Synthetic oil boosts gearbox efficiency, finds study

ExxonMobil’s equipment builder team and distributor Den Hartog conducted tests using a Rientjes WAF 364 gearbox, lubricated with Mobil SHC 626 gear oil. The fully synthetic lubricant was proven to improve thermal and mechanical efficiency by 0.27% compared to mineral-based ngine oil Mobil Delvac 1330. That represents a 10% reduction in energy losses for a fully mechanised gearbox and an estimated cost saving of €1,400 a year.

“This is a great example of how a comparatively small change can deliver significant energy efficiency benefits and cost savings,” said Rainer Lange, Mobil SHC brand advisor Europe, Asia and Middle East, ExxonMobil. “The results of the rig tests demonstrate that the performance delivered by Mobil SHC 600 lubricants can offer quantifiable benefits.”

Thermal and mechanical stress on all gearbox components were shown to have decreased and all oils were in near-new condition without any sign of wear. The findings indicate further potential savings from extended component and oil life as well as increased maintenance intervals.