Gardner Denver Compressor Oil Types: What to Use & Why

ac recipGreg Aiken
Gardner Denver Compressor Oil Types: What to Use & Why

Gardner Denver Compressor Oil Types: What to Use & Why

Oil is the lifeblood of your Gardner Denver compressor. The right lubricant keeps your system cool, prevents varnish and wear, and ensures your compressor runs efficiently for the long haul. Choosing the proper oil based on your compressor type is one of the simplest ways to avoid costly downtime.

What Oil Do I Need? (Quick Answer)

Why These Oils

  • Aeon 9000 SP: The Gardner Denver standard synthetic oil for rotary screws. ~8,000-hour life under normal conditions. Balanced protection and cooling.
  • Aeon 9000TH: Premium extended-life synthetic. Handles hotter environments and extends drains up to 12,000 hours.
  • Aeon 6000 FG: NSF H1 food-grade synthetic for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical use. Service life typically 8,000 hours.
  • Aeon 4000 / 5000: Oils for portable compressors. Aeon 4000 ~4,000 hours, Aeon 5000 offers improved stability and longer life.
  • Aeon PG: A PAG-based synthetic for select rotary screws. Superior resistance to varnish and high heat. Specialty applications only.
  • Aeon 2000: Petroleum-based oil with ~2,000-hour life. Economical but shorter drain intervals.
  • Aeon 500: Entry-level petroleum oil. Requires frequent changes (~500–1,000 hours), but cost-effective for light-duty use.

How to Choose (Fast Guide)

  • Rotary screw (standard): Aeon 9000 SP or Aeon 9000TH for extended drains.
  • Food applications: Aeon 6000 FG for NSF H1 compliance.
  • Portable compressors: Aeon 4000 for standard drains, Aeon 5000 for tougher conditions.
  • Specialty: Aeon PG for high-heat or varnish-prone units.
  • Budget: Aeon 2000 or Aeon 500 for shorter service cycles.

Which Oil Do I Need?

Compressor Type Use Case Oil Options
Stationary Rotary Screw Plant floor, continuous duty Aeon 9000 SP • Aeon 9000TH • Aeon PG
Food / Pharma NSF H1 compliance required Aeon 6000 FG
Portable Rotary Screw Tow-behind compressors, jobsites Aeon 4000 • Aeon 5000
Petroleum-Based Light-duty or budget-sensitive Aeon 2000 • Aeon 500

Aeon 9000 SP vs. Aeon 9000TH

  • 9000 SP: Proven standard. ~8,000 hours. Balanced cost and protection.
  • 9000TH: Extended life. ~12,000 hours. Designed for hot, heavy-duty 24/7 use.

Aeon 4000 vs. Aeon 5000 – Portable Oils

  • Aeon 4000: Partial synthetic blend. ~4,000 hours. Cost-effective choice.
  • Aeon 5000: Enhanced formula for longer service life and harsher duty cycles.

Aeon 6000 FG – Food Grade Compliance

NSF H1 certified, kosher and halal approved, manufactured in an ISO 21469 facility. Aeon 6000 FG protects against rust, corrosion, and varnish while supporting HACCP audits. Service life ~8,000 hours.

Aeon PG – Specialty Synthetic

Aeon PG is a polyalkylene glycol synthetic used in select Gardner Denver rotary screw compressors. It offers superior high-temperature stability and varnish resistance but must not be mixed with mineral or PAO oils. Always confirm with your manual before use.

Aeon 2000 vs. Aeon 500 – Petroleum Oils

  • Aeon 2000: Traditional petroleum base oil with ~2,000-hour drain interval. A low-cost option, but requires more frequent changes.
  • Aeon 500: Entry-level petroleum oil with only ~500–1,000-hour life. Best for light-duty or temporary use.

Basic Maintenance Tips

  • Track hours: Follow 4,000–8,000 hour intervals for synthetics, shorter for petroleum oils.
  • Check oil condition: If oil is dark, sludgy, or metallic, change immediately.
  • Pair with filters: Always change air filters, oil filters, and separators during service.

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