In the unforgiving environment of construction sites across the United Arab Emirates, the choice of hydraulic fluids can make or break equipment performance. we understand that heavy-duty excavators, loaders, cranes and mobile hydraulic systems demand more than a generic lubricant: they need hydraulic fluids engineered for high ambient temperatures, rapid cycling, heavy loads and long service intervals. The following top 5 hydraulic fluid options are selected based on their suitability for construction equipment in the UAE, covering anti-wear protection, thermal stability, contamination control, and system efficiency.
1. Shell Tellus
Shell’s Tellus portfolio includes hydraulic fluids designed for mobile and industrial hydraulics, offering extra-long life synthetic technologies capable of up to four times standard life.In a UAE context where downtime can cost thousands of dirhams per hour, selecting a fluid that prolongs drain intervals and maintains pump efficiency is crucial. The Tellus range features excellent water separation, air release and anti-foam properties — all key for equipment operating in dusty, heavy-use construction sites.
2. RIDA Lubricants Hydraulic Oil AW-68
RIDA’s Hydraulic Oil AW 68 is a premium-grade hydraulic fluid with a viscosity grade suited to heavy-load hydraulic systems such as excavators and loaders. Its formulation emphasises anti-wear additives, corrosion resistance and foam suppression. For UAE construction environments where ambient heat, dust and heavy cycling are the norm, a fluid like AW 68 ensures reliable wear protection and system longevity.
3. Alpha Oil AXENT Hydraulic Fluid Series
Locally available in the UAE, the Alpha Oil AXENT series includes mineral- and synthetic-based hydraulic fluids across various viscosity grades (VG 22, VG 32, VG 46, VG 100).For construction equipment operating in different hydraulic circuits of pumps, cylinders and actuators, having a fluid family that allows matching the correct viscosity (and base oil type) helps optimise power transfer and system efficiency.
4. Sinopec AE Hydraulic Oil
Sinopec AE Hydraulic Oil is formulated with high-quality base stocks and additive systems and is available in ISO viscosity grades 32, 42, 68 and 100. Its high viscosity index and low pour point make it well-suited for outdoor mobile equipment in the UAE, where temperatures can vary and hydraulic systems demand consistent performance across start-stop cycles.
5. SWEPCO 737 EcoPro (Biodegradable Option)
While most construction-equipment hydraulics use mineral-based fluids, the SWEPCO 737 EcoPro range offers a high-performance biodegradable hydraulic fluid whose non-toxic base makes it ideal for environmentally conscious projects. In the UAE where sustainable construction and environmental regulations are gaining weight, a fluid option that provides equivalent wear-performance while also addressing environmental risk adds strategic value.
When specifying hydraulic fluids for construction equipment, a range of performance factors must be balanced. The fluid must convey power efficiently in the hydraulic pump/motor/cylinder loop, ensure wear protection for high-pressure pumps and spools, resist thermal degradation under ambient heat and heavy load, maintain stable viscosity and shear resistance, support water separation and air release (important in dusty, high-ambient-humidity UAE sites) and minimise downtime through long drain intervals. The fluid’s additive system — including anti-wear (AW), oxidation inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam/air-release agents — determines how well it will serve in heavy-duty construction hydraulics. For example, the Shell Tellus S2 M line shows excellent filterability, water separation and air release which help maintain hydraulic system efficiency.
Another key consideration in UAE construction operations is temperature extremes. A hydraulic fluid with a high viscosity index and low pour point ensures pumpability at startup and stable film strength during high-temperature operation. Additionally, local suppliers and products with in-region support (such as Alpha Oil in Sharjah, RIDA Lubricants in Ajman) help simplify logistics and inventory. Moreover, for projects with sustainability mandates or sensitive environments (near marine zones, urban redevelopment), choosing a biodegradable fluid like SWEPCO EcoPro may offer an edge.
In short, choosing the right hydraulic fluid for construction equipment in the UAE is not just about brand names. It’s about matching the fluid to the system demands, ambient environment, duty cycle, and sustainability requirements. The five hydraulic fluids listed above represent strong candidates. By partnering with a reliable lubricant supplier, adhering to correct ISO viscosity grades, maintaining filtration and cleanliness, and monitoring drain intervals, equipment owners can enhance productivity, reduce maintenance costs and extend asset life.
