BRAND OVERVIEW
SantoTrac®
Traction Drive Fluids
SantoTrac® traction drive fluids are engineered to support efficient torque transfer, high load capacity, and dependable performance in demanding traction-drive environments. SantoLubes® develops SantoTrac® solutions for systems where motion efficiency, thermal stability, and reliable fluid behavior are critical.These fluids are well suited for demanding mechanical systems that rely on controlled traction, strong film performance, and stable operation under high loads and challenging operating conditions.
Efficient
torque transfer
High load
capacity
Thermal
stability
What It Is Used For
SantoTrac® traction drive fluids are engineered for systems where controlled traction, high load capability, and dependable performance are essential.
Traction drive systems
High-load motion systems
Power transmission equipment
Precision mechanical drives
Industrial performance applications
Key Benefits
Efficient torque transfer
Supports consistent traction and smooth power delivery for reliable performance.
High load capacity
Engineered to maintain film strength under extreme pressure and heavy loads.
Thermal stability
Resists thermal breakdown and viscosity changes at elevated temperatures.
Reliable film performance
Maintains protective film to reduce wear and extend equipment life.
Product Series / Variants
SantoTrac® 32
Low-viscosity traction drive fluid optimized for high-speed, low-load CVT applications requiring rapid fluid response and minimal viscous drag.
- ISO VG 32
- Traction coefficient >0.1 at 40°C
- Low viscous drag for fuel efficiency
- Suitable for passenger car CVTs
SantoTrac® 50
The flagship traction drive fluid for CVT and planetary drive applications. Superior load capacity and thermal stability make it the OEM-specified choice for demanding transmission systems.
- ISO VG 50
- Traction coefficient >0.1 at 40°C
- OEM approved formulations
- Optimized for CVT variator contacts
SantoTrac® 70
Extended-performance traction fluid for heavy-duty and high-temperature traction drive applications. Enhanced thermal stability for continuous high-load operation.
- ISO VG 70
- Enhanced thermal stability
- Extended drain capability
- Heavy-duty industrial CVTs
SantoTrac® 100
Higher viscosity traction fluid for industrial traction drives and heavy planetary gear systems requiring maximum film strength under extreme loads.
- ISO VG 100
- Maximum film strength
- Extreme load capacity
- Industrial planetary drives
SantoTrac® 150
High-viscosity traction fluid engineered for wind turbine drives, heavy industrial gearboxes, and traction applications with large contact areas and slow speeds.
- ISO VG 150
- Wind turbine qualified
- Large contact area optimization
- Slow-speed traction performance
SantoTrac® 220
The highest viscosity grade in the SantoTrac® portfolio, designed for the most demanding industrial traction and gear applications with extreme load and slow-speed requirements.
- ISO VG 220
- Extreme load applications
- Maximum viscosity retention
- Heavy industrial equipment
Target Industries
Industrial Manufacturing
Energy
Aerospace
Automotive
Marine
Related Applications
Traction Drive Applications
Gear Applications
Compressor Applications
Specialty Industrial Applications
Related Products
Fluids
Engineered fluid solutions for diverse industrial needs.
Lubricants
Advanced lubricants designed to enhance performance and life.
Oils
High-quality base and specialty oils for critical applications.
Custom Solutions
Tailored formulations to meet unique system requirements.
Technical Resources / SDS / TDS
Samples & Technical Support
Request a sample or connect with our technical team for application guidance.
FAQ
Expert guidance and resources to help you find the right solution.
What is a traction drive fluid and why does it require a specialized lubricant?
A traction drive fluid is a lubricant specifically formulated to transmit torque through elastohydrodynamic (EHD) film contact between rolling elements — rather than through direct mechanical engagement. In traction drives, the fluid itself acts as the torque transfer medium under extreme contact pressures. That demands a unique combination of properties: a high traction coefficient to efficiently transfer power, strong film strength to protect contact surfaces under heavy loads, and thermal stability to maintain those characteristics as operating temperatures rise. Conventional gear oils and hydraulic fluids are not engineered for this role and will underperform or fail in traction-drive applications.
What is SantoTrac® 50 and why is it the most widely specified traction fluid?
SantoTrac® 50 is the flagship product in the SantoTrac® line and the most broadly OEM-approved traction drive fluid available. Formulated at ISO VG 50, it delivers a traction coefficient exceeding 0.1 at 40°C, superior load capacity, and the thermal stability required for CVT variator contacts and planetary drive systems. Its OEM-approved formulations make it the default specification for demanding transmission systems across automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications. For engineers selecting a traction fluid without a specific system constraint, SantoTrac® 50 is the proven starting point.
What is the right SantoTrac® viscosity grade for my application?
Viscosity selection depends on operating speed, load, contact geometry, and temperature range. SantoTrac® 32 is optimized for high-speed, low-load CVT applications where minimizing viscous drag supports fuel efficiency. SantoTrac® 50 covers the broadest range of CVT and planetary drive systems. SantoTrac® 70 adds enhanced thermal stability for continuous high-load or elevated-temperature operation. SantoTrac® 100 delivers maximum film strength for heavy industrial planetary drives. SantoTrac® 150 is wind turbine qualified, engineered for large contact areas and slow-speed traction. SantoTrac® 220 handles the most extreme industrial loads at the highest viscosity in the portfolio. When in doubt, SantoLubes engineers can review your system parameters and recommend the right grade.
Is SantoTrac® suitable for CVT (continuously variable transmission) applications?
Yes. SantoTrac® fluids — particularly SantoTrac® 32 and SantoTrac® 50 — are purpose-built for CVT applications. CVTs rely on precise traction-film behavior between the variator belt or chain and the pulley surfaces to transmit torque without slipping or excessive wear. SantoTrac® provides the consistent traction coefficient, film durability, and thermal stability that CVT systems require for long-term reliable operation. SantoTrac® 50 carries OEM-approved formulations specifically optimized for CVT variator contact conditions.
Can SantoTrac® fluids be used in wind turbine drivetrains?
Yes. SantoTrac® 150 is specifically qualified for wind turbine drive applications. Wind turbine traction drives present a challenging combination of large contact areas, variable loads, slow rotational speeds, and wide ambient temperature swings. SantoTrac® 150 is engineered to maintain protective film performance and stable viscosity across these conditions, supporting extended drain intervals and reduced maintenance in remote or difficult-to-service installations.
Does SantoTrac® meet food-grade lubricant requirements?
SantoTrac® 50 and SantoTrac® 332-FG carry H1 credentials, qualifying them for use in food processing and manufacturing environments where incidental contact with food is possible. These grades deliver the same high traction performance, antiwear protection, oxidation stability, and rust and corrosion resistance as the broader SantoTrac® line — while meeting the compliance requirements that food, beverage, and pharmaceutical equipment demands. For food-grade traction drive applications, these are the recommended grades.
How does SantoTrac® extend the service life of traction drive equipment?
SantoTrac® extends equipment life through three primary mechanisms. First, its high traction coefficient allows efficient torque transfer at lower fluid shear stress, reducing wear on contact surfaces. Second, its strong EHD film maintains a protective barrier between rolling elements under extreme pressure, preventing metal-to-metal contact during high-load events. Third, its thermal stability prevents viscosity breakdown and fluid degradation at elevated operating temperatures — meaning the fluid continues to perform as designed over extended service intervals. The combination reduces component wear, lowers maintenance frequency, and extends the overall service life of the drive system.
