Trying to match an ISO 220 gear oil to another standard? It’s easier than you think — once you know the rules. Whether you’re cross-referencing AGMA grades, SAE classifications, or hunting for the right brand, this guide covers every angle. Stick around to the end and you’ll have a complete, ready-to-use reference for your next oil change or equipment spec.
What Is ISO 220 Gear Oil?
ISO 220 is a viscosity grade, not a brand or product type. It sits inside the ISO Viscosity Grade system, which measures kinematic viscosity in centistokes (cSt) at 40°C (104°F).
Any oil labeled ISO VG 220 must fall between 198 and 242 cSt at that reference temperature. That range is tight enough to ensure consistent film protection but flexible enough to accommodate different base stocks and additive packages.
You’ll find ISO 220 specified in:
- Industrial reduction gearboxes
- Conveyors and mining drives
- Heavily loaded enclosed gear systems
- Moderate-speed, high-load applications
It’s a heavy-duty lubricant — not your everyday engine oil. Think big, slow-turning gears under serious pressure.
ISO 220 Gear Oil Equivalent: The Cross-Reference Chart
Here’s the most important thing to understand: multiple grading systems exist, and they don’t use the same numbers. An ISO, AGMA, and SAE conversion can confuse even experienced technicians.
This table maps ISO 220 to every equivalent standard you’re likely to encounter in the US:
| Grading Standard | Equivalent Grade | Where You’ll See It |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Viscosity Grade | ISO VG 220 | Universal industrial standard |
| AGMA (Industrial) | AGMA 5 / AGMA 5 EP | Enclosed industrial gearboxes |
| SAE Gear Oil | SAE 90 | Automotive differentials, transmissions |
| SAE Engine Oil | SAE 50 | Heavy-duty crankcase applications |
| SUS (Saybolt) | 918–1122 SUS at 100°F | Legacy US oil measurement |
The SAE confusion is real. An SAE 90 gear oil sounds nothing like ISO 220, but they’re functionally equivalent at operating temperature. The SAE gear scale (J306) and engine scale (J300) deliberately use different numbers to stop technicians from accidentally mixing the two.
Why AGMA 5 Equals ISO 220
The AGMA system was the go-to standard for American gearbox manufacturers like Falk and Dodge for decades. Many older service manuals still list AGMA grades instead of ISO. AGMA 5 lands squarely in the 198–242 cSt range at 40°C — the same bracket as ISO 220.
If the spec sheet says AGMA 5 EP, that just adds an extreme pressure requirement on top of the viscosity match.
Mineral-Based ISO 220 Gear Oil Equivalents
Mineral oils still handle the majority of US industrial applications. They’re cost-effective, widely available, and perfectly adequate for most enclosed gear systems running at normal temperatures.
Mobilgear 600 XP 220
Mobilgear 600 XP 220 is probably the most recognized ISO 220 EP gear oil in North America. It’s designed for all types of enclosed gear drives using circulation or splash lubrication.
What makes it stand out? It delivers up to 15 times the wear protection required by the FAG FE 8 industry test, specifically targeting micro-pitting — a subtle but destructive failure mode on gear tooth surfaces. It’s also formulated to protect elastomer seals, which matters more than people realize. A degraded seal lets oil out and contaminants in, and that’s how “healthy” gearboxes fail quietly.
Shell Omala S2 GX 220
Shell Omala S2 GX 220 earns its reputation in wet environments. Paper mills, outdoor conveyors, and coastal installations need an oil that pushes water out fast. This product’s demulsibility — its ability to shed water rather than mix with it — keeps the lubricant film clean and prevents corrosive emulsions from forming.
Chevron Meropa 220
Chevron Meropa 220 is the right call when equipment specs reference US Steel 224 or AGMA 9005-E02. It’s an EP-classified oil built for high thermal stress, offering strong load-carrying capacity and oxidation resistance. It holds up well in gearboxes that run hot and stay hot.
Phillips 66 Extra Duty Gear Oil 220
Phillips 66 Extra Duty 220 uses “clean gear” additive technology to prevent deposit buildup inside the gearbox. Blocked oil passages cause overheating — this oil’s formulation keeps passages clear. It meets Fives Cincinnati P-74 and US Steel 224 specs, making it a strong candidate for mining hoists and planetary gear drives.
Mineral ISO 220 EP Gear Oils — Brand Comparison
| Brand | Product Name | Key Approvals | Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil | Mobilgear 600 XP 220 | AGMA 5 EP, US Steel 224, DIN 51517-3 | Micro-pitting and seal protection |
| Shell | Omala S2 GX 220 | AGMA 5 EP, ISO 12925-1 CKD | Water separation and demulsibility |
| Chevron | Meropa 220 | AGMA 5 EP, US Steel 224 | Load-carrying and thermal stability |
| Phillips 66 | Extra Duty 220 | AGMA 5 EP, Fives Cincinnati P-74 | Deposit control and cleanliness |
| Castrol | Alpha SP 220 | AGMA 5 EP, DIN 51517-3 | Microscopic wear protection |
| Exxon | Spartan EP 220 | AGMA 5 EP, ISO 12925-1 CKC | Sludge resistance |
Synthetic ISO 220 Gear Oil Equivalents
Synthetic oils use polyalphaolefin (PAO) or ester base stocks instead of crude-derived mineral oil. The molecules are more uniform, which gives you better performance at temperature extremes and longer service life.
You’ll want synthetic ISO 220 oil when:
- Operating temperatures push above normal ranges
- Equipment sits idle in cold conditions and needs fast cold-start protection
- The gearbox is hard to access and oil changes need to be infrequent
- Energy efficiency is a priority
Mobilgear SHC 220
Mobilgear SHC 220 is Mobil’s PAO-based synthetic equivalent. Its high viscosity index means the oil stays thicker at high temperatures and flows freely at low ones. That’s critical for equipment that cycles between cold startups and full operating load.
Shell Omala S4 GXV 220
Shell’s Omala S4 GXV 220 is purpose-built for equipment that’s hard to reach — wind turbine gearboxes, deep-well mining systems, and remote conveyor drives. Its long-life synthetic chemistry extends drain intervals significantly, reducing maintenance frequency where access is difficult. It’s also rated for micro-pitting protection and shows wide compatibility with seals and sealants.
Phillips 66 Syncon EP Plus Gear Oil 220
Syncon EP Plus 220 is a PAO-based synthetic with a pour point down to -56°C (-69°F). That’s exceptional cold-weather performance. It also uses a non-chlorinated additive system, which simplifies waste disposal under US environmental regulations. Mine hoists operating in severe conditions are a primary application.
Chevron Meropa EliteSyn XM 220
Meropa EliteSyn XM 220 is designed for the newer generation of smaller, higher-output gearboxes. These units run harder and hotter than their predecessors. This oil’s shear stability — its ability to hold viscosity under intense mechanical stress — makes it well-suited for these demands. It also runs cooler than equivalent mineral oils, improving system energy efficiency.
Synthetic ISO 220 Gear Oil — Technical Comparison
| Feature | Mobilgear SHC 220 | Shell Omala S4 GXV 220 | Phillips 66 Syncon EP Plus 220 | Chevron Meropa EliteSyn XM 220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Stock | PAO | Advanced Synthetic | PAO | PAO |
| Viscosity Index | High | High | 161 | High |
| Pour Point | -56°F (approx.) | -22 to -40°F | -69°F | Very Low |
| Flash Point | High | ~482°F | 480°F | High |
| Approx. Price (5 gal) | $270–$340 | $275–$285 | $255–$275 | $225–$240 |
EP vs. R&O: Picking the Right Additive Package
Viscosity match is only half the equation. The additive chemistry determines whether the oil actually protects your equipment under load.
Extreme Pressure (EP) Oils
Most industrial gear applications need EP-type oil. These oils contain sulfur-phosphorus compounds that stay chemically inactive under normal conditions. When gear tooth pressure and temperature spike, those compounds react with the metal surface and form a thin sacrificial film. That film absorbs the stress instead of letting the metal surfaces weld or scuff together.
One thing to check: EP additives can corrode non-ferrous metals like copper and brass. Well-formulated EP oils — such as Castrol Alpha SP 220 or Spartan EP 220 — balance this by limiting corrosive activity on bronze bushings and bearing cages.
Rust and Oxidation (R&O) Oils
R&O oils skip the heavy sulfur-phosphorus chemistry. Instead, they focus on thermal stability, anti-rust protection, and resisting sludge and varnish. You’ll find them specified in:
- High-speed turbine gearboxes
- Centrifugal compressors
- Hydraulic systems where EP reactivity could damage sensitive components
If the equipment runs at moderate loads with no shock loading, R&O is often the cleaner, longer-lasting choice.
Specialized ISO 220 Equivalents
Not every gearbox runs on standard EP mineral oil. Here are the cases where you need something different.
Food-Grade ISO 220
Food and beverage processing equipment needs H1-certified lubricants — oils formulated with non-toxic components safe for incidental food contact. MOLYKOTE L-1122FM Synthetic Gear Oil ISO 220 hits this standard while still delivering rust inhibition, anti-wear performance, and oxidation resistance. You’ll find it in gearboxes on conveyor lines, bottling equipment, and food processing machinery.
Way Lubricants
Machine tool slideways need ISO 220 oil with friction-modifying additives — not standard EP gear oil. Products like the Mobil Vactra series use tackiness additives that cling to vertical surfaces and prevent the “stick-slip” effect that causes machining inaccuracies. Same viscosity grade, completely different additive profile.
Worm Gear Applications
Worm gears rely on sliding contact between surfaces, which generates significant heat and friction. Some older systems require “compounded” oils blended with fatty materials for extra lubricity. Modern ISO 220 synthetic and EP oils meeting Joy TO-SMEP specifications now cover steel-on-steel worm gear applications, making them a practical replacement for the older compounded formulas.
What Affects ISO 220 Oil Performance Over Time
Getting the right oil into the gearbox matters. Keeping it effective over time requires understanding these three factors.
Water contamination is the top threat in most industrial environments. Condensation and leaky seals push water into the sump. High-quality ISO 220 oils separate water quickly through good demulsibility, letting it settle to the bottom for drainage. If the oil emulsifies with water instead, you lose lubrication quality fast and accelerate rust.
Oxidation and thermal breakdown happen when heat and oxygen attack the oil molecules, forming acids and sludge. Synthetic ISO 220 oils resist this significantly longer than mineral grades. In a large industrial gearbox holding hundreds of gallons, extending drain intervals from 6 months to 2 years with a quality synthetic pays for the price premium quickly.
Foam formation occurs in high-speed or splash-lubricated systems where air gets beaten into the oil. Foam can’t support load because it’s compressible — the film collapses under pressure. Quality ISO 220 EP oils include anti-foam additives that collapse bubbles fast, keeping the lubricant in a solid liquid state where it can actually protect gear teeth.
Complete ISO 220 Brand Cross-Reference List
Here’s a consolidated list of US-available ISO 220 equivalents organized by type.
Enclosed Gear Oil (EP Type) — Mineral:
- Mobil: Mobilgear 600 XP 220
- Shell: Omala S2 GX 220
- Chevron: Meropa 220
- Phillips 66: Extra Duty Gear Oil 220
- Castrol: Alpha SP 220
- FUCHS: Renolin CLP 220
- Exxon: Spartan EP 220
Enclosed Gear Oil (EP Type) — Synthetic:
- Mobil: Mobilgear SHC 220
- Shell: Omala S4 GXV 220
- Chevron: Meropa EliteSyn XM 220
- Phillips 66: Syncon EP Plus Gear Oil 220
- Castrol: Alphasyn EP 220
- FUCHS: Renolin Unisyn CLP 220
- BlueSky Lubricants: Cirrus Syn EP 220
- LIQUI-MOLY: Synth ISO VG 220 Gear Oil
Specialized Applications:
- Food Grade: Molykote L-1122FM Synthetic ISO 220
- OEM Specific: Dodge Standard Mineral ISO 220 Lube
- General Purpose: Lucas Oil Industrial Gear Oil ISO 220
The right ISO 220 equivalent comes down to three things: match the viscosity grade, choose the correct additive type (EP vs. R&O), and pick a formulation suited to your operating environment. Get those three right and your gearbox will do exactly what it’s designed to do — run reliably until scheduled maintenance, not until failure.
