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Gear Oils

PAG gear lubricants with superior film strength, high load-carrying capacity, and micropitting resistance for enclosed and open gear systems.

Performance Advantages

Why PAG for Gear Oils

Superior film strength

PAGs form a thicker, more durable lubricant film than mineral oils at equivalent viscosity, reducing wear on gear tooth surfaces and extending gear life.

Micropitting resistance

PAGs have demonstrated significantly lower micropitting compared to mineral oils in FZG gear tests, protecting against premature gear failure in high-load applications.

High viscosity index (VI > 200)

Maintains viscosity under high operating temperatures, ensuring consistent protection during heavy loads and hot-running gearboxes.

Reduced friction coefficient

Lower friction means lower operating temperatures and improved energy efficiency, particularly in worm gear and high-reduction applications.

Application Segments

Sub-Segments

Enclosed Gearboxes

Industrial helical, bevel, and planetary gear units; ISO VG 150–460 for continuous heavy-duty service.

Product Range

Recommended PAG Grades

Typical grades for gear oils: PAG 150, PAG 220, PAG 320, PAG 460

Anti-Wear & EP AdditivesBase Fluid Additives

Anti-Wear Additive AW-6310

Treat Rate: 0.5–2.0% in grease

Ashless phosphorus-based anti-wear additive for grease and industrial lubricants. ASHLESS (no zinc, no ash) — suitable for food-grade pathway. Application: Lithium/lithium complex greases, industrial gear oils.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Aminic Antioxidant SPDA

Treat Rate: 0.3–0.8% in grease

High-temperature antioxidant for chain greases, bearing greases, and high-temperature specialty greases. LOW SLUDGE tendency makes SPDA ideal for greases operating above 150°C where other aminics form deposits. Treat rate: 0.3-0.8%.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Phenolic Antioxidant PH-115

Treat Rate: 0.1–0.5%

Sulfur-containing phenolic antioxidant for lubricant base oils and synthetic formulations.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Phenolic Antioxidant PH-15S

Treat Rate: 0.3–0.5% in grease

Sulfur-phenolic antioxidant specifically for PAG-based greases. Dual functionality (primary + secondary antioxidant) makes this the BEST antioxidant choice for PAG base oil greases. Treat rate: 0.3-0.5%.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Phenolic Antioxidant PH-135

Treat Rate: 0.3–0.5% in grease (synergistic with aminic)

Phenolic antioxidant for grease (synergistic with aminic). Classic turbine grease antioxidant system: 0.3% PH-135 + 0.5% AO-148. Non-staining, non-discolouring. Food-grade pathway via NSF HX-1.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Aminic Antioxidant T-534

Treat Rate: 0.2–1.5%

Butyl Octyl Diphenylamine (BODPA). Note: 'T534' is the Chinese market designation for BODPA. High-temperature aminic antioxidant for engine, gear, and turbine oils. For PAG formulations, compressor oils, and industrial lubricants. REACH registered.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Aminic Antioxidant DND

Treat Rate: 0.3–0.8% in grease

Low-volatility antioxidant for high-temperature greases. DND's higher molecular weight means it stays in the grease longer at elevated temperatures. Ideal for oven chains and high-speed bearings.

AntioxidantsBase Fluid Additives

Aminic Antioxidant AO-148

Treat Rate: 0.3–0.8% in grease

Primary antioxidant for lithium, lithium complex, calcium, and polyurea greases. Most widely used aminic antioxidant in grease formulations. Treat rate: 0.3-0.8%. Synergistic with PH-135 for long-life greases. NSF HX-1 available via NA-LUBE AO-142 registration.

PAGs

PAG OS-400XY Extreme

Visc @40°C: 800 cStVI: 220Pour Point: -32°C

Oil-soluble PAG with antioxidant, ISO VG 800. For extreme-condition gear and bearing lubrication.

PAGs

PAG OS-3000 Ultra Heavy

Visc @40°C: 600 cStVI: 220Pour Point: -35°C

Oil-soluble PAG, ISO VG 600. For ultra-heavy gear and grease applications. Maximum viscosity film with oil solubility.

PAGs

PAG OS-1715 Heavy Gear Grease

Visc @40°C: 300 cStVI: 200Pour Point: -38°C

High-viscosity oil-soluble PAG for heavy-duty grease. Excellent for bearing greases and high-load applications.

PAGs

PAG OS-385 Gear Compressor

Visc @40°C: 85 cStVI: 185Pour Point: -42°C

Oil-soluble PAG, ISO VG 85. For gear and compressor applications. Excellent low-temp flowability with oil solubility.

PAGs

PAG OS-285 Gear Grease Base

Visc @40°C: 59 cStVI: 170Pour Point: -45°C

Oil-soluble PAG base oil for grease (mineral oil compatible). Fully miscible with mineral oil — ideal for upgrading existing mineral oil grease formulations to PAG performance.

PAGs

PAG WS-460 Bearing Gear

Visc @40°C: 460 cStVI: 250Pour Point: -35°C

Water-soluble PAG, ISO VG 460. For heavy-duty bearing and gear lubrication. Maximum film strength.

PAGs

PAG WS-320 Hydraulic Gear

Visc @40°C: 320 cStVI: 240Pour Point: -36°C

Water-soluble PAG, ISO VG 320. For synthetic hydraulic fluids and heavy gear applications. Fire-resistant.

PAGs

PAG WS-220 Heavy Gear

Visc @40°C: 220 cStVI: 235Pour Point: -38°C

Water-soluble PAG, ISO VG 220. For heavy gear and chain oil applications. High VI and load capacity.

PAGs

PAG WS-150 Chain Gear Base

Visc @40°C: 150 cStVI: 210Pour Point: -40°C

Water-soluble PAG, ISO VG 150. For high-temperature chain oils and gear formulations. Superior thermal stability.

PAGs

PAG WS-100 Gear Metalworking

Visc @40°C: 100 cStVI: 200Pour Point: -40°C

Water-soluble PAG, ISO VG 100. For gear oils and metalworking formulations. Excellent load-carrying capacity.

PAGs

PAG 1000 Specialty Base

Visc @40°C: 1000 cStVI: 265Pour Point: -30°C

Grease base oil for open gear greases and semi-fluid greases.

PAGs

PAG 680 Ultra Heavy Gear

Visc @40°C: 680 cStVI: 250Pour Point: -30°C

Grease base oil for ultra-high-viscosity specialty greases.

PAGs

PAG 150 Gear Chain Oil Base

Visc @40°C: 150 cStVI: 210Pour Point: -40°C

PAG base oil, ISO VG 150. For industrial gear oils and high-temperature chain lubricants. Good oxidation resistance.

PAGs

PAG 460 Heavy Gear Oil

Visc @40°C: 460 cStVI: 230Pour Point: -30°C

Grease base oil for high-viscosity greases and bearing lubricants. Suitable for slow-speed, heavy-load bearing greases.

PAGs

PAG 320 Industrial Gear Oil

Visc @40°C: 320 cStVI: 239Pour Point: -30°C

Grease base oil for heavy-duty and EP greases. Ideal viscosity for NLGI 2 grease formulations.

PAGs

PAG 220 Heavy Duty Gear Oil

Visc @40°C: 220 cStVI: 225Pour Point: -30°C

Grease base oil for lithium and lithium complex greases. Excellent PAG base oil for synthetic grease formulations requiring high VI (200+) and clean high-temperature operation.

PAGs

PAG 100 Compressor Gear Oil

Visc @40°C: 100 cStVI: 190Pour Point: -45°C

Versatile water-insoluble PAG, ISO VG 100. Dual-purpose for compressor and light gear applications. Outstanding film strength.

Performance Comparison

PAG vs Mineral Oil vs PAO

How PAG base oils compare to mineral oil and PAO across key performance properties.

Property	PAG	Mineral Oil	PAO
Oxidation Stability	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Viscosity Index	> 200	95–110	130–140
Pour Point	≤ −40°C	−15 to −10°C	−40°C
Thermal Stability	Up to 260°C	Up to 150°C	Up to 180°C
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable	Poor	Moderate
Seal Compatibility	FKM, HNBR, PTFE	Most seals (not silicone)	Most seals

Formulation Guidance

Compatible Additives

Antioxidant

DODPA (Octylated Diphenylamine)

0.5–1.0% for high-temperature gear applications

Antioxidant

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

0.5% for standard duty gear oils

Antifoam

Silicone-based antifoam

5–20 ppm to suppress foam in splash-lubricated gearboxes

Anti-wear / EP

Phosphorus-based (e.g., TCP)

Where extreme pressure conditions require additional protection

Technical Reference

Technical Notes

Operating temperature range: −40°C to 250°C. Compatible with FKM, HNBR, and PTFE seals. Not compatible with silicone seals. Worm gear applications particularly benefit from PAG's lower friction coefficient, which reduces operating temperatures by 10–20°C. Relevant standards: DIN 51517-3 (CLP), ISO 12925-1 (Gear Oils Category CKD), ASTM D4992 (Gear oil specifications).

Free Tools

Free Tools for This Application

Use our free online tools to find the right PAG grade, check compatibility, and calculate specifications for your application, no signup required.

PAG Technical Guide

Comprehensive PAG selection and properties reference, covering chemistry, viscosity, compatibility, and sourcing.

Viscosity Calculator

Calculate PAG viscosity at different operating temperatures using ASTM D341 regression.

All tools are free, no signup, no email required. Visit meecarigno.co.uk/resources to see all tools.

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