Nine crude and refined vegetable oils were studied for kinematic viscosity index, flash and pour points by std. methods as well as for wear scar diam. and seizure load. For comparison, a petroleum-based machinery oil was also tested. The vegetable oils showed better lubricating properties, higher viscosity index and flash point than the petroleum-based oil. The refined oils prevented effectively corrosion and didn't show any tendency to foaming. Their weak oxidn. stability and high pour point were of disadvantage.