Automotive & Transmission Gear Oil South Africa
API GL-4, GL-5 and full synthetic axle oils, Allison TES-295 transmission fluid and heavy-duty Mobiltrans HD — for mining haul fleets, commercial transport and construction equipment across the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng.
API Gear Oil Classifications
Automotive gear oils for vehicle axles and manual gearboxes are classified by the API GL system — not by ISO VG. Each category specifies gear geometry, load conditions and severity. Using the wrong API category voids OEM warranties and risks drivetrain failure.
| API Grade | Application | EP Level | Typical SA Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| API GL-4 | Hypoid gears, moderate speed and torque. Manual gearboxes and transaxles. | Medium-High | Passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, many European OEM gearboxes. Synchroniser-compatible. |
| API GL-5 | Hypoid gears, high-speed shock load and low-speed high-torque. Heavy-duty axles and final drives. | High EP | Mining haul trucks, heavy commercial vehicles, off-highway construction and agricultural equipment. |
| API MT-1 | Non-synchronised heavy-duty manual transmissions. | High | Eaton Fuller, ZF heavy truck gearboxes. Often specified alongside GL-5 for rear axles. |
Mineral GL-5 — Mobilube HD Range
The Mobilube HD series is the benchmark mineral GL-5 gear oil for South African mining haul fleets, heavy commercial transport and off-highway equipment. Two grades cover the full range of heavy-duty axle applications.
Mobilube HD 80W-90
For heavy-duty axles, final drives and hypoid gears operating under high speed/shock load and low speed/high torque conditions. Provides outstanding EP protection, thermal stability and corrosion resistance for extended service in demanding drivetrain environments.
Pack sizes: 20L online · 208L drum on request
Mobilube HD 85W-140
High-viscosity GL-5 for severe-duty axles under high load and elevated temperature. The preferred choice for heavy mining equipment, high-load differentials, large articulated trucks and equipment operating in extreme temperature conditions where 80W-90 thins excessively under sustained load.
Pack sizes: 20L online · 208L drum on request
Synthetic GL-5 — Extended Drain & Severe Duty
For applications where the OEM specifies synthetic axle oil, where extended drain intervals are operationally valuable for remote mining sites, or where cold-start performance is a concern in cold ambient conditions, Orbit Industrial supplies two full synthetic GL-5 options.
Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90
Full synthetic GL-5/MT-1 axle and manual transmission oil for heavy-duty applications where extended drain intervals, wide temperature range performance or fuel economy improvement are required. PAO base delivers excellent low-temperature fluidity for cold-start protection and outstanding thermal stability at sustained high operating temperatures. Enables significantly longer drain intervals than mineral 80W-90 — reducing service frequency on remote mining sites.
OEM approvals: Mack GO-J · ZF TE-ML 05, 12, 16 · MAN 342 Type S
Mobil Delvac 1 GO 75W-140
Full synthetic SAE 75W-140 for the most severe axle applications in South African mining and heavy transport. For mining haul trucks, articulated dump trucks, large construction equipment and commercial vehicles operating under extreme continuous load and elevated temperature. Delivers superior film strength and thermal stability vs mineral 85W-140 while providing better cold-start protection. Enables extended drain intervals in high-utilisation mining fleet environments.
Best for: Mining haul truck rear axles · Articulated dump trucks · High-load differentials · Extended drain programmes
Allison Automatic Transmission Fluid
Allison automatic transmissions are the dominant automatic gearbox in South African mining trucks, buses and heavy construction equipment. Orbit Industrial supplies both Allison specifications — TES-295 synthetic for modern extended-drain units and C-4 mineral for older Allison applications.
Mobil Delvac 1 ATF
Full synthetic ATF meeting Allison TES-295 and TES-468 — the premium Allison specification for newer-generation automatic transmissions in heavy-duty mining trucks, buses and construction equipment. Provides extended drain intervals significantly beyond conventional C-4 mineral ATF. Also approved for ZF automatic transmissions, Voith industrial gearboxes and MAN applications.
Mobiltrans HD 30
Heavy-duty mineral transmission oil for Allison automatic transmissions in South African mining trucks, buses and construction equipment. Meets Allison C-4 specification for older Allison units. Provides outstanding oxidation stability, clutch friction control and wear protection for reliable transmission performance in demanding operating conditions.
Pack sizes: 20L online · 208L drum on request
Mobiltrans HD 50
Heavy-duty SAE 50 mineral transmission oil for Allison automatic transmissions operating under high-load and elevated-temperature conditions in South African mining, construction and heavy transport. The higher SAE 50 viscosity provides greater film protection at elevated operating temperatures where SAE 30 thins excessively.
Pack sizes: 20L online · 208L drum on request
Quick Selection Guide
| Application | Specification | Correct Product |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty axle — general SA mining and transport | API GL-5 · SAE 80W-90 | Mobilube HD 80W-90 |
| Heavy-duty axle — severe duty, high load, high temp | API GL-5 · SAE 85W-140 | Mobilube HD 85W-140 |
| Axle — OEM specifies synthetic GL-5, or extended drain required | API GL-5/MT-1 · Synthetic · 75W-90 | Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 |
| Axle — mining haul truck, extreme severity, synthetic required | API GL-5 · Synthetic · 75W-140 | Mobil Delvac 1 GO 75W-140 |
| Allison automatic transmission — newer spec, extended drain | Allison TES-295 / TES-468 | Mobil Delvac 1 ATF |
| Allison automatic transmission — older unit, C-4 spec | Allison C-4 · SAE 30 | Mobiltrans HD 30 |
| Allison automatic transmission — C-4, high load, high temp | Allison C-4 · SAE 50 | Mobiltrans HD 50 |
FAQ
Not always. GL-5 contains significantly higher sulphur-phosphorus EP additives. In manual gearboxes with brass or bronze synchronisers, GL-5 chemistry corrodes yellow metals causing gear change difficulty and gearbox failure. Many European vehicle manufacturers specify GL-4 for their manual gearboxes. Always follow OEM specifications and never substitute without explicit OEM approval.
TES-295 is Allison Transmission's premium synthetic ATF specification for newer-generation automatic transmissions. It requires a full synthetic formulation and enables significantly extended drain intervals versus conventional C-4 mineral ATF. TES-468 is the most recent iteration of this synthetic standard.
Mobil Delvac 1 ATF meets both TES-295 and TES-468. Mobiltrans HD 30 and 50 meet Allison C-4 only. If your transmission documentation specifies TES-295 or TES-468, you must use a compliant synthetic ATF. Mineral C-4 ATF is not an acceptable substitute. Check your transmission service manual or data plate to confirm which specification applies to your unit.
Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is the full synthetic alternative for applications where: (1) the OEM or axle manufacturer specifies a synthetic GL-5, (2) extended drain intervals are operationally valuable for remote sites, or (3) the lower SAE 75W winter rating provides better cold-start protection in cold ambient conditions. The PAO synthetic base delivers better film protection at both cold and hot temperature extremes versus mineral 80W-90. Mobilube HD 80W-90 remains the correct specification for standard applications where these conditions do not apply.
Mobil Delvac 1 GO 75W-140 is a full synthetic SAE 75W-140 that delivers superior performance to mineral 85W-140 across all conditions. The synthetic formulation provides greater film strength under extreme load, better thermal stability at sustained high operating temperatures, better cold-start protection at low ambient temperatures and enables extended drain intervals. If your OEM specification permits synthetic GL-5 SAE 75W-140, Mobil Delvac 1 GO 75W-140 is the premium upgrade from mineral 85W-140. Always confirm OEM approval before switching.
Yes. Orbit Industrial does support mining sector tenders and fleet SLA contracts. We supply Mobilube HD, Mobilube 1 SHC, Mobil Delvac 1 GO, Mobil Delvac 1 ATF and Mobiltrans HD in 20 litre pails, 208 litre drums, 1,000 litre IBCs and bulk tanker delivery. We provide certified product data sheets, safety data sheets, OEM approval documentation and tender compliance support. Coverage: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Garden Route and Gauteng.
Need the Right Transmission or Axle Oil for Your Fleet?
From mineral GL-5 for standard SA mining axles to synthetic TES-295 ATF for modern Allison transmissions — Orbit Industrial provides specification advice, OEM cross-referencing and bulk supply across South Africa.
Request Bulk QuoteAutomotive & Transmission Gear Oil South Africa
Mobil Transmission and Axle Oils
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Mobiltrans HD 30 Transmission oil (20LT)
Regular price R 1,199.00Regular price -
Mobilube™ HD 85W-140 — Heavy-Duty GL-5 Gear Lubricant
Regular price R 1,290.00Regular price -
Mobilube™ HD 80W-90 — Heavy-Duty GL-5 Gear Lubricant
Regular price R 1,150.00Regular price -
Mobiltrans HD SAE10W Transmission oil (208LT)
Regular price R 12,199.00Regular price -
Mobiltrans HD SAE 50 Transmission oil
Regular price R 1,250.00Regular price
