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The fluid families in a nutshell
HL: mineral oil with oxidation and corrosion protection. HLP: HL plus anti-wear additives — the de-facto standard for power packs. HV (or HVLP): like HLP but with viscosity more stable across temperature, for outdoor use and extreme climates. Biodegradable fluids exist for sensitive environments and food-grade fluids for the food industry: use them only when the application demands, as they cost more.
The right viscosity for your climate and cycle
ISO VG viscosity is the oil’s thickness at 40 °C: the higher, the "thicker". Oil too viscous when cold strains motor and pump at start-up (critical on snow plows and winter liftgates → VG 32 or an HV fluid); oil too thin when hot increases internal leakage and cuts performance (hot climates and long cycles → VG 46). In doubt about the real cycle, ask us: the answer belongs on your unit’s datasheet.
When to change it and how to keep it clean
In compact power packs oil is not consumed: it gets dirty and ages. Practical rules: first change after system run-in, then at regular intervals according to usage intensity, and immediately if it turns cloudy (water), dark or smells burnt. Real cleanliness, though, is won earlier: an efficient breather, top-ups with filtered oil and a sealed reservoir. Contamination is the number one cause of hydraulic component failure. [intervals to confirm]
The mistakes to avoid
No engine oil: its detergent additives hold water in emulsion and foam up in a hydraulic circuit. No mixing different fluids: additive packages can react with each other. No "whatever was in the workshop" for top-ups: one wrong top-up can compromise the whole charge. And if the unit sits idle for months, a periodic unloaded run keeps pump and seals lubricated.