What oil does a forklift use? Comprehensive analysis of engine oil selection and use guidelines
Forklifts are important equipment in construction machinery, and their maintenance directly affects work efficiency and service life. Among them, the choice of engine oil is particularly critical. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the selection principles, common brands and precautions for forklift oil.
1. Principles for Selection of Forklift Oil

The selection of forklift engine oil requires comprehensive consideration of the following factors:
| factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Diesel engines require diesel engine oil (such as CH-4, CI-4, etc.) |
| Viscosity grade | Choose according to climate (such as 15W-40 is suitable for -15℃ to 40℃ environment) |
| API level | It is recommended to be no lower than CF-4 level (CJ-4 is required for National III and above engines) |
| work intensity | Under heavy-duty conditions, synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil is required. |
2. Comparison of mainstream forklift oil brands
| brand | Recommended models | Features | reference price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell | Rimula R4 LX 15W-40 | Long-lasting protection against wear and tear | ¥180-220/4L |
| Mobil | Delvac 1300 15W-40 | Good high temperature stability | ¥160-200/4L |
| Great Wall | Zunlong T500 15W-40 | Domestic cost-effective choice | ¥120-150/4L |
| Kunlun | Tianrun KR9 10W-40 | Excellent low temperature starting performance | ¥130-160/4L |
3. Recommended engine oil replacement intervals
| Working conditions | mineral oil | Semi-synthetic oil | Fully synthetic oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal working conditions (8 hours/day) | 250 hours | 400 hours | 600 hours |
| Heavy load conditions (large dust) | 150 hours | 300 hours | 500 hours |
| Extreme environments (high temperature/cold) | It is recommended to upgrade the oil | 300 hours | 450 hours |
4. Answers to recent hot questions
1.Can old engine oil be mixed?Absolutely prohibited! Different brands/models of engine oil additives may react chemically, causing lubrication failure.
2.Should I change the engine oil if it turns black?Not necessarily. The cleaning function of diesel engine oil will make the oil darker, so it is recommended to confirm it through professional testing.
3.Are e-commerce engine oil promotions reliable?You need to look for the official authorized store. Recently, some users have reported that they bought counterfeit "Mobil 1" and caused engine failure.
5. Operation precautions
• When changing the engine oil, the engine filter must be replaced at the same time (it is recommended to choose the original filter element)
• Fill to the center line of the oil dipstick (too much will cause a drop in power)
• The engine needs to be cleaned when using synthetic oil for the first time (when switching from mineral oil)
• Keep your proof of purchase (some brands provide quality insurance)
6. Expert advice
The latest "2023 Maintenance Guide" released by the China Construction Machinery Industry Association emphasizes: With the implementation of the National IV emission standards, it is recommended that new forklifts give priority to low ash (Ash ≤ 1.0%) CK-4 grade engine oil, which can effectively extend the service life of the DPF. At the same time, users are reminded that a recent spot check by the State Administration for Market Regulation found that counterfeit and shoddy engine oil is circulating in some areas. It is recommended to purchase through formal channels.
Through scientific selection of engine oil and regular maintenance, your forklift will maintain optimal working condition, effectively reduce the failure rate and extend the service life of the equipment. If you have special working conditions, it is recommended to consult the equipment manufacturer or professional lubricant technical service personnel.
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