In brief: The right lubricant depends on the application. Specialty greases such as PRODUCT_144720 are suitable for precision instruments, while approved oils such as PRODUCT_143514 are required in the food industry. Heavy-duty multipurpose oils are a good choice for general farm equipment. We compare the key properties and help you choose the right product.
Choosing the right lubricant affects the performance, efficiency and service life of your machinery and equipment. Whether you work in agriculture, food processing or precision engineering, every application has specific requirements. Our 2026 review and comparison covers the main product types and offers straightforward buying advice.
Table of contents
What types of lubricants are available?
Lubricants generally fall into two categories: oils and greases. Their consistency determines how they are used.
Lubricating oils at a glance
Lubricating oils are liquids. They are ideal for systems with circulating lubrication, such as gearboxes and hydraulic systems. Viscosity, or resistance to flow, is a key property. Low-viscosity oil flows more easily in cold conditions, while high-viscosity oil provides a more stable lubricating film at high temperatures and pressures.
Greases and their properties
Greases consist of a base oil, a thickener and additives. They stay where they are applied, protecting bearings from drying out and keeping water and dirt out. They are essential for farm equipment.
Tip: When choosing grease, check its consistency class (NLGI). A low number (e.g. 1) means soft, while a high number (e.g. 3) means firm. NLGI 2 is often suitable for standard bearings.
Buying criteria compared
Compare lubricants using these key properties. A product does not need to excel in every area—just the ones that matter for your application.
- Application: This is the most important factor. Is the product approved for food contact, precision applications or heavy farm equipment?
- Temperature range: The product must work at the minimum starting temperature and withstand the maximum operating temperature.
- Load-carrying capacity (pressure resistance): Bearings and gearboxes can be exposed to high contact pressures. Special EP (Extreme Pressure) additives provide extra protection.
- Water resistance: In damp conditions or during cleaning, the lubricant must not wash away.
- Material compatibility: Is the product compatible with the plastics, seals and specific metals used in your application?
Warning: Do not mix different types of lubricants. Incompatible base oils or additives can separate, lose their lubricating properties or damage seals. Clean the components thoroughly before switching products.
Applications in detail
Lubrication in agriculture
Lubricants for farm equipment must withstand tough conditions: dust, moisture, heavy mechanical loads and changing temperatures. Multipurpose greases with good water resistance and EP properties are commonly used. Special products are available for specific applications, such as mower gearbox drives or hay baler chains.
Food-industry applications
The strictest regulations apply here. Lubricants must be food-grade, meaning they must be odorless, tasteless and harmless to health in the event of incidental contact. A product such as meets these requirements and reliably protects machinery in bakeries, breweries and packaging plants.
Precision and fine mechanics
High-quality measuring instruments, medical devices and optical systems require minimal friction and long-lasting stability. Specialty greases such as are designed to keep linear and rotary movements precise for years without aging or hardening.
Note: During machine maintenance, remember to lubricate hinges, spindles and rails by hand. A (brush oiler) makes it easy to apply lubricant precisely and cleanly for these tasks.
Application and maintenance
Even the best lubricant will not help if it is applied incorrectly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the amount to use and the replacement interval. Too much grease can cause bearings to overheat, while too little oil can lead to wear.
How to lubricate correctly – a guide
Before lubricating, clean the grease fittings or oil inlets to prevent contaminants from getting in. Use clean tools. When applying grease, keep going until fresh grease comes out at the seal, pushing out old, contaminated grease. When changing oil, drain the used oil completely and refill to the marked level.
Planning maintenance intervals
Make lubricant maintenance a regular part of your machine maintenance schedule. Keep a record of all work carried out. Heavy use, such as during harvest season, may mean maintenance is needed sooner.
Lubricant Comparison 2026
We compare selected lubricants for a range of common applications. Use the table below to compare their key features at a glance.
Our top-rated lubricants, compared side by side:
| Model | Customer rating | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Aesculap Special Grease 20ml - High-performance lubricant for precision instruments | – | Currently unavailable |
| Agropa Steering Handle with Ball Bearing for Agricultural Machinery - Improved Control | – | Currently unavailable |
| Allweiler L5 Pressure Flap for Valve System - Robust Design for Agricultural Applications | – | Currently unavailable |
| Ballistol H1 Food-grade Oil 200ml - Lubricant for the Food Industry | – | Currently unavailable |
| Brush Oiler with Single Pump | – | Currently unavailable |
Conclusion and Buying Guide
Choosing the right lubricant helps keep your equipment reliable and cost-effective. Start by asking where it will be used. If it could come into contact with food, you need an approved food-grade lubricant. For demanding agricultural work, choose a durable, versatile grease. Sensitive precision equipment needs a high-quality product made for the job.
Compare the technical specifications and approvals carefully. A cheaper multipurpose product can cost more over time if it leads to increased wear or downtime. Choose a lubricant suited to the application and follow the recommended maintenance intervals. This helps protect your machinery for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a multipurpose lubricant for every application?
- No. Multipurpose lubricants are often a compromise. Special greases for precision bearings withstand extreme pressure, food-grade oils meet strict safety requirements, and lubricants for agricultural machinery need to resist contamination. Always use a product recommended for the application.
- How often should I change the lubricants in my agricultural machinery?
- Replacement intervals depend on the load, operating hours, and working conditions. Dusty environments may mean more frequent changes. Follow the machinery manufacturer's maintenance schedule and check lubricant levels and consistency regularly.
- What's the difference between lubricating oil and grease?
- Oils flow easily and work well in closed systems with circulating lubrication or in hard-to-reach areas. Grease is thicker, stays in place, and helps prevent leaks and keep water and dirt out. It's commonly used on bearings and joints.
- Can I use any oil-based lubricant in food production?
- No. Only specially approved food-grade lubricants, such as PRODUCT_143514, should be used. They're odorless, tasteless, and safe if they accidentally come into contact with food.
- Why is proper lubrication so important for a machine's service life?
- Lubricants reduce friction and wear, prevent corrosion, and can help dissipate heat. Using the wrong lubricant or neglecting lubrication can increase energy use, cause bearings and other expensive components to fail early, and lead to costly repairs.