Find a distributor near you
A T Best Handlers Macmerry
Unit 11, Macmerry Ind Est, East Lothian, EH33 1RD

AB Wight Engineering
Charlesfield Industrial Estate, St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0HH
01835 824890

AL Agri The Workshop
Haughs of Ballinshoe, Forfar, DD8 3TL
07709 215713 - 07572668374

Burrow & Rutter-Armstrong
Langwathby, CA10 1LW
01768 881 410

DH Jones
Bala, Wales, LL23 7NL
01678 520 666

Donald Rae & Sons Engineering
South Barns Farm, Laurencekirk, AB30 1UP
07921 496003 - 07739 969401

Easy Fuels NE LTD
13 The Oaks, Hutton Henry, Co Durham, TS27 4QX
0191 354 5555

Evans Foresty ltd
Buildings Farm, Ticknall Road, Swadlincote, DE11 7AU
07512843792

Forrest Hydraulic Services
The Bothy, Derculich, Strathtay, By Pitlochry, PH9 0LR
07557 504591

G Hayllar
Flitholme, Appleby, CA16 6PT
01768 342 102

FAQ

We are commonly asked certain questions when it comes to oils and lubricants; below is a selection of those FAQs.
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Is there one oil I can use to do everything?

Unfortunately, not. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) each have their own requirements and stipulations as to the oils used to give the desired protection of the machinery and engines they have designed. Using the incorrect oil can cause lots of issues such as piston damage, deposits, and blocking of Diesel Particulate Filters. GB Lubricants has carefully formulated each of our oils to meet the exact standards of different industry bodies and OEMs.

Can I mix mineral and synthetic oils when topping up my engine?

If at all possible, mixing different types of oil should be avoided. But if you need to do this, you must make sure that the oil you are topping up with meets the correct specification for the engine. Adding mineral oil to an engine filled with synthetic oil will lower the performance of the synthetic engine oil.

What is the difference between ‘standard’ hydraulic oil, and HVI hydraulic oil?

Hydraulic oils classed as ‘HVI’ or ‘HVLP’ have an additive in them called a Viscosity Index Improver. This means that the properties of the oil will be less susceptible to temperature fluctuations – it will maintain its viscosity during changes of temperature. This can be useful for machinery operating in cold stores or hot environments.

What is the difference between lithium grease (LEP2) and lithium complex (LXEP2)?

Lithium greases are a great multipurpose option for a lot of industries. However, lithium complex greases provide a higher ‘dropping point’ (the temperature at which a grease becomes liquid) due to the complexing agent they contain. It can also provide greater water resistance, mechanical stability and resistance to oil separation.

Can I mix different types of antifreeze/engine coolant?

Usually, antifreeze/coolants based on ethylene glycol are miscible with each other. However, it is best practice not to mix due to the fine balance of different inhibitor chemistries that may be employed in the formulations. Mixing a Long Life or Heavy-Duty antifreeze with another, lower performance type, will mean you won’t get the full benefit of the premium product.

What does ‘Low SAPS’ mean?

Sometimes you will see engine oils described as ‘low SAPS’ or ‘low ash’. This means they have low levels of sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur. Engines that have emissions control devices like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) need to use low SAPS oils to prevent these systems getting blocked or ‘poisoned’. It’s very important to check your manual to see if your engine needs this type of oil.

What is a DPF?

‘DPF’ stands for Diesel Particulate Filter, which is an exhaust aftertreatment device you will find on some diesel engines. It is designed to filter out soot and deposits from the engine to stop them getting into the atmosphere. It is important to use Low SAPS oils in vehicles that have a DPF, otherwise it can become blocked.

What does ISO VG mean?

ISO stands for International Standards Organisation, and this is how they categorise the viscosity of oils. If you see an oil that is labelled as ISO VG 46 for example, this means the viscosity of the oil is 46cSt (centistokes) at 40degrees Celsius. It does not tell you which type of oil you need, however, only the viscosity. You will usually see hydraulic oils; compressor oils and other industrial oils classified this way.

What does SAE mean?

SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, a US based industry body in the mobility industry. They categorise the viscosity of gear oils and engine oils using their own specific system. You will see automotive gearbox oils labelled ‘SAE 75W-80″ (multigrade) or engine oils labelled “SAE 30” (monograde). This is not to be confused with ISO VG viscosity grades. It’s very important to check that you are using the correct SAE grade of oil for your gearbox, as well as ensuring it meets the correct performance level.

I need an NLGI 2 grease for my machine. What does this mean?

This is a method, designed by the National Lubricating Grease Institute, of categorising the ‘stiffness’ of lubricating greases based on a specific test called a cone penetration test. NLGI 6 is very firm, like a solid block. NLGI 000 is the softest, classified as ‘semi-fluid’ or ‘slumping’ grease. NLGI 2 is the most common one you will see. GB Unigrease range contains greases from NLGI 000 to NLGI 3, but please get in touch with us if you need help with your requirements.

What does EP mean?

EP stands for Extreme Pressure. You will see this term used to describe greases and industrial gear oils. Gear oils have ‘EP’ additives in them which are sulphur and phosphorous based, that form a film on the gear components, which helps to protect them from heavy loading and high temperatures.

What does ‘W’ mean in engine oil viscosity, such as 5W-30?

Traditionally, the letter ‘W’ that you see in engine oil viscosity classifications stands for ‘Winter Grade’. This is a way of showing the cold start fluidity of an oil, or how readily the oil flows from being completely cold. As an example, a 5W-30 fluid will flow down to -30 degrees Celsius, and a 10W-40 would flow as low as -25 degrees Celsius. The second part of the classification shows the oil’s thickness at running temperature. The lower the numbers, the thinner the oil.

What is bore glazing?

​Bore glazing occurs in diesel engines, and is usually a result of idling the engine for extended periods of time, or running the engine cold (low or static revs). Condensation and exhaust gas deposits build up on the surface of the cylinders in the engine, and form a smooth lacquer. This displaces the engine oil so it cannot lubricate the piston rings properly, causing poor fuel consumption, reduced compression pressure in the cylinders, and blue exhaust smoke. Using the incorrect engine oil can also cause bore glazing, especially if it isn’t the right viscosity and can’t circulate around the engine.

Where can I find out about product approvals?

You can find out about product approvals by clicking here

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Download our Datasheets
All of our Technical Datasheets are available online. If you are unable to locate a specific datasheet for whatever reason please contact us directly on
+ 44 (0)191 490 4312.
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Download our Brochures
Whether you are looking for product information on, agriculture, forestry or off-highway lubricants you can download our sector brochures here.
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Frequently asked Questions
When it comes to oil and lubricants, we are asked the same questions regularly and we have answered a variety of them here.
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/4
Which oil should I use?
By entering your vehicle registration number, you can view which oil is required for your vehicle with the push of a few buttons.
View
/5
GB Lubricants Approvals
GB Lubricants products carry a wide range of O.E.M. approvals, acknowledgements, and registrations from the world's top vehicle and equipment manufacturers, including the following..
View
/6
Techie Emma
Meet Techie Emma, the newest member of the GB Lubricants expert technical team. Techie Emma is your virtual on-hand technical advisor, ready to provide you with answers to all your oil and lubricant questions.
View
/1
Download our Datasheets
All of our Technical Datasheets are available online. If you are unable to locate a specific datasheet for whatever reason please contact us directly on
+ 44 (0)191 490 4312.
View
/2
Download our Brochures
Whether you are looking for product information on, agriculture, forestry or off-highway lubricants you can download our sector brochures here.
View
/3
Frequently asked Questions
When it comes to oil and lubricants, we are asked the same questions regularly and we have answered a variety of them here.
View
/4
Which oil should I use?
By entering your vehicle registration number, you can view which oil is required for your vehicle with the push of a few buttons.
View
/5
GB Lubricants Approvals
GB Lubricants products carry a wide range of O.E.M. approvals, acknowledgements, and registrations from the world's top vehicle and equipment manufacturers, including the following..
View
/6
Techie Emma
Meet Techie Emma, the newest member of the GB Lubricants expert technical team. Techie Emma is your virtual on-hand technical advisor, ready to provide you with answers to all your oil and lubricant questions.
View
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