Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 Hydraulic Oil
ISO VG 68 High-Performance Hydraulic Fluid for Industrial, Mobile and Marine Systems
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is an ISO VG 68 high-performance hydraulic fluid formulated with Group II base oil technology for industrial hydraulic systems and many mobile equipment applications.
Formerly known as Shell Tellus S2 M 68, Tellus S2 MX 68 is designed to provide wear protection, thermal and chemical stability, deposit control, water separation, filterability, air release and foam control. These characteristics help maintain hydraulic-system cleanliness and efficient power transmission under demanding operating conditions.
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is classified as an ISO HM hydraulic fluid and is suitable for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial, mobile and marine hydraulic applications where an ISO VG 68 HM fluid is specified.
Key Benefits
- ISO VG 68 hydraulic fluid
- ISO HM fluid type
- Group II base oil technology
- Designed for industrial hydraulic systems
- Suitable for many mobile hydraulic applications
- Suitable for marine systems requiring ISO HM hydraulic fluid
- Strong resistance to thermal and chemical breakdown
- Helps control sludge and deposit formation
- Wear protection for hydraulic-system components
- High-performance water separation
- Good stability in the presence of moisture
- Strong filterability
- Effective air release
- Foam-control characteristics
- Helps reduce harmful stick-slip behavior
- Compatible with most hydraulic pumps
- Compatible with most mineral-oil-based hydraulic fluids
- Typical ASTM D943 TOST life of 5,000 hours minimum
ISO VG 68 Hydraulic Fluid
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is classified as ISO VG 68.
Typical viscosity values are:
- 68 cSt at 40°C
- 8.9 cSt at 100°C
- Viscosity Index: 105
ISO VG 68 is commonly specified in hydraulic equipment requiring a higher-viscosity fluid than ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46. Correct viscosity selection depends on pump design, operating temperature, load, system clearances and the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.
Always verify that ISO VG 68 is specified or permitted for the equipment before changing hydraulic fluids.
Long Fluid Life and Oxidation Stability
Hydraulic fluids are exposed to heat, oxygen, moisture and mechanical stress throughout their service life.
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is formulated to resist thermal and chemical breakdown, helping limit sludge formation and maintain system cleanliness.
Its typical ASTM D943 TOST life is 5,000 hours minimum.
TOST is a standardized laboratory oxidation-stability test. Actual hydraulic-fluid service life depends on:
- Operating temperature
- Contamination
- Water ingress
- Filtration
- Duty cycle
- Reservoir and system design
- OEM maintenance requirements
The 5,000-hour TOST result should not be interpreted as a fixed oil-change interval. Oil analysis should be used when establishing or extending drain intervals.
Wear Protection for Hydraulic Systems
Shell Tellus S2 MX fluids are formulated to protect hydraulic components against wear under demanding operating conditions.
Potential applications include systems containing:
- Hydraulic pumps
- Control valves
- Hydraulic motors
- Cylinders
- Industrial power units
- Mobile hydraulic components
Shell states that Tellus S2 MX fluids are suitable for use with most hydraulic pumps. Final lubricant selection should follow the equipment manufacturer's required viscosity and performance specifications.
System Efficiency, Air Release and Foam Control
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 combines:
- Filterability
- Water separation
- Air release
- Foam control
- Optimized friction characteristics
Good air release and foam control help maintain consistent hydraulic power transfer and reduce problems associated with entrained air.
Shell also states that optimized friction characteristics help reduce harmful stick-slip effects.
Hydraulic-System Cleanliness
Contamination and deposit formation can restrict filters and interfere with hydraulic-system operation.
Shell recommends an oil cleanliness particle count of ISO 4406 20/18/15 or better at the point of filling.
Maintaining appropriate fluid cleanliness can help reduce contaminant-related filter blocking and support equipment protection. Follow the equipment manufacturer's filtration and contamination-control requirements.
Water Separation and Moisture Stability
Water can enter hydraulic systems through condensation, seals, reservoir breathing, washdown and other sources.
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 provides water-separation performance intended to help separate free water from the hydraulic fluid so it can be removed from the system.
The typical ASTM D1401 water-separation value is 20 minutes.
The fluid also has good stability in the presence of moisture, helping reduce the risk of corrosion and rust in moist or humid environments. Significant water contamination should still be identified and corrected.
Industrial Hydraulic Systems
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is suitable for a wide range of hydraulic power applications in manufacturing and industrial environments where ISO VG 68 HM hydraulic fluid is specified. Potential applications can include:
- Manufacturing equipment
- Industrial hydraulic power units
- Hydraulic presses
- Machine tools
- Material-handling equipment
- Production machinery
- General plant hydraulic systems
Equipment manufacturer requirements should determine final product selection.
Mobile Hydraulic Equipment
Shell Tellus S2 MX fluids can be used in many mobile hydraulic power applications, including equipment such as:
- Excavators
- Cranes
- Construction equipment
- Material-handling machinery
- Other mobile hydraulic systems
Important: Shell recommends the Shell Tellus S2 VX Series instead for applications subject to significant ambient temperature variation.
Marine Hydraulic Systems
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is suitable for marine applications where ISO HM category hydraulic fluids are recommended. Verify the equipment manufacturer's viscosity, hydraulic-fluid category and operating requirements before use.
Compatibility with Other Hydraulic Fluids
Shell Tellus S2 MX fluids are compatible with most other mineral-oil-based hydraulic fluids.
Shell states that mineral-oil hydraulic fluids should not be mixed with other fluid types, including:
- Environmentally acceptable hydraulic fluids
- Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids
- Other chemically incompatible fluid technologies
When converting from a different hydraulic-fluid type, follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendations and appropriate flushing procedures.
Seal and Paint Compatibility
Shell states that Tellus S2 MX fluids are compatible with seal materials and paints normally specified for use with mineral oils. Compatibility should still be confirmed where specialized seal, coating or elastomer materials are used.
Designed to Meet
- Bosch Rexroth Fluid Rating RDE 90245
- Parker Denison HF-0
- Parker Denison HF-1
- Parker Denison HF-2
- Eaton E-FDGN-TB002-E
- Fives (Cincinnati Machine) P-69
- ISO 11158, HM fluids
- DIN 51524 Part 2, HLP type
- ASTM D6158-05, HM fluids
- Swedish Standard SS 15 54 34 AM
Shell recommends consulting its Technical Helpdesk for a complete listing of equipment approvals and recommendations.
Typical Technical Properties
| Property |
Typical Value |
| ISO Viscosity Grade |
68 |
| ISO Fluid Type |
HM |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 0°C |
1,000 cSt |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C |
68 cSt |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C |
8.9 cSt |
| Viscosity Index |
105 |
| Density at 15°C |
0.860 kg/L |
| Flash Point, COC |
230°C / 446°F |
| Pour Point |
-24°C / -11.2°F |
| Color, ASTM D1500 |
L0.5 |
| Water Separation, ASTM D1401 |
20 min |
| TOST Life, ASTM D943 |
5,000 hours minimum |
Typical physical characteristics represent typical production values and may vary. TOST life is a laboratory oxidation-stability result and should not be interpreted as a fixed oil-change interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68?
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is a high-performance ISO VG 68 hydraulic fluid formulated with Group II base oil technology for industrial, mobile and marine hydraulic systems.
What viscosity is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68?
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is ISO VG 68. Its typical kinematic viscosity is 68 cSt at 40°C and 8.9 cSt at 100°C.
Is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 an ISO 68 hydraulic oil?
Yes. Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is an ISO VG 68 hydraulic fluid and is classified as an ISO HM fluid.
Is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 the same as Shell Tellus S2 M 68?
Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 is the current product name used by PSC for the product formerly sold as Shell Tellus S2 M 68.
What type of base oil does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 use?
Shell identifies Tellus S2 MX fluids as using Group II base oil technology.
Is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 an antiwear hydraulic oil?
Shell classifies Tellus S2 MX 68 as an ISO HM hydraulic fluid and specifically describes the series as providing wear protection for hydraulic-system components.
Can Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 be used in industrial hydraulic systems?
Yes. Industrial hydraulic systems in manufacturing and other industrial environments are a primary application identified by Shell.
Can Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 be used in excavators and cranes?
Yes. Shell identifies excavators and cranes as examples of mobile hydraulic applications for Tellus S2 MX fluids. Where significant ambient temperature variations occur, Shell recommends Tellus S2 VX instead.
Can Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 be used in marine hydraulic systems?
Yes. Shell identifies marine systems requiring ISO HM category hydraulic fluids as an intended application.
Is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 compatible with other hydraulic oils?
Shell states that Tellus S2 MX fluids are compatible with most other mineral-oil-based hydraulic fluids. They should not be mixed with different fluid technologies such as environmentally acceptable or fire-resistant hydraulic fluids.
Is Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 compatible with hydraulic pumps?
Shell states that Tellus S2 MX fluids are suitable for use with most hydraulic pumps.
Does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 meet Bosch Rexroth RDE 90245?
Shell lists Tellus S2 MX 68 as designed to meet Bosch Rexroth Fluid Rating RDE 90245.
Does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 meet Parker Denison HF-0?
Shell lists Tellus S2 MX 68 as designed to meet Parker Denison HF-0, HF-1 and HF-2 requirements.
Does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 meet Eaton E-FDGN-TB002-E?
Shell lists Eaton E-FDGN-TB002-E among the requirements Tellus S2 MX 68 is designed to meet.
Does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 meet Cincinnati P-69?
Yes. Shell lists Fives (Cincinnati Machine) P-69 among the requirements Tellus S2 MX 68 is designed to meet.
Does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 meet DIN 51524 Part 2 HLP?
Shell lists DIN 51524 Part 2 HLP type among the requirements Tellus S2 MX 68 is designed to meet.
Does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 meet ISO 11158?
Shell lists ISO 11158 for HM fluids among the requirements Tellus S2 MX 68 is designed to meet.
What is the viscosity index of Shell Tellus S2 MX 68?
The typical viscosity index is 105.
What is the pour point of Shell Tellus S2 MX 68?
The typical pour point is -24°C (-11.2°F).
What is the flash point of Shell Tellus S2 MX 68?
The typical Cleveland Open Cup flash point is 230°C (446°F).
How quickly does Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 separate water?
The typical ASTM D1401 water-separation result listed by Shell is 20 minutes.
What does the 5,000-hour TOST life mean?
Shell lists a minimum ASTM D943 TOST life of 5,000 hours. TOST is a laboratory oxidation-stability test and should not be interpreted as a required 5,000-hour oil-change interval.
How often should Shell Tellus S2 MX 68 be changed?
Drain intervals should be based on the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, operating conditions, contamination levels and oil-condition monitoring. Shell's 5,000-hour TOST result is laboratory test data, not a universal service interval.
