ISO VG 46 Hydraulic Oil Equivalent: Brand Cross-Reference Guide

ISO VG 46 is the most commonly used viscosity grade for hydraulic oil worldwide. Whether you need a replacement for Shell Tellus S2 VX 46, Mobil DTE 20 Excel 46, or any other brand, finding the right equivalent requires more than matching the viscosity number alone.

This guide provides a complete cross-reference of ISO VG 46 hydraulic oils across all major brands, explains the differences between HM, HV, and ashless formulations, and helps you select the right product for your equipment. For a broader overview, see our hydraulic oil equivalent guide.

What Is ISO VG 46 Hydraulic Oil?

ISO VG 46 refers to a hydraulic oil with a kinematic viscosity of 46 centistokes (cSt) at 40°C, as defined by the ISO 3448 viscosity classification system. The "VG" stands for Viscosity Grade, and the number 46 indicates the midpoint viscosity.

ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil is the standard choice for a wide range of industrial and mobile hydraulic systems, including:

• Industrial hydraulic presses and injection molding machines
• CNC machine tools and metalworking equipment
• Construction equipment hydraulic systems (excavators, cranes, loaders)
• Agricultural machinery
• Marine hydraulic systems
• Warehouse and material handling equipment

The VG 46 grade offers an excellent balance between flow characteristics at startup and film strength at operating temperature, making it the default recommendation for most hydraulic system manufacturers.

HM vs HV Hydraulic Oil: Understanding the Difference

Not all ISO VG 46 hydraulic oils are the same. The two most common categories are HM and HV, defined by the ISO 6743-4 and DIN 51524 classification systems:

HM 46 (Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil)

HM stands for "Hydraulic oil with anti-wear properties and improved anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation performance." HM 46 is the standard grade for most indoor hydraulic systems operating in controlled temperature environments (typically 15°C to 50°C). View products on our HM 46 specification page.

HV 46 (High Viscosity Index Hydraulic Oil)

HV stands for "Hydraulic oil with improved viscosity-temperature behavior." HV 46 oils contain viscosity index (VI) improvers that allow the oil to maintain more consistent viscosity across a wider temperature range. This makes HV 46 the preferred choice for:

• Outdoor and mobile equipment (excavators, cranes, forestry machines)
• Systems exposed to wide temperature swings (cold starts to high operating temps)
• Applications where the VI of a standard HM oil drops too low at high temperatures

A typical HM 46 oil has a viscosity index of 95-110, while an HV 46 typically has a VI of 140-200+. Compare HV 46 products on our HV 46 specification page.

Zinc-Based vs Ashless Hydraulic Oil

Another critical distinction in hydraulic oil formulation is the anti-wear additive chemistry:

Zinc-Based (ZDDP) Hydraulic Oils

Most conventional HM and HV 46 oils use zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) as the primary anti-wear additive. ZDDP provides excellent wear protection and is cost-effective. However, zinc-based oils are not suitable for systems with silver-plated components (common in some aerospace and high-performance hydraulic pumps) because zinc attacks silver.

Ashless (Zinc-Free) Hydraulic Oils

Ashless hydraulic oils use non-metallic anti-wear additives such as phosphate esters or sulfur-phosphorus compounds. They are required when:

• The system contains silver-plated components
• The OEM specifically requires zinc-free fluid
• Environmental regulations restrict zinc discharge (marine, forestry)
• The system uses sensitive servo valves that can be affected by zinc deposits

Compare ashless products on our ashless hydraulic 46 specification page.

Complete ISO VG 46 Brand Cross-Reference Table

The following table shows equivalent ISO VG 46 hydraulic oils across major brands. Use the Universal Oil Matcher for additional products and detailed specification comparisons.

HV 46 (High Viscosity Index) Equivalents

HM 46 (Standard Anti-Wear) Equivalents

When to Use ISO VG 46 vs ISO VG 68

Choosing between VG 46 and VG 68 depends on your operating conditions:

• ISO VG 46 — the standard recommendation for most hydraulic systems. Suitable for ambient temperatures of 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F). Provides good flow at startup and adequate film thickness at operating temperature.
• ISO VG 68 — preferred for higher ambient temperatures, systems with larger internal clearances, or older equipment with worn components that benefit from thicker oil film. Suitable for ambient temperatures of 15°C to 50°C (59°F to 122°F).

Using VG 68 in a system designed for VG 46 can cause sluggish response, increased energy consumption, and overheating due to higher internal friction. Conversely, using VG 46 in a system requiring VG 68 may lead to increased internal leakage and reduced system pressure.

Temperature Considerations for ISO VG 46

Temperature is the single most important factor in hydraulic oil selection. Consider these guidelines:

• Cold start viscosity — if your system starts below -10°C (14°F), an HV 46 is strongly recommended over an HM 46. The VI improvers keep the oil fluid enough to flow through filters and pumps at startup.
• Operating temperature — hydraulic oil should operate between 40°C and 60°C (104°F to 140°F) for optimal performance. Above 80°C (176°F), oxidation rates double with every 10°C increase.
• Maximum temperature — do not exceed 90°C (194°F) for extended periods. Persistent high temperatures indicate cooling system issues or incorrect oil viscosity selection.

For operations in extreme cold (below -20°C / -4°F), consider stepping down to ISO VG 32 or using a synthetic HV 46 with an extremely high viscosity index (VI 180+).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shell Tellus S2 VX 46 the same as Mobil DTE 20 Excel 46?

Both are high viscosity index (HV) ISO VG 46 hydraulic oils with anti-wear properties. They are functionally equivalent for most applications, meaning you can substitute one for the other in systems that require an HV 46 hydraulic fluid. Minor differences exist in additive chemistry, but both meet DIN 51524 Part 3 (HVLP) requirements.

Can I mix HM 46 and HV 46 hydraulic oils?

While both are ISO VG 46 and generally compatible in terms of base oil chemistry, mixing HM and HV oils dilutes the viscosity index improvement provided by the HV formulation. If you need to top off an HV 46 system, use another HV 46 product. If mixing is unavoidable in an emergency, plan a full oil change as soon as possible.

What does "ashless" mean in hydraulic oil?

Ashless hydraulic oil does not contain metallic anti-wear additives like zinc (ZDDP). Instead, it uses organic phosphorus or sulfur-based additives. Ashless oils are required in systems with silver-plated components and in environmentally sensitive applications. They leave no metallic ash residue when burned or decomposed.

How often should I change ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil?

Typical drain intervals range from 2,000 to 5,000 hours for industrial systems and 1,000 to 3,000 hours for mobile equipment, depending on operating conditions. Oil analysis is the best way to determine the actual condition of the oil and optimize change intervals. Key indicators include acid number increase, viscosity change, water content, and particle count.