In actual operating conditions, it is not uncommon for chain oil to be substituted with other lubricants, typically occurring during temporary oil shortages or when procurement cycles are constrained. Common substitutes include
gear oil, hydraulic oil, and general-purpose machine oil. While these oils can indeed provide basic lubrication for short periods, keeping the chain operational, their significant shortcomings quickly become apparent. First is adhesion. Substitute oils tend to be flung off during operation. Particularly at medium to high speeds, the oil film struggles to remain on the chain plates and pins for extended periods, resulting in very short effective lubrication time. Second is insufficient penetration. The areas most prone to wear are inside the pins and bushings, yet most substitutes fail to adequately penetrate these zones.
While the surface appears oily, the interior remains in a semi-dry friction state. Furthermore, their anti-wear and impact resistance are weak. Under slightly higher loads, chain elongation accelerates significantly, and sprocket wear intensifies accordingly. Although some sites use grease as an alternative, grease tends to remain on the exterior. During high-speed operation, it fails to penetrate critical friction zones, often resulting in “external lubrication with internal dryness.” Based on comprehensive field experience, alternative oils should only serve as short-term emergency solutions. Long-term use increases maintenance costs and shortens the overall service life of both chains and sprockets.
