questions about which oil to use or how to maintain your Zinko products? Contact our support team — we’re here to help.