Hydraulic Oil Selection Guide
Choosing a hydraulic oil comes down to three things: the type (standard AW, premium AW, high-VI or zinc-free), the viscosity grade (ISO 32, 46, 68…) and your operating conditions. This guide compares every SINOPEC hydraulic oil sold by BuySinopec in Canada so you can pick the right one in a few minutes.
Quick answer: "AW hydraulic oil" in North America is the same category as ISO 11158 HM (SINOPEC L-HM) and DIN 51524-2 HLP. For indoor and general equipment, choose AW 46. For cleaner systems and longer drain intervals, choose AE Premium AW. For outdoor equipment and Canadian winters, choose an HVI (HV) oil. For pumps with silver or copper parts, choose Zinc-Free AW.
AW, HM, HV: What the Names Mean
| Common name (North America) | ISO 11158 | DIN 51524 | SINOPEC product |
|---|---|---|---|
| AW hydraulic oil (AW 32 / 46 / 68) | HM | Part 2 (HLP) | L-HM Anti-Wear, AE Premium AW |
| HVI / all-season / low-temp hydraulic oil | HV | Part 3 (HVLP) | L-HV, AE 5000 |
| Zinc-free / ashless AW hydraulic oil | HM | Part 2 (HLP) | High Pressure Ashless L-HM |
The number after "AW" is the ISO viscosity grade: AW 32 is ISO VG 32, AW 46 is ISO VG 46, and so on.
The SINOPEC Hydraulic Oil Lineup
AW Anti-Wear (L-HM)
- ISO VG 32, 46, 68, 100, 150
- Viscosity index 95–103
- Meets ISO 11158 HM, DIN 51524-2 HLP
- Best for: general industrial and mobile equipment at normal temperatures
AE Premium AW
- ISO VG 32, 46, 68
- Group II base oil, viscosity index 112–118
- NAS 7 or better at the point of filling
- Performance exceeds ISO 11158 HM
- Best for: precision systems, longer oil change intervals
AW HVI Low Temp (L-HV)
- ISO VG 15, 22, 32, 46, 68, 100
- Viscosity index 146–173, pour point to −45°C
- Meets ISO 11158 HV, DIN 51524-3 HVLP
- Best for: outdoor equipment, winter start-ups
AE 5000 Premium AW HVI
- ISO VG 32, 46, 68
- Viscosity index 151–160, pour point to −45°C
- Performance exceeds ISO 11158 HV; NAS 7 or better
- Best for: extreme cold plus extended drain intervals (construction, mining, marine)
Zinc-Free AW (Ashless)
- ISO VG 32, 46, 68, 100
- Non-zinc, ashless anti-wear additives
- Designed for the Denison T6H20C pump test
- Best for: high-pressure piston/vane pumps, systems with silver or copper parts
Oxidation Life Comparison
Oxidation stability is the best single indicator of how long a hydraulic oil lasts in service. Typical TOST results (ASTM D943, hours to reach the test limit):
Typical reference values from oxidation stability testing; not guaranteed specifications. Actual oil life depends on operating temperature, contamination and maintenance.
Technical Comparison
| Parameter | AW (L-HM) | AE Premium AW | AW HVI (L-HV) | AE 5000 | Zinc-Free AW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO viscosity grades | 32 / 46 / 68 / 100 / 150 | 32 / 46 / 68 | 15 / 22 / 32 / 46 / 68 / 100 | 32 / 46 / 68 | 32 / 46 / 68 / 100 |
| Viscosity index | 95–103 | 112–118 | 146–173 | 151–160 | 97–100 |
| Pour point, °C (ASTM D97) | −12 to −18 | −36 to −39 | −35 to −45 | −39 to −45 | −12 to −18 |
| Flash point COC, °C (ASTM D92) | 228–260 | 230–256 | 196–258 | 225–242 | 215–263 |
| Cleanliness at filling | — | NAS 7 or better | NAS 7 or better | NAS 7 or better | — |
| Industry standard | ISO 11158 HM, DIN 51524-2 | Exceeds ISO 11158 HM | ISO 11158 HV, DIN 51524-3 | Exceeds ISO 11158 HV | ISO 11158 HM, DIN 51524-2 |
| Typical oxidation life (TOST) | ~2,000 hrs | ~5,000 hrs | ~3,500 hrs | ~6,500 hrs | — |
Data from SINOPEC Product Data Sheets. OEM performance (ISO VG 32/46/68, AW, AE, L-HV and AE 5000): Parker Denison HF-0, Bosch Rexroth RDE 90235, Vickers (Eaton) 03-401-2010 and Cincinnati P-68 / P-70 / P-69. L-HV also meets Denison HF-1 and HF-2.
Which Viscosity Grade?
- ISO 15 / 22: very cold climates and fast-response systems (HVI only).
- ISO 32: cold starts, indoor precision equipment, many mobile machines in winter.
- ISO 46: the most common grade for general industrial and mobile hydraulics.
- ISO 68: heavier loads and higher operating temperatures, such as loaders, excavators and presses.
- ISO 100 / 150: hot-running systems and heavy industrial equipment.
Always follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendation first.
How to Choose
- General equipment, best price → AW (L-HM)
- Precision systems, cleaner oil, longer drain intervals → AE Premium AW (drop-in upgrade for AW of the same grade)
- Outdoor equipment, Canadian winters, wide temperature swings → AW HVI (L-HV)
- Extreme cold plus the longest oil life → AE 5000
- High-pressure pumps or silver/copper components → Zinc-Free AW
Packaging
Need a volume price or help matching an OEM spec? Request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HM hydraulic oil the same as AW hydraulic oil?
Yes. ISO 11158 HM (also DIN 51524-2 HLP) is the international classification for anti-wear hydraulic oil. In North America it is usually sold as "AW" oil, for example AW 32, AW 46 or AW 68. SINOPEC L-HM is an AW hydraulic oil.
What is the difference between AW 32, AW 46 and AW 68?
The number is the ISO viscosity grade, measured at 40°C. AW 32 is thinner and flows better in the cold, AW 46 is the most common general-purpose grade, and AW 68 is thicker for higher temperatures and heavier loads.
What is the difference between HM and HV hydraulic oil?
HV (high viscosity index) oils keep a more stable viscosity across temperatures, so they start easier in the cold and still protect when hot. They are the better choice for outdoor equipment in Canada. HM oils suit equipment that runs at fairly constant temperatures.
Can AE Premium AW replace regular AW hydraulic oil?
Yes. AE meets and exceeds the same ISO 11158 HM requirements, so it can replace L-HM AW oil of the same ISO grade (32, 46 or 68) when you want cleaner oil and longer oil change intervals.
When should I use zinc-free hydraulic oil?
Use zinc-free (ashless) AW oil when your pump or valves contain silver, copper or bronze parts, or when the OEM specifies a zinc-free fluid. Do not mix it with zinc-containing AW oils; flush the system when switching.
Where can I buy SINOPEC hydraulic oil in Canada?
BuySinopec is the authorized Canadian distributor of SINOPEC lubricants. All grades on this page are available in 18L pails, 200L drums and 1000L totes, with bulk supply on request.
Data compiled from SINOPEC Product Data Sheets (PDS) for reference only. Refer to the latest PDS and your equipment manufacturer's recommendations for final specifications.