your global specialist

Special knowledge

Geared up for success.

Useful information on oil lubrication of gears
 Selection of the right gear oil 4

Overview of Klber gear oils 16

Viscosity selection 18

Oil level, immersion depth and oil quantities 24

Oil change: How its done 26

2 B023001002/Edition 07.13
Gear oils made by Klber Lubrication

Increasing demands on the gear and the lubricant Your global specialist!

Today, demands for the transmission of ever growing power and We are where you are. Our specialists are there to support you,
torque in gears of all performance grades in combination with wherever you need them. We help you select the right product or
reduced size and weight require new gear designs, new materials, develop a solution tailored to your requirements.
improved surface treatment, modern production techniques as
well as the application of mineral and synthetic high-performance Made by Klber Lubrication stands for a consistent high quality
lubricants. level worldwide. We assure you that all our products are made
to the same high quality, no matter whether produced in Asia,
As the power-to-weight ratio of the gears is increased, demands Europe or the Americas.
on the lubricants are becoming tougher as well. This particularly
applies to their wear-reducing and anti-fretting effects as well as
to their stability under high gear temperatures. The heat gener- Think about tomorrow today!
ated during operation must be removed via decreasing housing
surfaces areas. Using a high-performance lubricant in times of growing environ-
mental awareness contributes to increasing efficiency, saving
This results in higher operating temperatures, which affect the energy and reducing CO2 emissions.
useful life of both the gearbox and the lubricants.
The longer oil life that can be achieved leads to lower total lubri-
cant consumption and hence less used oil disposal. There is less
Fit for new challenges strain on natural resources, and both maintenance and disposal
costs are reduced.
Based on more than 80 years of experience, the experts at
Klber Lubrication have developed gear oils which meet the latest
requirements to be fulfilled by the lubricant as a design element. We are at your side right from the start

Klber Lubrications high-performance gear oils are the response With this brochure, we would like to provide you with valuable
to unacceptably high wear rates and low gear efficiency, which information on the lubrication of gears. We know that this is a
substantially affect production costs. Powerful lubricants with complex issue, and therefore we offer you expert consulting
above-average performance help to keep wear low and increase right from the start. You can take our word for it.
the efficiency, reducing operating costs and asset replacement.
Klber has combined the requirements of todays power trans-
mission technology in an approach named KlberComp Lube
Technology. We deal with gear components, lubricant composi-
tion and services in a holistic review rather than as separate top-
ics. So for you as a gear manufacturer or operator, KlberComp
Lube Technology can help to bring a substantial increase in gear
performance.

3
Selection of the right gear oil

Maximum operational reliability throughout a gearboxs service Properties of gear oils

life can only be ensured if lubricants are not only considered
necessary operating materials but are taken into account during Gear oil properties are determined by the base oil and the
all design phases as integral structural elements. Ideally, the additives. The essential requirements on gear oils are described
lubricant should be selected in the design phase of the gear. by leading gear manufacturers in international standards and
specifications. They include:
This brochure describes in a few steps how to select the right
gear oil. For special applications, however, e.g. where very Operating temperature range
long service intervals are to be expected, or where operating Viscosity
conditions are very special, you should consult with the experts Ageing behaviour
from Klber Lubrication. They will help you utilise all of your Low-temperature behaviour
applications potential by using the ideal lubricant. Corrosion protection on steel / nonferrous metal
Foaming behaviour
Elastomer compatibility
H
 int: The more we know about your application, the better can Compatibility with interior coatings
we determine which lubricant is the optimum choice in your case. Wear protection fretting, micropitting

For selecting the right oil for your gears, parameters like perfor-
mance, speeds, environmental influences and special operating
conditions have to be taken into consideration. Based on such
information, it is possible to select the

oil type
wear protection
and the viscosity

which enables the gear oil to perform its tasks to the optimum,
which include:

absorb forces
reduce friction
minimise wear
dissipate heat
absorb wear and contamination

4
Operating temperature Temperatures typically found in a gear

The oil temperature in industrial gears is between 20 and

150 C, depending on the type of gear and the application.
Heating of a gear system, in particular of the gear wheels, A
bearings and the lubricant, is one of the most important criteria
to evaluate the gears performance. The existing temperatures
are indicative of the power losses. B

Apart from design-related influences, oil temperatures mainly

depend on the operating conditions. Oil temperatures rise with C
an increasing ambient temperature and when the oil is exposed
to thermal radiation. They do not become quite as high when the
gear is operated under partial load conditions or intermittently.
It is important to ensure that the permissible temperature limits
D
are not exceeded in individual gear components, the lubricant
and the accessories (filters, pumps etc.). For viscosity selection,
the oil sump temperature or temperature of the injected oil is an
important factor.
A Mass temperature of the gear
Operating temperatures above average or temperature peaks B Temperatures in the mesh
often indicate malfunctions or incipient damage. C Bearing temperature
D Oil sump temperature

 int: When using mineral oil-based gear oils, an oil temperature

H
of 75 - 80 C should not be exceeded.

5
Selection of the right gear oil

Viscosity Viscosity-temperature behaviour of oils

Viscosity is of primary importance when selecting gear oils, as it 1 Mineral oil

significantly determines the formation of a lubricant film. 2 Polyalphaolefin
Increasing viscosity of the lubricating oil results in thicker lubricant
films, thus improving the antiwear and damping properties as well
3 Polyglycol
as scuffing load capacity.

Viscosity decreases with increasing temperature and rises with

Viscosity [lglg]

increasing load. If the viscosity is too high, increased churning

and squeezing losses can result in excessive heat, especially at
elevated peripheral speeds. If the viscosity is too low, mixed
friction conditions prevail and will result in increased wear.

Viscosity is highly influenced by temperature. The change in

viscosity with temperature is usually determined by means
of the viscosity index (VI). The higher the VI of a gear oil, the
less viscosity changes with temperature, i. e. the flatter the
VT (viscosity-temperature) curve.

The degree to which viscosity changes with temperature depends

on the base oil type, such as mineral oil, polyalphaolefin, ester, 3
polglycol, as well as on the VI improver additives contained in
the lubricant.
2
40 C
1

Temperature [lg]

Comparison of viscosity indexes:

Mineral oil VI approx. 85 to 100

Polyalphaolefin VI approx. 130 to 160
Polyglycol VI approx. 150 to 260

 int: A high viscosity index facilitates start-up at low outside

H
temperatures, reduces power loss to a minimum and enables the
formation of a load-carrying lubricant film also at high temperatures.

6
Ageing behaviour Low-temperature behaviour

An oils chemical structure continuously changes when it is Depending on the base oil type, lubricating oils solidify at low
subjected to high temperatures, mixed with air or in contact with temperatures as their viscosity increases, or due to wax
metal catalysts like copper, iron and others, causing it to age. crystallisation of the contained paraffins.
The speed of the ageing process primarily depends on the oils
structure and the amount and duration of heat to which the oil is An oils pour point is indicative of its cold flow behaviour, which is
subjected. Also, contaminants like water, rust or dust contribute determined according to ISO 3016. The pour point is the lowest
to oil ageing. By adding special additives the lubricant manufac- temperature at which the oil still flows when it is cooled down
turer can retard the ageing process effectively. under specified test conditions. In order to ensure rapid and
sufficient lubricant supply during a cold start, the lowest
Oil ageing is indicated by a change in viscosity, formation of acids temperature occurring in a gear (starting temperature) should
enhancing corrosion and residues. Residues caused by ageing always be several degrees above the pour point.
occur in the form of lacquer, sludge or gum, which may clog oil
lines, injection nozzles and filters, Synthetic gear oils show a much better cold flow behaviour than
mineral oils. Due to their high viscosity index (VI), synthetic oils are
Ageing has a negative effect on the oils demulsifying capacity, its less viscous at lower temperatures than mineral oils with the same
foaming behaviour, its anticorrosion and wear protection, and, to nominal viscosity. Their pour point is much lower, sometimes even
a certain extent, its air shedding capacity: below 50 C.

The ageing behaviour of oils is determined according to

ASTM D 2893.

 int: Synthetic oils show significantly better ageing resistance

H H
 int: Due to their good cold start behaviour, synthetic gear oils
than mineral oils under comparable operating conditions, which are particularly suitable for very low temperatures.
is why they achieve longer oil change intervals.

Comparison of the low-temperature behaviour of mineral and synthetic gear oils

Product Oil type ISO VG Viscosity index ISO 2909 Pour point ISO 3016 [C]
ISO 3448
Klberoil GEM 1-220 N Mineral oil 220 90 10
Klbersynth GEM 4-220 N Polyalfaolefin 220 150 40

Klbersynth GH 6-220 Polyglycol 220 220 35

Klbersynth UH1 6-220

7
Selection of the right gear oil

Anti-corrosion properties H
 int: When using a gear oil for components made of or con-
taining copper, like brass or bronze, it should pass the copper
Anti-corrosion properties of gear oils are assessed individually for: corrosion test according to ISO 2160 with the rating 1a or 1b.

corrosion protection on steel All gear oils from Klber Lubrication which comply with the
corrosion protection on copper requirements of DIN 51517 for CLP lubricating oils are not
(compatibility with nonferrous metals) corrosive on copper and prevent corrosion on steel.

Corrosion protection on steel Compatibility with interior coatings

If there is water in the system, due to either leakage or condensa- Gear housings made of grey cast iron or steel are usually coated
tion, it will combine with ambient oxygen and lead to rust forming to protect them against corrosion during storage, transport or
on inadequately protected steel surfaces. extended periods of standstill.

Corrosion on components or rust particles contained in the oil are The primers commonly used for interior coating are resistant to
returned to the mesh zone and the bearings, where they have an mineral gear oils up to 100 C. However, they are not always
abrasive effect and promote wear. Rust also affects ageing resistant at higher oil temperatures (> 100 C) or to synthetic gear
stability and demulsification of gear oils, and may result in the oils, especially those based on polyglycol. The coatings may get
formation of sludge. soft, dissolve or form blisters and chip off, causing gear malfunc-
tions or damage by clogging oil lines, filters and deaeration holes.
To enhance their rust-prevention properties, gear oils contain Two-component coatings based on epoxy resins normally are
polar rust inhibitors forming a compact and protective, resistant to all oil types, even at high operating temperatures. We
water-repelling layer. The gear oils steel corrosion protection recommend to have the paint manufacturer carry out compatibility
properties are determined according to ISO 7120. tests prior to series application.

Corrosion protection on copper

(compatibility with nonferrous metals)

For gear oils containing EP (Extreme Pressure) additives, it is

vital they do not have a corrosive effect on nonferrous metals,
especially on copper or copper alloys like bronze and brass. The
corrosion behaviour of gear oils is tested according to ISO 2160
using a copper strip.

8
Foaming behaviour

Gear oils should be able to separate dispersed air rapidly and The oil manufacturer can reduce the foaming tendency by adding
prevent the formation of stable surface foam. Foam is generated anti-foam additives. However, too high a concentration may affect
by air bubbles rising to the surface. The bubbles should burst as the air shedding capacity. The foaming tendency of a lubricating
quickly as possible to keep foam to a minimum. oil is determined according to ISO 6247 or ASTM D 892.

Particularly in case of splash-lubricated gears operating at A more practice-oriented approach is the Flender foam test
medium to high peripheral speeds, the oil has a pronounced according to ISO 12152, which is increasingly gaining in impor-
foaming tendency due to the air constantly introduced. Contami- tance. In this test, the gear pair runs in the oil, thus entraining air
nants such as water, dust, corrosion particles and ageing residues into the oil. Then the oil is checked for air absorption, formation
may even increase the foaming tendency. Foaming has a strong of oil-air dispersion, surface foam and the degree to which these
negative impact on the lubricants properties, such as oxidation phenomena are reversible.
stability, heat dissipation, etc. Excessive foaming may cause the
foam to be forced out of the breather vent; in case of force-feed Gear oils made by Klber Lubrication meet the stringent
lubrication there is the danger of foam being drawn into the oil requirements of the Flender foaming test.
pump causing noise or damage.

9
Selection of the right gear oil

Elastomer compatibility

The materials used for radial shaft seals (RSS) or static seals, e.g. The tests used for verifying the static and dynamic compatibility of
O-ring seals, must not become brittle or softer when exposed to gear oils with elastomers are based on ISO 1817 and DIN 3761,
gear oil, as otherwise their sealing capacity would be affected. The respectively.
seals would suffer premature wear, leading to leakage. Cleaning
and possibly expensive gear repairs would become necessary. Through the Lube&Seal program jointly run by Klber Lubrication
and Freudenberg Sealing and Vibration Control Technology, gear
Especially when higher torques lead to higher operating tempera- oils made by Klber are now designed to match radial shaft seals
tures, or when a gearbox is changed from mineral to synthetic oil made by Freudenberg. So now gear oils from Klber can be
lubrication, compatibility with the seals should be considered. selected to ensure trouble-free operation. If the materials to be
used are selected carefully, run-times of more than 20,000 hours
can be attained.

General overview of the compatibility of gear oils with sealing materials

Abbreviation NBR ACM VQM FKM PTFE
Type Acrylonitrile Acrylate Silicone rubber Fluorinated Polytetrafluoro-
butadiene rubber rubber rubber, ethylen
e.g. Viton
Thermal up to 100 C up to up to 125 C up to up to
resistance 125 C 150 C 150 C
Klberoil GEM 1 N Mineral oil

Klbersynth GEM 4 N Polyalpha-

olefin
Klbersynth GH 6 Polyglycol
x
Klbersynth UH1 6
compatible compatible under certain conditions Mineral oils are only compatible with seals up to 125 C
Compatible with all gear oils, but air shedding may be impaired x not compatible

10
Wear protection FZG micropitting test (results)

The challenging requirements in gear manufacture today include GF-C/8.3/60 GF-C/8.3/90

protection against seizure and micropitting, the reduction of wear 10 10
under high sliding loads and the protection of rolling bearings 10

Failure load stage LS

No requirement

No requirement
against wear and fatigue.
9

8
Protection of gear teeth
7
Standard Klber Standard Klber
Heavily loaded gears are potentially subject to seizure and pitting,
CLP oil gear oils* CLP oil gear oils*
as the high loads generate high pressures and temperatures,
* with KlberComp Lube Technology
which in turn can lead to tooth damage resulting in premature
gear failure. The risk is particularly high with less than perfect
tooth contours and surfaces, impact loads, vibration, a high
degree of sliding friction and high surface pressure. Protection of rolling bearings

Scuffing: The FZG scuffing test according to ISO 14635-1 is Apart from the gear teeth, also the rolling bearings have to be
generally undertaken to test the capability of gear oils to protect protected against high wear and premature fatigue, which are
against scuffing damage. Load stage KS 12 of the FZG scuffing often the reason for gearbox failures. The influence of high-
test is the minimum requirement for CLP oils according to DIN performance gear oils on the wear behaviour of rolling bearings is
51517-3 and EP oils according to AGMA 9005/E02. examined in the FAG FE8 wear test according to DIN 51819-3.
Klber Lubrications gear oils with KlberComp Lube Technology Klber Lubrications gear oils surpass this tests minimum
surpass this level, offering superior protection with significantly requirements for CLP oils, while also attaining twice the calculated
higher scuffing load stages and speeds even under extreme bearing life in the FE8 lifetime test. Consequently, these rolling
shock load conditions. bearings can attain the service life projected by the bearing
design engineer.

FZG scuffing test (results)

FE8 rolling bearing test (results)
A/8.3/90 A/16.6/90
Wear D 7.5/80-80 Service life D 75/80-80
14
14
Failure load stage LS

>1500
No requirement

12 12 40 1600
Rolling element wear [mg]

12
30
30 1200
10
No requirement

Service life [h]

20 800
8
10
Standard Klber Standard Klber 10 400
CLP oil gear oils* CLP oil gear oils*
* with KlberComp Lube Technology 0 0
Standard Klber Standard Klber
CLP oil gear oils* CLP oil gear oils*
* with KlberComp Lube Technology
Micropitting: The micropitting test according to FVA 54/7 has
become the industry standard for assessing a gear oils micropitting
load-carrying capacity as low, medium or high.
Klber Lubrications gear oils with KlberComp Lube Technology Conclusion:
are classified as having high micropitting resistance,
i.e. load stage KS 10. The performance ratings stipulated by gear oil standards such
as DIN 51517-3 or the similar AGMA 9005 are often not sufficient
to ensure reliable operation. High-performance gear oils made
by Klber Lubrication surpass these standards and thus reliably
protect gearboxes against tooth and bearing damage also in
critical application situations.

11
Selection of the right gear oil

Mineral or synthetic gear oils Polyglycols (PG)

Today, many enclosed industrial gearboxes are still lubricated with With polyglycol oils, very low friction results can be attained,
mineral oils. Where these oils come up against their limitations, which is why they are preferably used for the lubrication of gears
e.g. in terms of operating temperatures, the use of synthetic gear with a high proportion of sliding friction, e.g. worm and hypoid
oils should be considered. Gear lubricants based on the following gears. When combined with corresponding additives, they show
synthetic oils have proven most effective: excellent antiwear behaviour, especially in steel/bronze worm
gears.
polyalphaolefin (PAO)
polyglycol (PG) Just like gear oils based on PAO, oils based on specific
ester (E) polyglycols and additives may be used for the manufacture of
physiologically safe gear lubricants (H1 oils*) for use in the
food-processing and pharmaceutical industries.
Polyalphaolefins (PAO)
Polyglycols are miscible with mineral oils to a limited extent only,
Polyalphaolefins have a chemical structure similar to mineral oils. so mixing should be avoided. Because of their high resistance
They are therefore generally known under the designation to oxidation, polyglycols are often used at extremely high gear
synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC). Their compatibility with seal mate- temperatures.
rials and paints is comparable to that of mineral oils. They should
be disposed of or reprocessed in the same way as mineral oils
and are miscible with mineral oil residues. Selected PAO base oils *) These lubricants are NSF H1 registered and therefore comply with
and corresponding additives may also be used for the manufac- FDA 21 CFR 178.3570. The lubricants were developed for incidental contact
with products and packaging materials in the food-processing, cosmetics,
ture of physiologically safe gear lubricants (H1 oils*) for use in the pharmaceutical or animal feed industries. The use of these lubricants can
food-processing and pharmaceutical industries. Gear oils based contribute to increase reliability of your production processes. We nevertheless
on PAO show good oxidation resistance, enabling much longer oil recommend conducting an additional risk analysis, e.g. HACCP.

change intervals. They also show especially good low-tempera-

ture behaviour.

Comparison of the upper service temperature of a mineral oil with synthetic gear oils
Product Oil type ISO VG Viscosity index Upper service temperature
ISO 3448 ISO 2909 (approx.)
Klberoil GEM 1 N Mineral oil 220 90 100 C
Klbersynth GEM 4 N Polyalphaolefin 220 150 140 C
Klbersynth GH 6 Polyglycol
220 220 160 C
Klbersynth UH1 6

12
Esters (E) Oil life time

Synthetic ester oils are compounds of acids and alcohols. The prolonged service life of synthetic lubricants and the conse-
Innumerable different ester structures are therefore possible, each quent longer oil change intervals can reduce equipment downtime
with different chemical and physical characteristics and giving and save resources. In some cases, lubrication for-life is possible.
rise to different lubricant properties. Depending on the individual
type, ester oils may show particularly good thermal resistance or
a particularly good low-temperature behaviour. Typical oil change intervals

The ester oils used in industrial gears are normally of the rapidly 160
biodegradable type. Their performance is generally comparable 150
with that of polyalphaolefin or polyglycol oils.
140
Esters are miscible with mineral oils and polyalphaolefins. Mixing
Oil temperature [C]

130 Polyglycol
with polyglycols is possible to a limited extent only.
120

110 PAO / ester

Benefits of synthetic gear oils
100
In addition to the wide service temperature range, synthetic gear 90
oils offer many advantages compared to mineral oils: Mineral oil
80
3 to 5 times longer oil change intervals under the same 70
thermal conditions 300 500 1000 5000 10000 30000
Higher wear protection Oil change intervals [h]
Better cold start with the same nominal viscosity (ISO VG)
Oil coolers may not be required due to reduced operating
temperatures under full load
Lower gearing losses due to reduced friction leads to
lower energy costs

13
Selection of the right gear oil

Improved efficiency by reducing gear friction losses Friction coefficients of various gear oils determined
on the twin-disk machine
Synthetic gear oils based on polyalphaolefin, ester or polyglycol
show a considerably lower gear friction coefficient than mineral 0.060
oils due to their particular molecular structure.
0.050

The friction generated in gears with synthetic oils can be more 0.040

than 30 % lower than that of an industrial EP mineral gear oil. 0.030

Due to the lower friction coefficients of synthetic gear oils, they
0.020
help reduce gearing losses considerably and hence increasing
gear efficiency. 0.010

0.000
Especially in gearboxes with a high share of sliding friction, e.g. Mineral oil PAO / ester Polyglycol

worm or hypoid gears, a changeover from mineral to synthetic

v = 2 m/s Hertzian pressure pH 1000 N/mm
gear oils can lead to increases in efficiency of more than 20 %. v = 4 m/s Slip 20 %
v = 8 m/s Oil injection temperature 90 C
ISO VG 150

Efficiency determined on the Klber worm gear test rig

100

90
80
80
70
Efciency [%]

70

57 60

50

40
Klbersynth GH 6 Klbersynth GEM 4 N Mineral oil

Test gear: Test conditions:

Flender CUW 63 Input speed 350 1/min
i = 1 : 39 ; a = 63 mm Output torque 300 Nm
Material worm 16MnCrS5 ISO VG 460
Material wheel GC - CuSn12Ni

14
Even in spur and bevel gears that already operate with high or the total number of gearboxes used. The various degrees of
efficiency, a changeover to synthetic gear oils may lead to a efficiency improvement that can be attained by synthetic gear oils,
further efficiency increase of up to 1 %. While this might not especially in gears where gearing losses due to higher loads are
sound like much at first, it may lead to substantial energy cost high, are shown in the following table.
savings depending on the power rating of a gearbox

Gear type Worm gears, Spur or bevel gears,

hypoid gears axes not offset
Effect

Reduction of total loss 30% or more 20% or more

Efficiency improvement 20% or more up to 1%
Reduction of operating temp. 20 C or more 5 C or more
(steady-state temperature)
Potential reduction of gearing losses and improvement of efficiency by using a synthetic oil instead of a mineral oil

The synthetic gear oils made by Klber Lubrication offer significantly higher efficiency than a standard gear oil based on mineral oil,
resulting in a lower oil temperature as shown in the thermal pictures.

Standard gear oil Klbersynth GEM 4-220 N

(Mineral oil, ISO VG 220) Klberoil 4 UH1-220 N

Even in spur gears, an oil temperature reduction from 85 C with mineral oil to 80 C with Klbers synthetic gear oils based on PAO
can be achieved. This results in a reduction of energy consumption, longer lifetime of the gearbox and less maintenance.
15
Overview of Klber gear oils

Klber gear oils Base oil Available Gear type Service temperature range
ISO VG

Spur, bevel, Hypoid Worm Lower Upper

planetary gears gears service service
gears temperature temperature
(approx.) (approx.)

Klberoil GEM 1 N* MIN 461000 +++ ++ + 15 C 100 C

Klbersynth GEM 4 N* PAO 32680 +++ + ++ 50 C 140 C

Klbersynth GH 6* PG 221500 ++ +++ +++ 55 C 160 C

Klbersynth UH1 6*/** PG 1001000 ++ + +++ 35 C 160 C

Klberoil 4 UH1 N** PAO 321500 ++ + + 35 C 120C

Klbersynth GEM 2 Ester 220, 320 ++ + + 30 C 130 C

Klbersynth G 4 PAO 68220 ++ + + 40 C 140 C

Klbersynth EG 4 PAO 1501000 ++ ++ + 35 C 140 C

Klbersynth GHE 6 PG 100, 460 +++ ++ + 35 C 160 C

Klbersynth GE 4 75 W 90 PAO *** ++ +++ + 40 C 150 C

Klberbio CA 2 Ester 100, 460 ++ + + 30 C 110 C

Klberbio EG 2 Ester 150 ++ + + 25 C 100 C

Standard CLP-l No No
requirement requirement
+++ Optimum performance /benefit ++ Increased performance / benefit + Standard

* KlberComp Lube Technology ** H1 certified *** SAE viscosity class 75 W 90

16
Performance parameters DIN 51517-3, Possible energy saving
AGMA 9005
denomination

Oil life Protection Protection of Compatibility

of gear teeth rolling bearings with radial shaft
(against seizure, (against wear, seal elastomers
micropitting, pitting)
pitting)

+ +++ +++ +++ CLP, EP oil +

++ +++ +++ +++ CLP, EP oil ++

+++ +++ +++ +++ CLP, EP oil +++

+++ +++ +++ +++ CLP, EP oil +++

++ ++ +++ ++ CLP, EP oil ++

++ +++ +++ + - ++

++ + + + - ++

++ + + + EP oil ++

+++ ++ ++ ++ CLP, EP oil +++

++ ++ ++ + - ++

++ + ++ + CLP, EP oil ++

++ ++ ++ +(+) CLP, EP oil ++

Minimum Minimum Minimum CLP, EP oil No

requirement requirement requirement requirement

17
Viscosity selection

The required gear oil viscosity depends on the gear geometry

and loads. It can be determined on the basis of DIN 51509-1
by calculating the force-speed factor ks/v for each gear stage.
In addition to the gear dimensions, this factor also takes into
account other parameters influencing the viscosity like the gear
speeds and loads. For the calculation of the force-speed factor,
one has to distinguish between the following types of gears:

Spur gears, bevel gears Worm gears

kS
v
=
[Ft . u + 1 . 2 . 2 .
b . d1 u
ZH Z K A
] v

v Peripheral speed [m/s] T2 Output torque [Nm]

Ft Peripheral force [N] a Shaft centre distance [m]
b Tooth width [mm] nS Worm speed [min1]
d1 Reference diameter [mm] KA Application factor []
u Gear ratio (= z2/z1; z2 > z1) []
KA Application factor []
ZH Distribution factor []
Z Contact ratio []

Additional formulae:

Ft = 2000 T1 / d1
(input torque T1 in [Nm],
reference diameter d1 in [mm])

v = d1 n1 / 60000
(reference diameter d1 in [mm],
torque n1 in [min1])

Approximation: ZH2 Z2 = 3
Note: Guide values for KA
are listed in DIN 3990-6.

18
Determination of application factor KA
Operating characteristics of Operating characteristics of driven machine
driving machine uniform moderate shocks medium shocks heavy shocks
uniform 1 1.25 1.5 1.75
light shocks 1.1 1.35 1.6 1.85
moderate shocks 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
heavy shocks 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 or higher
The values apply to the nominal torque of the driven machine, alternatively to the nominal torque of the driving motor, if it corresponds to the torque demand
of the driven machine. The values stated are only valid for machines not operating in the resonance range and only if they have a uniform power require-
ment. In applications with acceptable loads, motors with high starting torque, intermittent operation, extreme and recurring shock loads, the gears should be
checked for static and fatigue strength. For examples, see DIN 3990, part 6, page 9.

Examples of driving machines with different operating characteristics

Characteristic Driving machine
uniform Electric motor (e.g. DC motor), steam/gas turbine in steady operation *)
(low starting torques at long intervals) **)
light shocks Steam turbine, gas turbine, hydraulic/electric motor (higher starting torques at short intervals) **)
moderate shocks Multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
heavy shocks Single-cylinder internal combustion engine
*) As determined in vibration tests or empirically with similar systems
**) see service life curves ZNT; YNT of the material in DIN 3990 part 2 and part 3. Consideration of short-term overload torques

Examples of operating characteristics of the driven machine

Characteristic Driven machine
uniform Power generators; continuously fed belt and apron conveyors; feed screws; light elevators; packaging
machines; machine tool feed drives; fans; light centrifuges; rotary pumps; agitators and mixers for light
fluids or substances of even density; shears; presses; punches1); rotary units; travel gears2)
moderate shocks Intermittently fed belt and apron conveyors; machine tool main drives; heavy elevators; rotary units of
cranes; industrial and mining fans; heavy centrifuges; rotary pumps; agitators and mixers for viscous
fluids or substances of varying density; multi-cylinder piston pumps; feeding pumps; extruders in gen-
eral; calenders; rotary kilns; rolling mills3) (continuous zinc band, aluminium belt mills, wire and rod mills)
medium shocks Rubber extruders; intermittently operating mixers for rubber and synthetic materials; light-weight
ball mills; woodworking machines (gate saws, turning lathes); blooming mills 3),4); hoisting units;
single-cylinder piston pumps
heavy shocks Excavators, bucket wheel chain drives; screen drives; shovel dredgers; heavy ball mills; rubber kneaders;
stone and ore crushers; mining machinery; heavy feed pumps; rotary drilling installations; brick presses;
debarking drums; peeling machines; cold belt mills3),5); briquetting presses; pan grinders
1) Nominal torque = maximum cutting, pressing, punching torque 2) Nominal torque = maximum starting torque 3) Nominal torque = maximum rolling torque
4) Torque based on power limit 5) K up to 2.0 due to frequent belt breakage

19
Viscosity selection

Mineral oils

After having determined the critical force-speed factor ks/v, the

required nominal viscosity for mineral oils can be plotted acc. to
DIN 51509-1. Distinction is made between the different gear types.

Viscosity selection for spur gears, bevel gears Note:

1000
Mineral oil

The curves of mineral oil viscosity shown apply to an ambient

500 temperature of 20 C and an operational oil temperature of 70 C.
400
Nominal viscosity 40 [mm/s]

300
200 If the ambient temperature is permanently above 25 C, the
150 viscosity has to be increased by approx. 10 % for every 10 C
100
temperature rise versus the ambient temperature of 20 C.
50
40 If the ambient temperature is permanently below 10 C, the
30
20
viscosity has to be decreased by approx. 10 % for every 3 C
temperature drop versus the ambient temperature of 20 C.
10
102 2 3 4 5 101 2 3 4 5 100 2 3 4 5 101 2
Load/speed factor ks/v [MPa s/m]

Viscosity selection for worm gears

1200
Mineral oil

1000
Nominal viscosity 40 [mm/s]

800

600

400

200

0
101 2 3 45 102 2 3 45 103 2 3 45 104 2 3 45 105
Load/speed factor ks/v [N min/m]

For the loads of two-stage gears, the gear stage with the higher
force-speed factor ks/v is the one to be considered. For three-
stage gears, one has to interpolate between the two most critical
gear stages.

20
Synthetic gear oils

The required nominal viscosity for Klber synthetic gear oils can After having determined the Klber viscosity index KVZ, the
be determined by means of the Klber Viscosity Index KVZ and required nominal viscosity for Klber synthetic gear oils, which
the expected operating temperature of the oil. For this purpose are available in many ISO VG grades, can be selected from the
the force-speed factor ks/v is calculated for each gear stage and diagrams starting on page 22 taking into account the expected
used for determining the Klber viscosity index KVZ. operating temperature of the oil.
Again, distinction is made between the different gear types. Note: The operational oil temperature is the oil sump temperature
or the temperature of the injected oil.

Spur gears, bevel gears

MPa s
ks/v
m KVZ
0.02 1
> 0.02 to 0.08 2
> 0.08 to 0.3 3
> 0.3 to 0.8 4 Example 1
> 0.8 to 1.8 5
> 1.8 to 3.5 6
> 3.5 to 7.0 7
> 7.0 8

Worm gears

MPa s
ks/v
m KVZ
60 5
60 6
> 400 to 1800 7
> 1800 to 6000 8 Example 2
> 6000 9

21
 Viscosity selection

Viscosity selection (ISO VG) for Klbersynth GEM 4 N Viscosity selection for Klberoil 4 UH1 N
Spur gears, Spur gears,
9 bevel gears, 9 bevel gears,
worm gears worm gears
8 8
Example 1
7 7
...1500
Klber viscosity index KVZ

6
Klber viscosity index KVZ

6
5
5
4 ...680
...680 4
...460
3
...460 3
2 ...320
ISO VG

...320
2

ISO VG
...32 ...46 ...68 ...100 ...150 ...220
1 ...220
1 ...32 ...46 ...68 ...100 ...150
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Oil operating temperature [C] Oil operating temperature [C]

Viscosity selection for Klbersynth GH 6 Viscosity selection for Klbersynth UH1 6

Spur gears, Spur gears,
9 bevel gears, 9 bevel gears,
worm gears worm gears
8 8
Example 2
7 ...1500 7
Klber viscosity index KVZ
Klber viscosity index KVZ

6 6
...1000
5 5 ...680
...680
4 4 ...460
...460 3 ...320
3
...320 2 ...220
ISO VG

2
ISO VG

...220 1 ...100 ...150

1 ...22 ...32 ...46 ...80 ...100 ...150

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160

Oil operating temperature [C] Oil operating temperature [C]

Hint: After having determined the required viscosity grade, we

also recommend considering the scuffing resistance. In addition,
Hint: In case of doubt always select the next higher viscosity it is important to take into account the viscosity requirements of
grade. At low temperatures it is important to take into account the other lubrication points in the gearbox, i.e. rolling bearings,
the gear oils flow limit! plain bearings, couplings, oil pumps, etc.

22
Example 1: Example 2:

Single-stage spur gear for driving a fan Worm gear stage of a gear motor driving a
in the beverage industry circular conveyor in the beverage industry

Drive: Electric motor Drive: Electric motor

Nominal tangential load: Ft = 3000 N Output torque: T2 = 300 Nm
Tooth width: b = 25 mm Worm speed: n1 = 350 min1
Reference diameter: d1 = 230 mm Shaft centre distance: a = 0.063 m
Gear ratio: u = 2.5 Application factor: KA = 1
ZH Z : 3 Force-speed factor: kS/v = 3428 N min
Application factor: KA = 1 m2
Circumferential speed: v = 4 m/s Klber viscosity number
Stribeckian contact pressure: kS = 2.2 MPa from table on p. 21: KVZ = 8
Oil sump temperature to be expected: 85 C
Force-speed factor: kS/v = 0.55 MPa s
m
Klber viscosity number
from table on p. 21: KVZ = 4
Oil sump temperature to be expected: 90 C

Selected gear oil certified as H1: Selected gear oil certified as H1:
Kberoil 4 UH1-220 N with ISO VG 220 Kbersynth UH1 6-460 with ISO VG 460

23
Oil level, immersion depth and oil quantities

Most enclosed industrial gears are lubricated by oil. The simplest

way of supplying lubricant to the components is by immersion.
This method combines the benefits of being economical and
simple with reliable, continuous lubrication and a cooling effect
that is sufficient for many applications. Splashing oil may also wet
gears and rolling bearings that are not themselves immersed in
the oil bath.

This splashing effect can be enhanced by fitting additional splash-

ing disks on the gear shafts. Immersion oil lubrication works well
without specifically adjusted gear design up to peripheral speeds
of approx. 20 m/s. If plates and pockets are fitted to guide the oil
movement, higher peripheral speeds are also possible.

With splash lubrication it is important that a certain oil level is

maintained at all times in order to ensure damage-free opera-
tion. If the oil level is too low, it may result in starved lubrication,
inadequate heat dissipation and increased wear. If the oil level
is too high, churning losses may increase, resulting in higher oil
temperatures and gear friction losses. In order to keep churning
losses low, the depth of immersion is reduced with increasing
peripheral speed.

24
 Recommended immersion depth
Type of gears Operating conditions Immersion depth
Spur gears Peripheral speed up to 5 m/s 3 to 5 times the module size
Peripheral speed > 520 m/s 1 to 3 times the module size
Bevel gears Teeth immersed across the whole wheel width
Worm gears Worm over wheel Wheel immersed to approx. 1/3 of its diameter
Wheel over worm Wheel immersed approx. halfway the mesh
Lateral worm Wheel immersed at least halfway the worm height

Further oil lubrication methods are immersion circulation lubrica- and for most gears running in plain bearings, force feed
tion and force-feed lubrication. In applications where peripheral lubrication injecting oil directly to the mesh is used.
speeds are too high for immersion lubrication,

Recommended lubrication methods

Gears Peripheral speed Lubrication methods
Spur and bevel gears up to 20 m/s Immersion lubrication
from 20 to 250 m/s Oil injection lubrication
Worm gears up to 12 m/s Immersion lubrication
(worm immersion) from 12 m/s Oil injection lubrication
Worm gears up to 8 m/s Immersion lubrication
(wheel immersion) from 8 m/s Oil injection lubrication

Force-feed lubrication is suitable for even the highest peripheral

speeds encountered in gear systems. Oil is brought onto the
tooth flanks via slotted or perforated nozzles. The injection
quantity depends on the amount of heat to be dissipated.
Hint: The required oil circulation quantity is made up of the
As a rule of thumb we recommend:
lubricant quantity required for the gear wheels plus the quantity
required for the bearings.
0.5 to 1.0 l/min per cm of tooth width

25
Oil change: How its done

Normal oil change without changeover Oil change checklist Gear inspection

Oil-lubricated gears require an oil change from time to time

since the oil changes its characteristics beyond limits due to
Clean gears
the working and ambient conditions, e.g. ageing, abrasion and
contamination. The objective of the oil change is to ensure Drain oil while warm
continued reliable lubrication. This is also the objective when
replacing a gear oil that is basically still fit for use, but not under
the prevailing operating conditions. Inspect teeth

When an oil change of this type is performed, some residual oil

will always remain in the gearbox. In many cases, these residues Replace filters
cannot be tolerated and must be removed. The simplest method
is flushing the gears. If possible, the old gear oil is drained while
still warm, i.e. immediately after the gears are stopped. Draining Fill in new oil
is followed by flushing to remove residues. The oil container and
inside walls of the gearbox can also be cleaned by non-fraying
cloth do not use cleaning wool and/or a rubber blade. Put gear into operation
and stop again
A bigger problem is more profound contamination in the form of
deposits caused by strongly aged oil. In such cases it is inevitab- Check oil level
le that the gears be cleaned by means of cleaning oil and manual
cleaning, as far as accessible. A suitable oil for cleaning gears is
KlberSummit Varnasolv, which quickly dissolves residues when Take reference oil sample, if required
added to mineral oil or PAO at a concentration of 10 %, i.e. by
draining approx. 10 % of the gear oil, and then topping up with
KlberSummit Varnasolv. After 24 to 48 hours of operation,
the oil can be drained. Any remaining residues can be removed
mechanically.

26
Contaminated gears Strongly contaminated gears

Drain oil while warm Drain approx. 10 % of the oil fill while warm

Fill flushing oil Top up with Varnasolv

O
 perate gear for approx. 30 to 60 min
Operate gears for 24 - 48 hours
without load or injection system only

Drain flushing oil Drain oil while warm

Inspect teeth Fill flushing oil*

Operate gear for approx. 30 to 60 min

Replace filters
without load or injection system only*

Fill in new oil Drain flushing oil*

P
 ut gear into operation
Inspect teeth
and stop again

Check oil level Replace filters

Take reference oil sample, if required Fill in new oil

Put gear into operation

and stop again

Check oil level

Take reference oil sample, if required

* if required

27
Oil change: How its done

Changeover from mineral to synthetic gear oil Synthetic oils with a base oil other than PAO must not be mixed,
whereas gear oils based on PAO from different manufacturers are
Which synthetic gear oil is best suited for a changeover should miscible, however their content should be kept as low as possible
not be decided by the end user alone, but always be agreed in order not to affect the properties of the original gear oil.
together with the gear and/or equipment manufacturer.
At operational oil temperatures over 80 C, it is recommended to
Every changeover from mineral to synthetic oil should be use only seals made from fluorinated rubber or polytetrafluoro-
performed with great care. It may not be enough to simply drain ethylene (PTFE). At temperatures below 80 C, seals made from
the used mineral oil and fill in the new synthetic oil. Older gears, NBR are also resistant to PAO oils.
in particular, can be assumed to contain oil residues in the casing,
the oil lines etc., which might be dissolved by synthetic oils. If For the inside coating of gearboxes we recommend using epoxy
such residues are not removed, they may cause problems during and polyurea paints.
operation. Oil lines and filters may be clogged, seals, pumps and
teeth damaged. By replacing approx. 10 % of the existing mineral
oil fill with Klber Summit Varnasolv, oil residues can be dissolved Changeover from mineral oil to polyglycol (PG)
to make cleaning of the gear easier. To prevent damage, the gear
or lubricant circulation system should be flushed with the new Klbersynth GH 6
synthetic oil after the old oil has been drained, ideally at operating Klbersynth UH1 6
temperature. Klbersynth GHE 6

Flushing should be repeated once or twice when changing over Polyglycols are miscible neither with mineral oils nor other
to H1-registered or bio-lubricants like Klber oil 4 UH1 N or synthetic gear oils. Polyglycols from different manufacturers are
Klberbio oils to ensure that all mineral oil residues are removed miscible, however their content should be kept as low as possible
and important features like food safety or rapid biodegradability in order not to affect the properties of the original gear oil.
are not impaired.
When using polyglycol oils, make sure you know the materials of
The synthetic gear oil that was used for flushing must not be used your seals, paints and inspection glasses to rule out undesirable
for lubrication afterwards, however, it can be kept for further interaction with the lubricant. At operational oil temperatures over
flushing operations. Prior to filling the fresh synthetic oil, oil filters 80 C, it is recommended to use seals made from fluorinated
or filter elements should be replaced. rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) only. Below 80 C, seals
made of NBR are also resistant to PG oils.

Changeover from mineral oil for polyalphaolefin (PAO)

Klbersynth GEM 4 N
Klberoil 4 UH1 N
Klbersynth GE 4 75 W 90
Klbersynth G 4

Polyalphaolefins have a chemical structure similar to that of

mineral oils. Therefore, they can be mixed with residual mineral
oil which cannot be removed by normal oil draining. However,
in order to maintain the oils full performance, residual mineral
oil content in the gearbox, circulation system and oil containers
should not exceed 5 %.

28
Epoxy and polyurea paints are recommended for internal coating Changeover from mineral oil to ester (E)
of housings. Polyglycols are neutral towards ferrous and nearly all
non-ferrous metals. Where one or both friction bodies consist of Klbersynth GEM 2
an aluminium alloy, however, e.g. rolling bearing cages or worm Klberbio EG 2
wheels containing aluminium, a combination of dynamic loads, Klberbio CA 2
high sliding speeds and high loads may lead to increased wear,
however only occasionally. Compatibility tests are therefore When changing over to ester gear oils, make sure you know the
recommended for applications where this is the case. materials your seals, paints and inspection glasses are made of to
rule out undesirable interaction with the lubricant.
For function testing, running-in and long-time storage of
gears intended for future lubrication with polyglycol oils, Esters are miscible with mineral oils and polyalphaolefins. Mixing
Klbersynth GEZ 6-220 may be used. with polyglycols is possible to a limited extent only. Mixing with
esters from other manufacturers is permissible as long as they
are of the same ester type. The content of other oils should be
kept as low as possible in order not to affect the properties of the
original gear oil.

29
30
Publisher & Copyright
Klber Lubrication Mnchen SE & Co. KG

Reprints, total or in part, are permitted only prior consultation

with Klber Lubrication Mnchen SE & Co. KG and if source is
indicated and voucher copy is forwarded.

The data in this technical brochure are based on our general ex-
perience and knowledge at the time of printing and are intended
to give information of possible applications to a reader with
technical experience. They constitute neither an assurance of
product properties nor a guarantee of the suitability of the product
for a specific application. They do not release the user from the
obligation of performing preliminary field tests with the product
selected for a specific application. If required and possible, we
will be pleased to provide a sample for testing. We recommend
contacting us to discuss your specific application.

Products from Klber Lubrication are continually improved.

Therefore, Klber Lubrication Mnchen SE & Co. KG reserves the
right to change all the technical data in this brochure at any time
without notice.

Klber Lubrication Mnchen SE & Co. KG

Geisenhausenerstrae 7
81379 Mnchen
Germany

Munich District Court

HRA 46624

31
www.klueber.com

Klber Lubrication your global specialist

Innovative tribological solutions are our passion. Through personal contact and consultation,
we help our customers to be successful worldwide, in all industries and markets. With our
ambitious technical concepts and experienced, competent staff we have been fulfilling
increasingly demanding requirements by manufacturing efficient high-performance
lubricants for more than 80 years.