What’s in Your Oil? Understanding the Impact of the Right Choice
Not all hydraulic oils are the same, and it's crucial to use the right one for your LCO equipment. Specifically, when using the CROSSFIRE, only an ISO 46 weight hydraulic oil is suitable. Oils that double as transmission fluid should be strictly avoided. A simple way to check is by the smell: if your oil has a chemical scent, it’s not the right one. Proper hydraulic oil has a neutral, dirt-like smell—this is the oil you need. You can see examples of incorrect oil usage below.
What Causes the Reaction?
The reason for this is the additives found in transmission fluid. These additives are designed for closed systems, like a transmission, where minimal air interacts with the oil. Their purpose is to attract moisture and dust so the transmission filter can remove it. However, the CROSSFIRE compressor operates differently. It has no filter and an abundance of air, as you'd expect from an air compressor. In this environment, the additives in transmission fluid oxidize, creating an asphalt-like film that coats the internal components of the compressor.
Knowing When to Change Your Oil
To keep your CROSSFIRE running smoothly, regular oil changes are a must. Your compressor needs an oil change every 33 million strokes. Fortunately, tracking this is easy with the help of our CROSSFIRE app. The app will send you a pop-up notification when it’s time for a change, so you never have to worry about missing it. By staying on top of oil changes, you can ensure your compressor runs efficiently and lasts longer.
For those using the correct oil, the V2 revision of the air compressor has proven reliable, with customers experiencing a full year of trouble-free service.