Hydraulic Oil Experiences

<...a tangible difference using a branded product such as Shell Tellus compared to an own brand?...>

Reputation protection and post-sale product support spring to mind.

Shoot for US$ 3.00 per gallon ($4.00 for the higher grade), and the world will beat a path to your door. Best of luck!

1st good luck with your efforts. There are a couple of points I can make towards your quests/comments. Most location that use industrial hydraulic fluids usually do not change out the fluids Re-filtering and proper filters sized to the particulate sizes seen in oil analysis usual do the trick. Watching additive levels and such, periodically also make oils run almost indefinitely.

As far as name brand materials go. I never had a problem using off branded materials as long as two things are met. One being the same quality and the other is was it cheaper to take a chance. Using that as no go condition usually proved to be correct. Now it does not speak to the smaller companies wiliness to work with smaller companies supplying services the others would not give the time of day for. But that's your companies call on how you support your clients.

All to often persons ask me what is the best oil to be using in systems and in engines.

My reply is always the same;

Clean Oil... Keep up on your sampling to be sure your properties such as TBN (total base number) stay within range.

Every company thinks there product is superior to the others, and some even make amazing claims to boot.

Truth is for each piece of equipment the manufacturer gives guidelines for the grade of lubricant to be used, very, very rarely do they ever specify any specific trade name or make. Clean oil is the best oil.

I for one am not the least but picky about who makes the oil just as long as it compatible with and meets or exceeds the manufactures recommendations.

Price wise around here if you could get into the $5 - $6 a gallon level with a product that is compatible with the various hy-tran type fluids and general hydraulic oils you would have a very strong market!

Ideally shipping and selling manufacturer direct would likely prove most profitable for you as well. Around here the middle men are the worst to deal with and are what pushes the prices up the most. If the oil has to go through 4 - 5 different people before it hits the end user that drives the price up while also creating long delays in getting the necessary oils when they are needed most.