Questions & Answers

We have recently relaunched our industrial oils, greases and transmission products ranges. Naturally, such changes prompt questions such as why have you made the changes?

We have changed our product portfolio to help make it easier and simpler for you to select the right lubricants for your operations. This gave us the opportunity to introduce new-technology lubricants and adopt a new, simpler and more logical naming system. It follows the success of similar work with our heavy-duty and automotive motor oil product ranges.

Download a full list of frequently asked questions and answers (PDF, 449 KB) - opens in new window, or contact us to find out more.

Why has Shell relaunched its range of industry oils, transmission fluids, greases and motorcycle oils?
Lubricant ranges are typically complex and often include a number of different brands and sub-brands.  This can make it difficult for customers to understand and choose the correct lubricant for the right application, risking lubricant performance, equipment operation and efficiency. The relaunch will make it easier for customers to identify and realise the performance benefits of our lubricant solutions.

Part of the relaunch includes creating a consistent range of industrial oil, greases and transmission fluids that will be available on a global basis.  The brands, including a new global brand for greases, include:

• Air Compressor oils = Shell Corena
• Bearing & Circulating oils = Shell Morlina
• Gas Compressor oils = Shell Gas Compressor Oil
• Gear oils = Shell Omala
• Grease = Shell Gadus
• Hydraulic oils = Shell Tellus
• Motorcycle oils = Shell Advance
• Transmission fluids = Shell Spirax

What are the benefits of the relaunched range?
Each brand includes a range of products based on protection/performance, starting from S1 and S2 tiers for products which provide reliable, cost effective protection/performance; up to S4-S5 tier products (including high performance synthetics), which provide value adding benefits including; increased oil life, energy efficiency and enhanced protection in challenging environments.

To clearly highlight the performance benefits of individual products, Shell has also included a logical suffix system, such as M = manufacturing/machine – factory environment, E = energy saving/high efficiency and T = temperature. Additional visual communication elements such as pictorial icons will be used to support product suitability and benefits.

For example, manufacturing companies can choose from the “M” range of hydraulic fluids, e.g. Shell Tellus S2 M, which provides reliable protection in factory hydraulic applications, or Shell Tellus S4 ME, which provides extra long oil life and the ability to reduce energy consumption whilst operators of mobile hydraulic equipment such as excavators would choose from the “V” range (versatile/vehicle use).

Download the Lubricants naming & suffix guide (PDF, 2287 KB) - opens in new window

The relaunch has been designed to demystify lubricant and fluid selection.  Customers will be able to easily match a product against a machine/application’s lubrication requirements using the new tiering system.   This will be supported by the new product packaging that will clearly highlight the main applications and benefits. 

This consistent approach to Shell’s product portfolio structures and naming will ensure that products are easier to understand, helping customers to make confident choices.  Shell’s distributor partners will find the range easier to stock and sell, and there will be increased availability of value-added top tier and synthetic lubricants.

How can I find which product is right for a specific piece of machinery / application?
One of the main drivers behind the relaunch is to make the understanding and selection of industrial oils, grease and fluids much less complex.  The new tiering system will be supported with new product packaging that will clearly show the main applications and benefits..

We have a range of supporting tools and materials to help customers move from the old to new portfolio.  Product packaging will include both the old and new product names for a limited period to assist in the transition.  New and current customers will also be able to use Shell’s free online lubrication recommendation tool, Shell LubeMatch.

Shell LubeMatch enables companies to match the most appropriate Shell products.  By simply selecting the type of application and model, Shell LubeMatch will give operators instant advice on the most appropriate Shell lubricant to use in that application. 

www.shell.com.au/lubematch

What has happened to established brands such as Shell Donax, Shell Alvania and Shell Tivela?
As part of the process to simplify the products, Shell has focused on streamlining the number of brands, while still ensuring that it offers a comprehensive range.  Part of the relaunch involved Shell analysing its product portfolio and incorporating the best of previous brands including Shell Tellus, Shell Corena, Shell Omala, Shell Morlina, Shell Gadus and Shell Spirax.  Other previous brands will no longer be used.  For example, under the new portfolio, Shell Tivela S will now be named Shell Omala S4 WE.

Have equipment makers approved the new products for use?
Yes.  The majority of equipment makers have been consulted and have granted new approvals / recommendations for the new products.  In fact, due to the focus of streamlining the number of brands, some products have been awarded additional approvals / recommendations.  Over 2,500 approvals have been granted to date, with over 3,000 approvals expected by the end of 2010.

What is the roll out schedule of the relaunched portfolio?
We will be launching our new industrial lubricants and transmission fluids portfolios from 1 November 2010 and the launch of our new grease portfolio will follow from 1 March 2011.  For those customers affected by the Shell Advance changes, this will take place from 1 May 2011.  From 1 June 2009, products in pack sizes larger than 20 litres will transition to the new product names when stock of the current product is depleted.  Pack sizes smaller than 6 litres will transition from September 2009.

How can organisations find out more information?
A full list of the old product name and number compared with the new product name and number, along with an easy to follow transition tool is available - www.shell.com.au/lubricants.

Further information will be provided here as the products become available to consumers.

Technical enquiries can be directed to our Technical Advice Team on 1300 134 205.