| Product Code | Package Size | Unit of Measure |
|---|---|---|
| BHO05-EA | 5 Gallon Pail | Each |
| BHO55-EA | 55 Gallon Drum | Each |
AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil delivers premium wear protection for hydraulic pumps and motors while meeting the highest standards of biodegradability. It is built for operators who need to comply with environmental regulations without compromising the performance and longevity of their hydraulic systems.
Hydraulic equipment used in construction, logging, farming, and turf care frequently operates in environmentally sensitive areas where leaks, ruptured hoses, or minor spills can create serious regulatory and ecological problems. Vegetable-based biodegradable hydraulic oils have traditionally filled this role, but they come with well-known trade-offs: poor oxidation stability, shorter service life, and inconsistent protection under high pressure and high temperature. Operators are left choosing between environmental compliance and reliable equipment protection.
READILY BIODEGRADABLE WITH Pw1 CLASSIFICATION
AMSOIL Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil achieves the highest and fastest level of biodegradation, classified as Pw1 for environmental persistence. It is certified Readily Biodegradable under the Modified Sturm OECD 301B test protocol. This means the oil breaks down quickly in the environment if released through leaks, spills, or ruptured hydraulic lines. It also meets Vessel General Permit (VGP) compliance requirements, making it suitable for marine and waterway-adjacent applications where discharge regulations are strict.
RESISTS OXIDATION FOR EXTENDED OIL LIFE
Vegetable-based biodegradable fluids tend to oxidize rapidly, thickening and forming deposits that clog filters and degrade system performance. AMSOIL's fully synthetic formulation resists oxidation far more effectively than conventional bio-based alternatives. This translates directly to longer oil life, fewer oil changes, and less downtime. The flash point of 203°C (468°F) reflects the thermal stability of the base oil chemistry, and a viscosity index of 182 demonstrates strong resistance to viscosity changes across a wide temperature range.
EXCELLENT WEAR PROTECTION UNDER HIGH PRESSURE
Hydraulic pumps, whether gear, vane, or piston type, depend on the oil film to prevent metal-to-metal contact under sustained high-pressure operation. AMSOIL Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil recorded a Four-Ball Wear scar of just 0.35 mm in ASTM D4172 testing (40 kg, 1200 rpm, 62°C, 50 min.), indicating strong anti-wear film formation. This level of protection helps maximize component life in demanding equipment such as excavators, skidders, forestry processors, and zero-turn mowers operating in sensitive environments.
SUPERIOR LOW-TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE
Cold-weather startups put heavy stress on hydraulic systems. Thick, sluggish fluid increases pump cavitation risk and slows response times. With a pour point of -34°C (-34°F), this oil flows readily in cold conditions, protecting pumps and cylinders during startup when wear rates are highest. The combination of a low pour point and a viscosity index of 182 means consistent hydraulic response whether the equipment is operating in summer heat or winter cold.
FOAM AND WATER SEPARATION
Air entrainment and water contamination are common in hydraulic systems and both degrade performance. AMSOIL Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil scored 0/0, 0/0, 0/0 across all three sequences of the ASTM D892 foam test, meaning zero foaming tendency and zero foam stability. Demulsibility testing per ASTM D1401 returned a result of 40/40/0 in 14 minutes, confirming rapid and complete water separation. These properties help maintain system efficiency and reduce the risk of corrosion and cavitation damage.
SPECIFICATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY
AMSOIL Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil meets or is suitable for use in applications requiring the following specifications:
The oil is compatible with most synthetic and petroleum-based hydraulic fluids. However, mixing with other oils shortens service life and reduces performance. AMSOIL does not support extended drain intervals where oils have been mixed. For best results, drain and flush the system prior to installation.
This product is not available for sale in California.
SERVICE LIFE
Drain intervals should be established based on oil analysis, equipment manufacturer recommendations, and operating conditions. Because the synthetic formulation resists oxidation significantly better than vegetable-based alternatives, operators can expect longer service intervals than conventional biodegradable hydraulic oils when the system is not cross-contaminated with other fluids.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| ISO VG | 46 | ASTM D2422 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt | 8.6 | ASTM D445 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt | 36.5 | ASTM D445 |
| Viscosity Index | 182 | ASTM D2270 |
| Specific Gravity | 0.8152 | ASTM D1298 |
| Density | 6.546 | ASTM D1298 |
| Four-Ball Wear Test (40 kg, 1200 rpm, 62°C, 50 min.) | 0.35 | ASTM D4172 |
| Flash Point, °C (°F) | 203 (468) | ASTM D92 |
| Pour Point, °C (°F) | -34 (-34) | ASTM D97 |
| Copper Strip Corrosion Test | 1A | ASTM D130 |
| Foam (Sequence I, II & III) | 0/0, 0/0, 0/0 | ASTM D892 |
| Demulsibility | 40/40/0 (14) | ASTM D1401 |
| Modified Sturm, OECD 301B | Readily Biodegradable (Pw1) | — |
What equipment and applications is AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil designed for?
AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil (BHO05-EA) is formulated for both mobile and stationary hydraulic applications. It covers a wide range of equipment categories including auto/light truck, motorcycle, ATV, UTV, snowmobile, marine outboard, PWC, heavy-duty on-road, heavy-duty off-road, agriculture, and powersports hydraulic systems. It is ideal for any hydraulic pump or motor requiring an ISO 46 viscosity grade biodegradable fluid.
How does AMSOIL ISO 46 Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil protect hydraulic pumps and motors from wear?
AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil provides excellent wear protection for hydraulic pumps and motors thanks to its 100% synthetic formulation. By guarding against wear, it maximizes component life and helps reduce the time and money spent on maintenance. Its synthetic base also resists oxidation, which contributes to long oil life and sustained protective performance over extended service.
What does the Pw1 environmental persistence classification mean for AMSOIL ISO 46 Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil?
The Pw1 environmental persistence classification assigned to AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil represents the fastest and highest level of biodegradation. This means the oil is readily biodegradable and breaks down quickly in the environment. This classification makes it a strong choice for hydraulic equipment operating in environmentally sensitive areas where leaks or minor spills could occur.
How does AMSOIL ISO 46 Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil compare to conventional hydraulic oils for environmental impact?
Unlike conventional hydraulic oils that can persist in the environment and cause lasting contamination, AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil is readily biodegradable with a Pw1 environmental persistence rating — the fastest and highest level of biodegradation available. This helps significantly reduce environmental harm in the event of leaks or minor spills. Additionally, its synthetic formulation resists oxidation for long oil life, meaning fewer oil changes and less waste compared to conventional alternatives.
How long does AMSOIL ISO 46 Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil last before it needs to be changed?
AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil is formulated to resist oxidation for long oil life, which helps extend service intervals compared to oils that break down more quickly under heat and pressure. Specific drain interval recommendations should be determined by consulting the product data sheet and following equipment manufacturer guidelines, as service life will vary based on operating conditions, temperatures, and contamination levels.
Is AMSOIL ISO 46 Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil safe for use in environmentally sensitive areas and around waterways?
Yes. AMSOIL ISO 46 100% Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil is specifically designed to reduce environmental harm in the event of leaks or minor spills. It is readily biodegradable and carries a Pw1 environmental persistence classification, the fastest and highest level of biodegradation. This makes it well-suited for hydraulic equipment operating near waterways, forests, agricultural land, and other environmentally sensitive locations where conventional hydraulic oils could pose a contamination risk.
Product Details PDF - AMSOIL ISO 46 100% SYNTHETIC BIODEGRADABLE HYDRAULIC OIL
