A skid steer works through brutal conditions — dust, rain, mud, and high shock loads that would break lesser machines. The pins, bushings, and bucket pivot points demand a grease that stays put under pressure, resists water washout, and protects against galling. Choosing the wrong grease means accelerated wear on expensive undercarriage components and constant reapplication cycles that waste time and material.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Drink4Good. I’ve analyzed dozens of heavy-duty lubricant formulations across construction and agricultural applications, focusing on thickener type, extreme pressure additives, and water resistance ratings that matter most for compact equipment like skid steers.
This guide breaks down the top formulations based on tackiness, shear stability, and operating temperature range to help you find the best grease for skid steer equipment that delivers reliable, long-lasting protection between service intervals.
How To Choose The Best Grease For Skid Steer
Skid steer grease must withstand high shear forces at pivot points, resist water washout when operating in wet conditions, and remain stable across temperature swings from cold starts to heavy summer workloads. Ignoring these factors leads to premature bushing wear, squeaking pins, and frequent regreasing that cuts into productivity.
Thickener Type And NLGI Grade
Lithium complex grease (NLGI 2) is the industry standard for skid steer applications. It offers a drop point above 350°F, resists softening under high heat, and provides structural stability that keeps grease in the bearing area. Moly-fortified greases add solid lubricants that form a protective plating on metal surfaces, which is beneficial for slow-moving, heavily loaded pivot points like bucket pins and boom arms.
Extreme Pressure Additives And Water Resistance
The EP additive package determines how well grease protects against metal-to-metal contact under shock loads. Look for greases containing molybdenum disulfide (moly), graphite, or high concentrations of sulfur-phosphorus additives. Water washout resistance, measured by ASTM D1264, should be below 10% for greases used on exposed skid steer components that face rain, pressure washing, or muddy conditions.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil Delvac Xtreme | Premium | High shear pivot points | Extremely tacky; caramel-like consistency | Amazon |
| Sta-Lube CRC SL3330 | Moly-Graphite | Heavy load & wear protection | Moly & graphite solid lubricants; drop point 380°F | Amazon |
| John Deere TY6341 | OEM Standard | John Deere & compact tractors | Excellent heat & water resistance; 193°C upper temp | Amazon |
| GREASECO HVDY-200 | Multi-Purpose | General chassis & bearing lube | ISO 460 base oil; advanced EP additive pack | Amazon |
| John Deere TY24416 | OEM Tube | Light to medium skid steer use | Lithium complex; -15°F to 350°F range | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Mobil Delvac Xtreme Grease 14oz Tube
Mobil Delvac Xtreme Grease is formulated specifically for heavy-duty applications where grease resupply is limited and shear loads are extreme. Its exceptionally tacky, caramel-like consistency means it clings to bucket pins and loader arm pivot points far better than standard chassis greases, reducing waste from centrifugal throw-off during operation.
The advanced lithium complex thickener combined with a robust EP additive package provides excellent protection under water contamination — a critical factor for skid steers working in rain or washed-down conditions. Users report significantly less tip waste compared to budget greases, with some estimating retention improvement from 70% to over 95% per tube.
While the stiff consistency can make cold-weather pumping challenging, the trade-off in adhesion and longevity makes it a top choice for operators who prioritize fewer regreasing cycles and longer component life on high-wear areas like hinge pins and fifth wheel connections.
Why it’s great
- Extremely tacky consistency minimizes throw-off from rotating pins
- Excellent water resistance for outdoor and washed-down equipment
- Designed for high shear, limited relubrication intervals
Good to know
- Stiff in cold weather; may require higher pressure grease gun
- Shipment consistency has been reported as variable
2. Sta-Lube CRC SL3330 Moly-Graphite Extreme Pressure Grease
The CRC SL3330 combines molybdenum disulfide (moly) and graphite solid lubricants to create a fine micron plating on metal surfaces, making it ideal for skid steer bucket pins, U-joints, and suspension components that experience high pressure and slow oscillation. The lithium 12-hydroxy base provides excellent mechanical and shear stability, with a drop point of 380°F.
This grease excels in off-road and heavy-use environments where water washout and dirt contamination are constant threats. Users operating Kubota tractors and heavy equipment note that it remains thick and easily applied even after long storage, resisting separation and hardening in the tube or cartridge.
One consideration is that this formulation is not VOC compliant for California and OTC regulations, but for operators in other regions the moly-graphite synergy delivers exceptional boundary lubrication that reduces galling on exposed pivot pins under heavy bucket loads.
Why it’s great
- Moly and graphite solid lubricants plate metal surfaces for reduced friction
- High 380°F drop point ensures stability under heavy loads
- Resists water washout and maintains consistency over time
Good to know
- Not VOC compliant for California/OTC regulations
- May be overkill for light-duty applications
3. John Deere Original Equipment Grease #TY6341
John Deere TY6341 is the factory-specified grease for many Deere compact and subcompact tractors, loaders, and mowers, making it a natural choice for skid steer owners who prefer OEM formulations. It offers excellent resistance to heat, water, and contaminants, with an upper temperature rating of 193°C (379°F) that keeps it stable even during extended summer operation.
Users report that this grease does not bleed out in high heat or harden in extreme cold down to -20°F, maintaining consistent pumpability and lubrication characteristics across seasonal temperature swings. The cartridge format works well with standard grease guns, though reviewers note that a quality gun is recommended to avoid waste from lower-end tools.
The premium price point reflects the brand premium and rigorous factory testing, but for operators running mixed fleets of Deere equipment, standardizing on TY6341 simplifies inventory and ensures warranty-compliant lubrication across all machines.
Why it’s great
- Factory-specified for John Deere equipment
- Wide temperature range from -20°F to 379°F
- Does not separate or drip from grease gun
Good to know
- Premium pricing compared to generic alternatives
- Requires quality grease gun to avoid waste
4. GREASECO HVDY-200 Red And Tacky Automotive Lubricant
GREASECO HVDY-200 is a multi-purpose heavy-duty grease fortified with a heavier ISO 460 base oil compared to many competitors, providing superior extreme pressure and anti-wear protection for skid steer chassis points, tie rods, axles, and bushings. The lithium thickener delivers a thick, tacky consistency that resists water washout and remains in place on exposed components.
The advanced EP additive package is formulated to safeguard metal surfaces against heavy shock loads and high temperatures, making it suitable for construction excavators, bulldozers, and skid steer pivot points. The 1-pound tub format offers excellent value for operators who go through grease quickly and prefer a bulk container over individual tubes.
One user noted a strong chemical fragrance that may be bothersome to those with sensitivities, but the grease performance itself receives consistent high marks for reducing squeaking on control arms and suspension components, and multi-industry applicability from automotive to mining equipment.
Why it’s great
- Heavier ISO 460 base oil provides robust EP protection
- Thick, tacky consistency resists water washout
- Excellent value in bulk 1-pound tub format
Good to know
- Strong chemical fragrance may bother sensitive users
- Tub format less convenient than cartridge for grease guns
5. John Deere Multi-Purpose HD Lithium Complex Grease TY24416
John Deere TY24416 is a standard multi-purpose lithium complex grease designed for wheel bearings, universal joints, suspension systems, and anti-friction plain bearings — applications commonly found on skid steers and lawn tractors. With a temperature range of -15°F to 350°F, it covers the operating conditions most compact equipment encounters during normal seasonal use.
This grease is formulated to meet John Deere specifications for heavy-duty applications where lithium greases are recommended, offering good mechanical stability and resistance to breakdown under moderate loads. It works well for operators with lighter skid steer models or mixed use with mowers and utility vehicles who want a single product for multiple machines.
While it lacks the extreme tackiness and advanced EP additives of premium options like Mobil Delvac Xtreme or moly-graphite blends, it provides reliable baseline protection at an accessible price point. For high-hour commercial skid steer work involving heavy bucket loads and constant pivot motion, upgrading to a more specialized grease is recommended.
Why it’s great
- Meets John Deere OEM specifications for lithium grease
- Broad temperature range suitable for seasonal use
- Versatile for multiple equipment types
Good to know
- Less tacky than premium options; may throw off rotating pins
- Not ideal for extreme heavy-load pivot points
FAQ
How often should I grease my skid steer pivot pins?
Can I use automotive chassis grease in my skid steer?
What does moly grease do differently for heavy equipment?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the grease for skid steer winner is the Mobil Delvac Xtreme Grease because its extreme tackiness and water resistance keep pivot points protected between service intervals while reducing waste from rotational throw-off. If you want moly-graphite solid lubricant protection for heavy bucket loads, grab the Sta-Lube CRC SL3330. And for operators standardizing on OEM formulations, nothing beats the John Deere TY6341 Original Equipment Grease.