Would You Rather? Finding an Easy Answer to the Gearbox Layup Game

November 12, 2025

Gearbox Layup - Cortec CorporationWould you rather add 10 gallons (38 L) of oil or 0.3 gallons (1 L) of M-535 HV to a large gearbox for layup? The answer is easy when you look at the benefits of Cortec® oil additives for your wallet and the environment!

Traditional Method of Gearbox Layup#

The most common practice for gearbox layup is as follows: 1. Fill the gearbox case with oil, leaving one inch (2.54 cm) to spare at the top.
2. Plug all openings.
3. Apply a dry film corrosion inhibitor to external shafts.
4. Apply grease where needed.
5. Rotate shafts and inspect once a month.
6. Drain excess oil to operational level at startup.The biggest problem with this method is the large amount of oil that is required, especially for giant gearboxes used in mining, marine, and wind power industries that call for hundreds or thousands of additional gallons of oil. This is not only expensive but generates excessive hazardous waste. In addition, the headspace above the gearbox oil (the most vulnerable to condensation corrosion) is inadequately protected. Oil leakage is also a higher risk in some cases.

A Better Approach to Gearbox Layup#

Using a Cortec® gearbox oil additive can significantly reduce the amount of oil wasted while lowering costs and enhancing protection. The basic steps could look like this:
1. Add M-535 HV or M-531 (be sure to check compatibility) to oil at 3% of operating volume and circulate for five minutes.
2. Plug all openings.VpCI®-368®Cortec® additive. Contact Cortec® for specific advice on improving your gearbox layupPDFclick here®