--- title: Should I Use AW32 or AW46 Hydraulic Fluid? description: Should you use AW32 or AW46 hydraulic fluid in your system? It comes down to the operating conditions, like temperature, and design of your equipment. image: https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/hydraulic-fluid-hoses.jpg --- [![keller-heartt-oil](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/branding/keller-heartt-logo.200.png)](https://www.kellerheartt.com/) - Shop By Industry - [Trucking & Automotive](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/commercial-truck-supplies) - [Diesel Exhaust Fluid](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/diesel-exhaust-fluid) - [Motor Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/motor-oil) - [Brake Cleaner](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/brake-cleaner) - [Antifreeze](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/antifreeze-coolants) - [Transmission Fluid](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/transmission-fluid) - [Machine Shops & Metalworking](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/metalworking-fluids) - [Cutting Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/cutting-oil) - [Coolant](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/tool-die-coolants) - [Hydraulic Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/hydraulic-oil) - [Soluble Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/soluble-oil) - [Rust Preventative](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/tool-die-rust-veto) - [Industrial](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-products) - [Hydraulic Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/hydraulic-oil) - [Industrial Gear Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-gear-oil-all-sizes-brands) - [Multi-Purpose Grease](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/multi-purpose-grease) - [Cleaner & Degreaser](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-cleaners-descalers-degreasers) - [Ethylene Glycol](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/ethylene-glycol) - [Food & Beverage](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/food-grade-oils-lubricants) - [Propylene Glycol](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/propylene-glycol-drums) - [Cassida Fluid & Grease](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/cassida-lubricants-greases) - [Fuchs Gear Oil & Grease](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/fuchs-lubricants) - Shop By Brand - [Shell Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/shell-oil-lubricants) - [TRUEGARD Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/truegard-oil-lubricants) - [Blue DEF Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/bluedef) - [Oil Eater Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/oil-eater) - [Blog](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs) - [Request a Quote](https://www.kellerheartt.com/pages/request-a-quote) [Contact Us](https://www.kellerheartt.com/pages/contact-us) Oil # Should I Use AW32 or AW46 Hydraulic Fluid? [Brian McGrath](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/author/brian-mcgrath) Apr 28, 2023 --- The higher the number associated with an oil or hydraulic fluid, the higher its viscosity is. This means AW46 is thicker than AW32 and will not flow as easily through a system (AW stands for anti-wear). AW68 hydraulic fluid has an even higher viscosity, so it will flow even slower. The type of hydraulic fluid you need depends on several factors, including the operating environment and the specific requirements of your equipment. ## AW32 [AW32](https://www.kellerheartt.com/products/truegard-aw-32-hydraulic-oil-zinc-free) is a mineral-based hydraulic oil specifically designed for machinery that operates in temperatures between −18°C and 49°C (−0.4°F and 120°F). It offers excellent anti-wear protection. ## AW46 [AW46](https://www.kellerheartt.com/products/truegard-aw-46-hydraulic-oil-zinc-free) is another mineral-based hydraulic fluid designed for medium-duty service in temperatures between −22°C and 107°C (−7.6°F and 225°F). It offers excellent wear protection and oxidation stability as well as good air-release properties. ## AW68 Finally, [AW68](https://www.kellerheartt.com/products/truegard-aw-68-hydraulic-oil-zinc-free) is a mineral-based hydraulic oil specifically designed for heavy-duty service in temperatures between −45°C and 135°C (−49°F and 275°F). It offers excellent wear protection, oxidation stability, air-release properties, and low-temperature performance. The right hydraulic fluid can make a big difference in the performance and longevity of your machinery. It’s also important to take into account if your machinery is operating in the cold temperatures that can be common in the Upper Midwest. AW32 will flow “better” in colder weather than AW46. For instance, if your machine’s space is unheated, you may want to consider AW32 instead of AW46. Also, don’t use fluids that are too “thin” for your hydraulic system. Something like transmission fluid (5/10W) may weep around the cylinder seals or degrade the pump seals over time. ## Selecting the Right Fluid Some of the most common uses for AW32 are in the agricultural and industrial sectors, while AW46 is more commonly used in construction and forestry. Finally, AW68 is often used in high-temperature applications, such as foundries, power plants, and steel mills, and for heavy equipment. It is always important to consult your operator’s manual or a qualified technician before selecting your hydraulic fluid. If you have questions, Keller-Heartt’s experts would be happy to talk through your options with you. 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Here is a cross-reference for AW32 hydraulic fluids. Brian McGrath Jul 28, 2023 Oil ### [Three Questions to Ask Before Choosing Hydraulic Fluid](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/three-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-hydraulic-fluid) Lubrication. Anti-wear. Heat transfer. Sealing. Pump efficiency. Hydraulic fluid wears many hats, but unfortunately, that hat is not one size fits... Brian McGrath Feb 9, 2024 Grease ### [What’s the Best Multi-purpose Grease for Industrial Machinery?](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/best-multipurpose-grease-for-industrial-machinery) Enhance the longevity, efficiency, and overall performance of your machinery with these multi-purpose greases. Complete with top features and cost... Brian McGrath Feb 19, 2025 ## **Get the latest oil & lubricant industry insights** Subscribe to the Keller-Heartt blog so you can sharpen your industry knowledge, gather helpful tips, and stay informed about changes or updates in the oil provider landscape. ### Subscribe to Our Blog! © 2025 Keller-Heart Oil All rights reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Brian McGrath", "url" : "https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/author/brian-mcgrath" }, "dateModified" : "2023-09-20T02:51:12.821Z", "datePublished" : "2023-04-28T21:33:12.000Z", "headline" : "Should I Use AW32 or AW46 Hydraulic Fluid?", "image" : [ "https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/hydraulic-fluid-hoses.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/should-i-use-aw32-or-aw46-hydraulic-fluid", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/branding/keller-heartt-logo.350.png" }, "name" : "Keller-Heartt Co" } } ```