This document outlines the technical considerations relevant to lubricant selection and controlled changeover in waste management and recycling equipment. It is intended to support engineering, maintenance and procurement teams when assessing lubricant suitability within existing operating and approval frameworks.
Equipment covered
- Refuse collection vehicles
- Compactors and balers
- Shredders and sorting equipment
- Stationary and mobile hydraulic systems
Key operating risks addressed
- Continuous stop start operation
- High hydraulic loading during compaction cycles
- Elevated contamination risk from dust and debris
- Limited tolerance for unplanned downtime
Hydraulic oil technical basis
Hydraulic systems used in waste management and recycling equipment operate under repeated high load cycles and variable duty conditions. Lubricants used in these systems are commonly selected to provide stable viscosity performance, defined antiwear protection and resistance to thermal and oxidative stress. Oils meeting ISO 11158 L-HM and DIN 51524 Part 2 are widely applied in these applications.
Hydraulic viscosity grade selection
| Operating condition | Typical viscosity grade | Selection rationale |
|---|---|---|
| General refuse and recycling duty | ISO VG 46 | Provides balanced viscosity for hydraulic response, wear protection and thermal stability |
| High load compaction or elevated operating temperatures | ISO VG 68 | Improves film strength and protection under sustained pressure and heat |
Engine oil technical basis
Diesel engines used in refuse vehicles and mobile recycling equipment operate under frequent stop start conditions and sustained load. Engine oils used in these applications are commonly aligned with mid SAPS heavy duty performance categories such as ACEA E9 to support durability and compatibility with emissions control systems.
Engine oil viscosity selection
| Operating focus | Typical viscosity grade | Selection rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed fleet and urban stop start operation | 15W40 | Provides stable protection under variable load, temperature and duty cycles |
| Frequent cold starts or efficiency focus | 10W30 | Improves low temperature flow and reduces internal friction during operation |
Equivalency and approval position
Lubricants aligned with ISO 11158 L-HM or DIN 51524 Part 2 for hydraulic systems, and ACEA E9 for diesel engines, are generally considered technically suitable for waste management and recycling equipment when viscosity grades are selected in line with OEM guidance and operating conditions.
Changeover guidance
- Changeover is typically carried out during scheduled servicing or planned maintenance windows
- System flushing is not normally required when replacing lubricants of the same specification category
- Filtration and cleanliness controls are normally maintained in accordance with site practice