The 30-second answer
STIHL's own gearbox grease is Superlub FS, a lithium-based gear lubricant sold in tubes with a pointed tip for gearbox openings, and this guide is about alternatives to it, not a replacement for your manual. The alternatives here are heavy duty, tacky, synthetic and silicone greases that owners discuss for gearbox work, each with the manual check you must do before substituting, because a grease that is excellent in one gearbox can be wrong in another.
Our picks are: Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301, Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease, Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube, Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030, Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003.
How we researched this guide
We compared 5 greases for this guide, checked 4 maker and listing records for specifications and fitment, and reviewed gearbox guide summaries. No product in this guide was trialled by this site, and every performance figure below is a maker rating or a paraphrased guide summary with a link.
We print Not published wherever the evidence checked gave no figure, rather than guessing, and we rejected products whose identity or key specification could not be verified from a listing record or a maker document.
Substitution warning: no grease in this guide is STIHL-branded, and none is presented as STIHL-approved. Your STIHL model's manual states the grease type, quantity and service interval, and that manual overrides any guide, including this one. Do not mix grease types in a gearbox without checking compatibility, because mixed greases can separate and fail.
Best heavy duty grease
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301
Lucas describes X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease as formulated for automotive, agricultural, heavy duty and industrial applications, virtually waterproof, more stable than conventional lithium grease, EP fortified and exceeding OEM Lube for Life specifications. It is the heavy duty pick for a gearbox that works hard and gets wet, with a 14.5 ounce cartridge as the standard size.
Best tacky grease
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease
Lucas Red N Tacky is a smooth, tacky, red lithium complex grease, fortified with rust and oxidation inhibitors and a high degree of extreme pressure additives, with what Lucas calls a true Timken load much higher than other greases of its type. It is the pick for sliding surfaces and open gears, where a grease that stays put matters more than a grease that flows.
Best squeeze tube grease
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube
Lucas White Lithium Grease in an 8 ounce squeeze tube is the no-gun option. It is a lithium grease for automotive and household applications and heavy machinery operation, in a tube you squeeze by hand. That form is the reason to choose it for a small gearbox top-up, where loading a grease gun is more work than the job itself.
Best synthetic grease
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030
Super Lube's synthetic multi-purpose grease with Syncolon is a patented synthetic heavy duty lubricant, with synthetic base fluids and Syncolon micro powders for longer life protection against friction, wear, rust and corrosion. Its listing record gives an upper temperature rating of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and a 3 ounce tube, which makes it the precision pick for small gearboxes and mechanisms.
Best silicone grease
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003
Super Lube's silicone lubricating grease with PTFE, part 92003, is a silicone grease enhanced with Syncolon particles for friction and wear reduction, with long life protection and sound dampening properties. It is the pick for seals, O-rings and plastic-safe applications in and around a gearbox, where a petroleum grease could damage seals or plastics.
| Product | Key figure | Type | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301 | Heavy duty grease, EP fortified | 10301 | |
| Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease | Described by maker as much higher than other greases of its type | Red lithium complex grease, tacky | |
| Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube | White lithium grease | 10533 | |
| Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030 | Synthetic multi-purpose grease with Syncolon | 21030 | |
| Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003 | Silicone lubricating grease with PTFE and Syncolon | 92003 |
Grease finder: how much grease does the job need, in ounces?
Enter roughly how many ounces the job needs. Small top-ups suit a squeeze tube, while a full service suits a cartridge. This finder routes by quantity only; grease type must still match your STIHL manual, so check it before buying.
How to choose best stihl gearbox grease alternative
Manual first
Your STIHL manual states the grease type and service interval for your model, and it overrides any alternative guide. Check the manual before buying, because trimmer, brushcutter and hedge trimmer gearboxes do not all take the same grease.
Grease type and thickener
Lithium, lithium complex, synthetic and silicone greases differ in thickener and base oil, and mixing incompatible types can cause separation. Identify the existing grease type before adding a different one, and clean out the old grease if the types differ.
Load and EP additives
A gearbox under load needs extreme pressure additives, which heavy duty and tacky greases provide, while a light mechanism may not. Match the EP level to the load, because too little EP wears gears and too much grease in a small gearbox causes churning and heat.
Water and temperature
Outdoor gearboxes get wet and hot, so water resistance and temperature range matter. A virtually waterproof heavy duty grease suits wet work, while a synthetic grease with a high temperature ceiling suits hot, sustained work.
Seals and plastics
Silicone grease suits seals, O-rings and plastics that petroleum grease could damage, while EP grease suits loaded metal gears. Choose by what the grease touches, not just by the gears, because a gearbox has seals too.
Form and quantity
A squeeze tube suits a small top-up, a cartridge and gun suit a full service, and a 3 ounce tube suits a precision job. Buy the form that matches the job size, because a cartridge for a top-up wastes grease and a tube for a full service runs out halfway.
Fitment and key figures
Every figure below comes from the product records in this guide. Where a figure was not published, the table says so rather than guessing.
| Product | Key specification | Fitment note |
|---|---|---|
| Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301 | 14.5 oz / Heavy duty grease, EP fortified | Gearboxes and bearings under heavy load and wet conditions, as a general-purpose heavy duty grease. It is not a STIHL-branded grease, and your STIHL manual rema |
| Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease | Rust and oxidation inhibitors, extreme pressure additives / Described by maker as much higher than other greases of its type | Sliding surfaces, open gears and chassis points where tackiness keeps the grease in place. For a sealed trimmer gearbox, check the manual first, because a tacky |
| Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube | 8 oz squeeze tube / White lithium grease | Small grease jobs and top-ups where a squeeze tube is enough, including light gearbox and hinge work. For a full gearbox fill, a cartridge and gun are more prac |
| Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030 | 3 oz tube / Synthetic multi-purpose grease with Syncolon | Small gearboxes, mechanisms and bearings where a synthetic grease with a high temperature ceiling and a clean, translucent form is wanted. Check your STIHL manu |
| Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003 | 3 oz tube / Silicone lubricating grease with PTFE and Syncolon | Seals, O-rings and plastic components around a gearbox, and light gear work where silicone compatibility matters. It is not a heavy duty EP gearbox grease, and |
By budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | A squeeze tube for a small top-up | Lucas White Lithium Grease Squeeze Tube |
| Mid-range | A synthetic tube for precision work | Super Lube Synthetic Grease 21030 |
| Premium | A heavy duty cartridge for a full service | Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease |
Types compared
| Type | How it works | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy duty lithium grease | EP fortified, waterproof | Loaded gearboxes, wet work | General gearbox service |
| Tacky lithium complex grease | Stays on sliding surfaces | Open gears, sliding surfaces | Chassis and open gear work |
| Synthetic grease | Syncolon, high temperature ceiling | Small mechanisms, long life | Precision and clean work |
| Silicone grease | PTFE, seal-safe | Seals, O-rings, plastics | Seal service, light gears |
Detailed reviews
Each product below is reviewed against its own maker record, with the same structure, so the picks can be compared fairly.
Best heavy duty grease: Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301
Best heavy duty grease
Why the Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301 is our pick
Lucas describes X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease as formulated for automotive, agricultural, heavy duty and industrial applications, virtually waterproof, more stable than conventional lithium grease, EP fortified and exceeding OEM Lube for Life specifications. It is the heavy duty pick for a gearbox that works hard and gets wet, with a 14.5 ounce cartridge as the standard size.
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301 key specs
- Part number: 10301
- Size: 14.5 oz
- Type: Heavy duty grease, EP fortified
- Base: Lithium (listing record)
- Water resistance: Virtually waterproof (maker description)
- Temperature: Stands up to high temperatures, stays soft in very low temperatures (maker description)
- Use: Automotive, agricultural, heavy duty, industrial
- Colour: Green
- UPC: 049807103019
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301: fits and best for
Gearboxes and bearings under heavy load and wet conditions, as a general-purpose heavy duty grease. It is not a STIHL-branded grease, and your STIHL manual remains the authority for your model, so check it before substituting.
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301 pros and watch-outs
- EP fortified for heavy loads
- Virtually waterproof in maker description
- Stable across high and low temperatures
- Standard 14.5 ounce cartridge fits common grease guns
- Not a STIHL-branded grease, so manual approval must be checked
- Cartridge needs a grease gun, not a squeeze tube
- Green colour stains clothing and paint
- Heavy duty grease can be too thick for very small gearboxes
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301: what owners report
Grease guides describe X-Tra Heavy Duty as the ultimate grease for high speed bearings in Lucas's own line. Trimmer gearbox lubricant guide
Owner summaries praise its staying power in wet work and warn that it is messy to apply without a gun. Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty grease listing
The recurring caution is compatibility: do not mix grease types in a gearbox without checking, because mixed greases can separate. Lucas grease additives guide
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301: pair it with
Pair it with a grease gun and a clean rag for the gearbox plug area.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Clean the gearbox plug and surrounding area before opening it; grit in the gearbox is worse than old grease. See also best ATV winch guide.
Best tacky grease: Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease
Best tacky grease
Why the Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease is our pick
Lucas Red N Tacky is a smooth, tacky, red lithium complex grease, fortified with rust and oxidation inhibitors and a high degree of extreme pressure additives, with what Lucas calls a true Timken load much higher than other greases of its type. It is the pick for sliding surfaces and open gears, where a grease that stays put matters more than a grease that flows.
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease key specs
- Type: Red lithium complex grease, tacky
- Additives: Rust and oxidation inhibitors, extreme pressure additives
- Timken load: Described by maker as much higher than other greases of its type
- Use: Sliding surfaces, open gears, automotive, agricultural, landscaping, industrial
- Water resistance: Good water resistance and washout properties (maker description)
- Stability: Excellent mechanical stability and storage life (maker description)
- Size: 14 oz tubes (listing record, multi-tube listing)
- Colour: Red
- Replaces OEM: Lucas Oil 10005-30 (listing record)
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease: fits and best for
Sliding surfaces, open gears and chassis points where tackiness keeps the grease in place. For a sealed trimmer gearbox, check the manual first, because a tacky grease is not automatically the right gearbox grease.
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease pros and watch-outs
- Tacky formula stays on sliding surfaces
- EP additives suit high loads
- Good water resistance and washout properties
- Long mechanical stability and storage life
- Not a STIHL-branded grease, so manual approval must be checked
- Listing is a multi-tube pack, so check quantity before ordering
- Tackiness makes application messier
- Red colour stains
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease: what owners report
Tacky grease guides describe Red N Tacky as the sliding-surface specialist in the Lucas line. Trimmer gearbox lubricant guide
Owner summaries praise its staying power on open gears and warn that it is harder to clean off than a light grease. Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty grease listing
The compatibility warning appears again: do not mix it with an incompatible grease already in the gearbox. Lucas grease additives guide
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease: pair it with
Pair it with a grease gun and nitrile gloves, because red tacky grease does not wash off easily.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Apply sparingly to sliding surfaces; excess tacky grease collects grit, which is the opposite of lubrication. See also best UTV winch guide.
Best squeeze tube grease: Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube
Best squeeze tube grease
Why the Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube is our pick
Lucas White Lithium Grease in an 8 ounce squeeze tube is the no-gun option. It is a lithium grease for automotive and household applications and heavy machinery operation, in a tube you squeeze by hand. That form is the reason to choose it for a small gearbox top-up, where loading a grease gun is more work than the job itself.
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube key specs
- Part number: 10533
- Size: 8 oz squeeze tube
- Type: White lithium grease
- Base: Lithium
- Use: Automotive, household, heavy machinery operation
- Form: Squeeze tube, no grease gun needed
- UPC: 049807105334
- Listing: 2 pack (listing record)
- Colour: White
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube: fits and best for
Small grease jobs and top-ups where a squeeze tube is enough, including light gearbox and hinge work. For a full gearbox fill, a cartridge and gun are more practical.
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube pros and watch-outs
- Squeeze tube needs no grease gun
- White colour shows where grease has been applied
- Lithium base suits general automotive use
- Small tube suits small jobs without waste
- Not a STIHL-branded grease, so manual approval must be checked
- 8 ounce tube is small for a full gearbox service
- Listing is a 2 pack, so check quantity
- White lithium is a general grease, not a heavy duty EP specialist
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube: what owners report
Squeeze tube guides describe white lithium as the convenient general grease for light work. Trimmer gearbox lubricant guide
Owner summaries praise the no-gun convenience and warn that the tube empties fast on a big job. Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty grease listing
The recurring note is to use it for light work and keep a cartridge grease for heavy work. Lucas grease additives guide
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube: pair it with
Pair it with a rag and a small brush for working grease into a gearbox opening.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Warm the tube in your hands on a cold day; cold grease does not flow from a squeeze tube. See also winch recovery kit guide.
Best synthetic grease: Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030
Best synthetic grease
Why the Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030 is our pick
Super Lube's synthetic multi-purpose grease with Syncolon is a patented synthetic heavy duty lubricant, with synthetic base fluids and Syncolon micro powders for longer life protection against friction, wear, rust and corrosion. Its listing record gives an upper temperature rating of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and a 3 ounce tube, which makes it the precision pick for small gearboxes and mechanisms.
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030 key specs
- Part number: 21030
- Size: 3 oz tube
- Type: Synthetic multi-purpose grease with Syncolon
- Upper temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit (listing record)
- Stability: Good mechanical stability, does not evaporate or form gummy deposits (maker description)
- Use: General machinery, automotive, industrial, workshop
- Food grade: Food grade (maker description)
- Colour: Translucent white
- UPC: 082353210305
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030: fits and best for
Small gearboxes, mechanisms and bearings where a synthetic grease with a high temperature ceiling and a clean, translucent form is wanted. Check your STIHL manual before using it as a gearbox substitute, because synthetic does not automatically mean approved.
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030 pros and watch-outs
- Synthetic base with Syncolon for long life
- 450 degree Fahrenheit upper rating on the listing record
- Does not evaporate or form gummy deposits
- Food grade form suits clean workshop use
- Not a STIHL-branded grease, so manual approval must be checked
- 3 ounce tube is small for a large gearbox
- Translucent grease makes it hard to see coverage
- Synthetic price per ounce exceeds conventional grease
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030: what owners report
Synthetic grease guides describe Super Lube as the clean, long-life option for mechanisms. Trimmer gearbox lubricant guide
Owner summaries praise the lack of gummy deposits after long storage and warn that the small tube needs a second tube for big jobs. Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty grease listing
The compatibility note applies here too: check the existing grease type before mixing. Lucas grease additives guide
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030: pair it with
Pair it with a precision applicator or small brush for a gearbox opening.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Apply a thin, even coat; synthetic grease that is over-applied migrates into seals and housings. See also snatch block guide.
Best silicone grease: Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003
Best silicone grease
Why the Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003 is our pick
Super Lube's silicone lubricating grease with PTFE, part 92003, is a silicone grease enhanced with Syncolon particles for friction and wear reduction, with long life protection and sound dampening properties. It is the pick for seals, O-rings and plastic-safe applications in and around a gearbox, where a petroleum grease could damage seals or plastics.
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003 key specs
- Part number: 92003
- Size: 3 oz tube
- Type: Silicone lubricating grease with PTFE and Syncolon
- Material: Silicone
- Use: Seals, O-rings, bearings, gears, locks (maker description)
- Protection: Friction, wear, rust, corrosion (maker description)
- Sound: Sound dampening properties (maker description)
- Plastics: Compatible with most plastics and rubbers (maker description)
- UPC: 082353920037
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003: fits and best for
Seals, O-rings and plastic components around a gearbox, and light gear work where silicone compatibility matters. It is not a heavy duty EP gearbox grease, and it should not be presented as one.
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003 pros and watch-outs
- Silicone base suits seals, O-rings and plastics
- PTFE and Syncolon reduce friction and wear
- Long life protection with sound dampening
- Translucent white form is clean to use
- Not a STIHL-branded grease, so manual approval must be checked
- Not a heavy duty EP grease for loaded gearboxes
- 3 ounce tube is small
- Silicone grease must not be mixed blindly with petroleum grease
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003: what owners report
Silicone grease guides describe this product as the seal-safe option in the Super Lube line. Trimmer gearbox lubricant guide
Owner summaries praise its plastic and rubber compatibility and warn that it is not a substitute for a loaded gearbox grease. Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty grease listing
The recurring advice is to use silicone grease where seals are the concern and EP grease where load is the concern. Lucas grease additives guide
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003: pair it with
Pair it with new O-rings if the gearbox seals are being serviced at the same time.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Keep silicone grease away from surfaces that will later be painted; silicone contamination prevents paint adhesion. See also tree saver strap guide.
Spec comparison
| Specification | Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty G | Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease | Lucas Oil White Lithium Grea | Super Lube Multi-Purpose Syn | Super Lube Silicone Lubricat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | 10301 | Red lithium complex grease, tacky | 10533 | 21030 | 92003 |
| Size | 14.5 oz | Rust and oxidation inhibitors, extreme pressure additives | 8 oz squeeze tube | 3 oz tube | 3 oz tube |
| Type | Heavy duty grease, EP fortified | Described by maker as much higher than other greases of its type | White lithium grease | Synthetic multi-purpose grease with Syncolon | Silicone lubricating grease with PTFE and Syncolon |
| Base | Lithium (listing record) | Sliding surfaces, open gears, automotive, agricultural, landscaping, industrial | Lithium | 450 degrees Fahrenheit (listing record) | Silicone |
| Water resistance | Virtually waterproof (maker description) | Good water resistance and washout properties (maker description) | Automotive, household, heavy machinery operation | Good mechanical stability, does not evaporate or form gummy deposits (maker description) | Seals, O-rings, bearings, gears, locks (maker description) |
| Temperature | Stands up to high temperatures, stays soft in very low temperatures (maker description) | Excellent mechanical stability and storage life (maker description) | Squeeze tube, no grease gun needed | General machinery, automotive, industrial, workshop | Friction, wear, rust, corrosion (maker description) |
| Use | Automotive, agricultural, heavy duty, industrial | 14 oz tubes (listing record, multi-tube listing) | 049807105334 | Food grade (maker description) | Sound dampening properties (maker description) |
| Colour | Green | Red | 2 pack (listing record) | Translucent white | Compatible with most plastics and rubbers (maker description) |
| UPC | 049807103019 | Lucas Oil 10005-30 (listing record) | White | 082353210305 | 082353920037 |
| Warranty | Not published in the evidence checked | Not published in the evidence checked | Not published in the evidence checked | Not published in the evidence checked | Not published in the evidence checked |
| Check Price |
Scores and awards in this guide are editorial judgement based on the maker records and guide summaries above, not test results. No product in this guide was trialled by this site.
Installation and basics
Servicing a gearbox with grease starts with the manual, not with the tube. Find your STIHL model's grease type, quantity and service interval in its manual, and confirm whether the alternative you bought matches that type, because a substitute that differs in thickener should not simply be added to the old grease. Clean the gearbox plug and the surrounding area before opening it, because grit in a gearbox is worse than old grease, and remove the old grease if the types are incompatible or the old grease is contaminated. Apply the new grease in the quantity the manual states, using a pointed tip, a precision applicator or a grease gun as the opening requires, and do not overfill, because excess grease churns, heats and migrates into seals. Refit the plug, wipe the area clean, and run the tool briefly, then check for leaks at the seals and for unusual noise or heat. If the gearbox is noisy, hot or leaking after a service, stop and diagnose it, because grease cannot fix worn gears or failed seals, and continuing to run it will make both worse. Service intervals in guides for hedge trimmers often cite 30 to 55 hours of heavy use, but your model's manual is the interval to follow.
For background on the wider system, see how to use a winch, how to wire a winch and winch maintenance checklist.
Safety essentials
Follow the maker manual for your product and vehicle. Never exceed a rated capacity. Keep hands clear of moving parts and pinch points. Disconnect power before wiring work. Wear eye protection and gloves for cutting, drilling and adhesive work. Work on a stable, supported vehicle, never under a load held only by a jack. Stop and diagnose unusual noise, heat or leaks instead of continuing.
Three accessory picks with verified links:
WARN Epic snatch block:
GearAmerica tree saver:
AMBULL shackles:
See also snatch block guide, tree saver strap guide and D-ring shackles guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox noisy after greasing | Wrong grease type, or worn gears | Check manual type and inspect gears, grease cannot fix wear |
| Grease leaking from seals | Overfilled, or seals failed | Use manual quantity and replace failed seals |
| Grease separated in gearbox | Mixed incompatible grease types | Clean out old grease before changing type |
| Gearbox overheating | Overfilled, or wrong grease | Use manual quantity and type, check for wear |
| Grease will not flow from tube | Cold grease, or tube too small for job | Warm tube in hands, or use a cartridge and gun |
| New grease does not stay put | Wrong grease for sliding surfaces | Use a tacky grease for open and sliding surfaces |
Who should NOT buy these
Owners who have not checked their manual should not buy any alternative yet. The manual states the grease type for your model, and it overrides this guide. Check it first, because a wrong substitute can damage a gearbox.
Owners with a failed seal should not buy grease as a fix. Grease cannot fix a failed seal or worn gears. Replace the seal or gears first, then grease to the manual specification.
Owners mixing grease types should not add a new grease blindly. Mixed incompatible greases can separate and fail. Clean out the old grease before changing type.
For the wider system, see best ATV winch guide and best UTV winch guide.
Final verdict
Best heavy duty grease: Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301:
Best tacky grease: Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease:
Best squeeze tube grease: Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube:
Best synthetic grease: Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030:
Best silicone grease: Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003:
FAQ
What grease does a STIHL gearbox use?
STIHL's own gear lubricant is Superlub FS, a lithium-based gear lubricant sold in tubes with a pointed tip. Your model's manual states the exact type, quantity and service interval, and that manual is the authority for your machine.
Can I use an alternative to STIHL gearbox grease?
Owners discuss alternatives such as the heavy duty, tacky, synthetic and silicone greases here, but none is STIHL-branded and none is presented as STIHL-approved. Check your manual's grease type and compatibility before substituting.
Can I mix different greases in a gearbox?
Not blindly. Mixing incompatible grease thickeners can cause separation and lubrication failure. Identify the existing grease type first, and clean out the old grease if you are changing type.
How much grease does a trimmer gearbox need?
It depends on the model, and the manual states the quantity. Overfilling causes churning, heat and seal migration, while underfilling starves the gears, so use the manual quantity, not a guess.
How often should I grease a trimmer gearbox?
Follow your model's manual. Guides for hedge trimmers often cite lubrication after 30 to 55 hours of heavy use, but intervals vary by model and use, and the manual interval overrides any guide figure.
What is the difference between lithium and synthetic grease?
Lithium grease is the conventional general-purpose type, while synthetic grease uses synthetic base fluids for longer life, higher temperature tolerance and cleaner running. Either can be right, depending on what your manual specifies.
Is silicone grease good for gearboxes?
Silicone grease suits seals, O-rings and plastics, and light gear work, but it is not a heavy duty EP grease for loaded gearboxes. Use it where seals are the concern, and EP grease where load is the concern.
Why is my gearbox noisy after greasing?
Either the grease type is wrong, the quantity is wrong, or the gears or bearings are worn. Grease cannot fix wear, so inspect the gears and bearings if noise persists after a correct service.
Do I need a grease gun for a trimmer gearbox?
It depends on the job size and the opening: a squeeze tube suits a small top-up, while a cartridge and gun suit a full service. A pointed tip or precision applicator helps reach a small gearbox opening cleanly.
Sources
Trimmer gearbox lubricant guide
Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty grease listing
Super Lube synthetic grease listing
Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301 listing
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky Grease listing
Lucas Oil White Lithium Grease 10533 Squeeze Tube listing
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease 21030 listing
Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease 92003 listing
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo founded WinchInsider to give research-based buying guidance for winches and workshop gear, using maker specifications and owner reports rather than testing claims. See the about page for the editorial approach.
Related guides
- Grease archive
- Parent category archive
- best ATV winch guide
- best UTV winch guide
- winch recovery kit guide
- snatch block guide
- tree saver strap guide
- D-ring shackles guide
- winch cover guide
- wireless winch remote guide
- how to use a winch
- how to install a winch on an ATV
- what size winch do I need
- best winch battery guide
- how to wire a winch
- winch maintenance checklist
Top pick: Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease 10301