VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION LUBRICATION

Elevator & Escalator Lubricants |
Engineered to Elevate

Q: How is SantoTrac® different from conventional lubricants?

SantoTrac® is designed as a high-traction fluid.It uses the shear strength of the lubricant film to help transfer torque through loaded contacts.SantoTrac® technology is often described as acting like “liquid gear teeth.”

Q: Is SantoTrac® only for CVT applications?

No. SantoTrac® is strongly associated with traction drives and CVT applications.SantoLubes materials also connect SantoTrac® to elevator cables and other high-traction applications.

Q: Does ultEbase® offer a bio-derived option?

Yes. ultEbase® base oils can be produced from bio-derived feedstocks.This supports sustainability and carbon reduction goals for formulators and OEMs.

Advanced Lubrication Technology for Elevator and Escalator Systems

SantoLubes^® develops high-performance synthetic lubricant technologies for gearboxes, chains, drive systems, bearings, ropes, cables, and high-duty mechanical components that keep vertical transportation moving.

Built around SantoTrac^® Traction Fluids and ultEbase^® Synthetic Base Oils, SantoLubes helps support thermal stability, superior load-carrying, traction, efficiency and long-term equipment reliability in demanding elevator and escalator applications.

Traction technology

Vertical transportation focus

Thermal management

Built for the Systems Behind Vertical Motion

Elevator and escalator systems operate under repeated load cycles, demanding duty conditions, and constant reliability expectations.

SantoLubes technologies help address lubrication challenges across the systems and components that keep vertical transportation moving, including escalator chains, drive systems, elevator ropes and cables, high-duty mechanical components, and continuous-duty components.

SantoLubes technologies help support:

Reduced internal lubricant friction

Lower operating temperatures

Stable film protection

Improved gear efficiency

Smooth torque transfer

High-load contact protection

Longer oil, seal, gearbox, and component life

Application-specific formulation flexibility

Two Advanced Fluid Technologies. One Vertical Transportation Focus.

SantoLubes brings together two complementary synthetic lubrication platforms for the elevator and escalator market.

Product Technologies for Elevator and Escalator Lubrication Challenges

SantoTrac® Traction Fluids

SantoTrac^® is a synthetic traction fluid technology designed for high-traction performance in loaded EHD contacts.

In these conditions, the lubricant film can transmit tangential force between smooth rolling surfaces. SantoTrac^® technology is often described as acting like “liquid gear teeth.”

In elevator and escalator applications, SantoTrac^® is most relevant to ropes, cables, traction-related contacts, and high-duty mechanical components. SantoTrac^® is designed to provide high traction, film strength, and load-carrying performance in demanding EHD contact conditions.

ultEbase® Synthetic Base Oils

ultEbase^® is a patented Group V synthetic base oil technology developed for demanding mechanical systems where efficiency, temperature control, and lubricant stability are critical.

In elevator and escalator applications, ultEbase^® is most relevant to gearboxes, drive systems, bearings, chains, greases, and high-duty mechanical components. ultEbase^® supports efficient lubrication by lowering EHD shear strength within the lubricant film.
This can help reduce drag, lower heat generation, and support smoother energy transfer in gearbox systems.

Attribute	SantoTrac^® Traction Fluid Technology	ultEbase^® Group V Synthetic Base Oil
SantoLubes Platform Role	Specialized traction technology for load transfer, cable-related applications, and high-pressure EHD contacts to enhance safety and performance.	Main technology for gearbox efficiency, thermal control, reduced friction, and formulated lubricant performance.
Elastohydrodynamic (EHD) Positioning	High-traction performance in loaded EHD contacts. Designed for applications where fluid shear strength helps transmit torque.	Ultra-low EHD shear strength. Up to 35% lower than PAG and up to 45% lower than PAO.
Relevant Vertical Transportation Uses	Elevator rope and cable applications Traction-related drive systems High-load rolling contacts Precision mechanical drives High-duty power transmission components	Elevator gear oils Escalator gearbox lubricants Chain lubricants Compressor and hydraulic fluids Greases, additive packages, and high-duty mechanical systems
Key Performance Attributes	High coefficient of traction Designed for applications where fluid shear strength helps transmit torque. High pressure-viscosity behavior Helps maintain thicker lubricant films between rolling surfaces. Fatigue life support Helps support durability in demanding loaded-contact environments. High-speed operation Supports power transmission at high speeds and reasonable loads. Low-noise operation Relevant to smooth and quiet motion systems. Low-maintenance potential Supports long-term reliability in properly matched applications.	Ultra-low EHD shear strength Up to 35% lower than PAG and up to 45% lower than PAO. High viscosity index Supports performance across a wide operating temperature range. High heat capacity and thermal conductivity Helps reduce operating temperatures and support stable performance. Shear stability Stable to viscosity shear-down in EHD applications. Formulation flexibility Available for blending from ISO 10 to approximately ISO 680. Bio-derived option Available with bio-derived feedstock options.
Application Areas	Ropes and Cables SantoTrac^® helps support performance in cable-related applications. High-Duty Components SantoTrac^® helps support protection under load, heat, and repeated duty cycles. Continuous-Duty Components Traction fluid technology may be relevant to escalator handrail drives and speed governors where rolling friction is used to transfer power instead of teeth.	Elevator Gearboxes Supports efficient torque transfer, thermal control, and gear protection. Escalator Gearboxes Helps reduce internal fluid friction and heat under continuous-duty operation. Bearings Supports protection in high-duty rotating and rolling components.
Performance Data	Traction Coefficient SantoTrac^® 50 technical data lists a traction coefficient of 0.10. Fluid Film Behavior High pressure-viscosity behavior helps support thicker lubricant films between rolling surfaces. Torque Transfer Designed for applications where the lubricant film directly contributes to torque transfer. Load-Carrying Performance Supports demanding high-pressure contact environments. Smooth Operation Relevant to systems where controlled motion, reduced noise, and stable speed are important.	EHD Shear Reduction Up to roughly 35% lower EHD shear strength than PAG and up to roughly 45% lower than PAO. High Heat Capacity and Thermal Conductivity Helps reduce operating temperatures and support stable performance. Shear Stability Stable to viscosity shear-down in EHD applications. Formulation Flexibility Available for blending from ISO 10 to approximately ISO 680. Bio-Derived Option Available with bio-derived feedstock options.
Lubrication Technology for Elevator Reliability Elevator systems depend on precise motion, reliable load handling, and long-term mechanical performance. SantoLubes technologies help address key lubrication challenges across elevator ropes, cables, and high-duty components.	Ropes and Cables SantoTrac^® helps support performance in cable-related applications. High-Duty Components SantoTrac^® helps support protection under load, heat, and repeated duty cycles.	Elevator Gearboxes ultEbase^® helps support efficient torque transfer, lower internal friction, and thermal control. Bearings ultEbase^® helps support lubrication stability and surface protection.
Continuous-Duty Escalator Systems Escalators operate under constant motion, repeated passenger loading, and demanding maintenance expectations. Their gearboxes, chains, drive systems, bearings, and high-duty mechanical components require lubrication technologies designed for stable performance over time.	Continuous-Duty Components Traction fluid technology may be relevant to escalator handrail drives and speed governors where rolling friction is used to transfer power instead of teeth. Traction-Related Drive Systems Relevant where fluid shear strength helps transmit torque. High-Load Rolling Contacts Supports demanding high-pressure contact environments. High-Duty Components SantoTrac^® helps support protection under load, heat, and repeated duty cycles. Smooth Operation Relevant to systems where controlled motion, reduced noise, and stable speed are important.	Escalator Gearboxes ultEbase^® helps reduce internal friction and operating temperatures. Escalator Chains ultEbase^® supports formulated chain lubricants and stable film performance. Drive Systems ultEbase^® enhances smooth power transfer and lubrication efficiency. Bearings ultEbase^® helps support protection in high-duty rotating components. Continuous-Duty Components ultEbase^® helps manage heat, friction, and mechanical stress.

Traction coefficient reflects SantoTrac® 50 technical data. Other attributes are descriptive performance characteristics. Contact SantoLubes for certified specifications and full Technical Data Sheets.

Advanced Performance With Renewable Feedstock Options

ultEbase^® base oils can be produced from bio-derived feedstocks.

This enables formulators and OEMs to evaluate sustainable lubricant options while maintaining the same core performance objectives around low EHD shear, thermal conductivity, and efficient lubrication.

Built for Contractors, OEMs, Suppliers, and Technical Decision-Makers

Elevator and escalator systems operate under repeated load cycles, demanding duty conditions, and constant reliability expectations.

Elevator Contractors

Supports formulated chain lubricants for wear protection and reliable motion.

Escalator Service Providers

Relevant to high-load contacts where torque transfer and fluid film behavior matter.

OEMs

SantoTrac® technology helps enhance slip-resistant performance and equipment life in cable-related applications.

Component Suppliers

SantoTrac® is used in escalator handrail drives as well as speed governors where rolling friction is used to transfer power instead of teeth.

Consultants

Performance technology designed to thrive in environments exposed to load, heat, friction, and continuous mechanical stress.

Maintenance Leaders

SantoTrac® fluids are high-traction synthetic fluids designed to transfer torque through loaded EHD contacts.

Custom Solutions

SantoLubes can support custom formulation work based on application needs.

Request Application Guidance

Every elevator and escalator system has unique operating conditions. SantoLubes can provide technical information, sample material, and consultation to help evaluate product fit.

Samples and Technical Support

Request a sample or connect with the SantoLubes technical team.

Application Review

Discuss your gearbox, chain, drive system, bearing, rope, or cable application with a technical specialist.

Performance Data

Review technical data for ultEbase® and SantoTrac® technologies.

FAQ

Answers to common questions about SantoLubes technologies in elevator and escalator applications.

Which SantoLubes products are most relevant?

The primary technologies are ultEbase® Synthetic Base Oils and SantoTrac® Traction Fluids.
ultEbase® is most relevant to gearboxes, chains, bearings, greases, and drive systems.
SantoTrac® is most relevant to traction-related applications, elevator ropes and cables, and loaded EHD contacts. It is a great market choice for those who sell, install, and repair elevators and escalators.

How does ultEbase® help gearbox performance?

ultEbase® is engineered with ultra-low EHD shear strength. This helps reduce internal lubricant friction in gearbox applications. It also provides high heat capacity and high thermal conductivity to help support thermal control and stable lubrication performance.

What does EHD shear strength mean?

EHD shear strength refers to resistance within the lubricant film under elastohydrodynamic contact conditions.
Lower EHD shear strength can help reduce internal fluid friction.
In gearboxes, that can support improved efficiency and lower operating temperatures.

How is SantoTrac® different from conventional lubricants?

SantoTrac® is designed as a high-traction fluid.
It uses the shear strength of the lubricant film to help transfer torque through loaded contacts.
SantoTrac® technology is often described as acting like “liquid gear teeth.”

Is SantoTrac® only for CVT applications?

No. SantoTrac® is strongly associated with traction drives and CVT applications.
SantoLubes materials also connect SantoTrac® to elevator cables and other high-traction applications.

How does this apply to escalators?

Escalators include gearboxes, chains, bearings, drive systems, and continuous-duty mechanical components.
ultEbase® is relevant to formulated lubricants for these areas.
SantoTrac® may be relevant where high-traction or high-load contact conditions exist.

Are the performance results elevator-specific?

Some results come from demanding gear, transmission, and industrial testing environments.
They should be used as performance indicators unless elevator-specific testing is available.

Does ultEbase® offer a bio-derived option?

Yes. ultEbase® base oils can be produced from bio-derived feedstocks.
This supports sustainability and carbon reduction goals for formulators and OEMs.

Who should request a consultation?

Contractors, OEMs, component suppliers, consultants, maintenance leaders, and lubricant formulators should request a consultation.
This is especially relevant for teams evaluating lubrication performance in elevator or escalator systems.

Elevator & Escalator Lubricants | Engineered to Elevate