Best Grease for Dump Trucks

Dump trucks aren’t just tough—they’re abused daily by dirt, water, salt, extreme pressure, and non-stop movement. Whether it’s your kingpins, fifth wheel, pivot points, or U-joints, using the right grease is crucial to keeping everything moving smoothly—and avoiding catastrophic failure.

So, what’s the best grease for dump trucks in 2024?
In this guide, we’ll cover the top-rated greases for different parts of your dump truck, including what specs to look for and how to choose the right grease for mud, heat, pressure, and downtime.


Why Grease Quality Matters for Dump Trucks

Dump trucks experience:

  • Extreme pressure loads on suspension, bushings, and chassis

  • Constant water and dirt exposure

  • High temperatures from braking and friction

  • Frequent starts and stops in heavy-duty conditions

A cheap or wrong grease can wash out, break down, or dry out—leading to metal-on-metal wear, seized joints, or grease starvation in critical areas.


What to Look for in Grease for Dump Trucks

NLGI Grade 2

This is the standard thickness for heavy-duty vehicle grease. It stays in place but still flows under pressure.

EP (Extreme Pressure) Additives

Helps protect components under heavy loads (like kingpins and U-joints).

Water Resistance

Look for waterproof or water-washout resistant grease—especially for undercarriage and wet job site work.

Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly)

Moly greases are great for high-load sliding components like hinges, pivots, and bushings.

High Drop Point

Choose greases with a high temperature “drop point” (above 500°F) for brake-proximate areas or heavy friction zones.


Best Greases for Dump Trucks (2024 Picks)


1. Schaeffer’s 238 Moly EP Synthetic Plus Grease

(Best Overall for Dump Trucks)

Why it’s great:
Schaeffer’s 238 is a premium, multi-purpose grease that excels in water, heat, pressure, and dirt—all the things dump trucks deal with daily.

Specs:

  • NLGI Grade 2

  • 5% Moly for high-pressure protection

  • Water-resistant and tacky

  • Operating range: -40°F to 500°F+

Best For: Kingpins, U-joints, hinges, fifth wheel, and general chassis lube


2. Lucas X-TRA Heavy Duty Grease

(Best for Budget + Heavy Loads)

Why it’s great:
Thicker and tackier than standard grease, this one stays in place longer—even under punishment. Great for older dump trucks with some wear in the bushings or pins.

Specs:

  • NLGI Grade 2

  • Extreme pressure additive package

  • High drop point: 560°F

  • Water-resistant

Best For: Grease points that see shock loads and vibration, like suspension and chassis components


3. Mobil Delvac Xtreme Grease

(Best for Long-Drain Maintenance Schedules)

Why it’s great:
If your truck runs long hours or gets greased less frequently, Mobil’s Xtreme grease is built for long-lasting film strength and high-load durability.

Specs:

  • NLGI Grade 2

  • Lithium complex base with high oxidation stability

  • Water and corrosion resistant

  • Excellent adhesion and shear stability

Best For: U-joints, kingpins, wheel bearings, and chassis lubrication on high-use trucks


4. Mystik JT-6 Hi-Temp Grease with Moly

(Best for Affordable Moly-Based Grease)

Why it’s great:
Widely used in heavy equipment and dump truck applications, this grease offers good moly content and high-temp resistance without breaking the bank.

Specs:

  • 3% Moly content

  • NLGI Grade 2

  • Drop point: 500°F

  • Excellent water washout resistance

Best For: Dump beds, pivot points, tailgate hinges, and fifth wheels


5. Amsoil Synthetic Polymeric Off-Road Grease

(Best for Extreme Off-Road & Water Conditions)

Why it’s great:
Designed specifically for severe off-road use, this grease is highly tacky and formulated for equipment exposed to water, mud, and impact.

Specs:

  • NLGI Grade 2

  • Synthetic base with EP and anti-rust additives

  • Operates from -40°F to 325°F continuously

  • Resists squeeze-out and washout

Best For: Off-road dump trucks, mining, and extreme-duty site conditions


Where to Use Different Greases on Your Dump Truck

Grease Point Best Type of Grease
Kingpins & U-joints Moly-based EP grease (Schaeffer’s 238, Lucas X-TRA)
Dump bed pivots High moly, tacky grease (Mystik, Amsoil Off-Road)
Chassis & bushings Standard EP Grade 2 grease (Mobil Delvac Xtreme)
Fifth wheel plate Moly paste or high-load grease (Lucas X-TRA)
Brake cams & slack adjusters High-temp grease with corrosion resistance

Pro Greasing Tips for Dump Truck Operators

  • Grease daily or every 8–10 hours of use for high-contact areas like kingpins and U-joints

  • Wipe away old or contaminated grease before applying new

  • Use a high-pressure grease gun for fittings that are hard to push

  • Rotate through tacky and non-tacky greases as needed for different seasons (thicker in summer, lighter in winter)

  • If water or mud gets inside, flush joints by pumping grease until clean product flows out


Conclusion

The best grease for dump trucks depends on your application, environment, and how often your truck is serviced. But every dump truck needs grease that can stand up to pressure, water, and dirt—day in, day out.

  • Want the best all-around option? Go with Schaeffer’s 238 Moly EP

  • Need a budget-friendly workhorse? Choose Lucas X-TRA Heavy Duty

  • Working off-road or in extreme wet conditions? Trust Amsoil Off-Road Polymeric

Keep your dump truck greased, and it’ll stay on the road, in the pit, or on the job site—working harder and lasting longer.

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