Catalytic dewaxing process using binder-free zeolite

A process for catalytically dewaxing a waxy hydrocarbon lubricant feed having an initial boiling point of at least 650.degree. F. and a wax content of at least 25 weight percent, which comprises:

• (i) selectively cracking waxy components of the feed by contacting the feed in a preliminary dewaxing reactor with dewaxing catalyst consisting essentially of an extruded intermediate pore size zeolite dewaxing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under dewaxing conditions, at a reactor inlet temperature which is increased by no more than 40.degree. F. during a dewaxing cycle between successive catalyst reactivations, the catalyst having an extended cycle lift relative to an alumina-bound catalyst, to produce a partly dewaxed product,
• (ii) dewaxing the partly dewaxed product in a secondary dewaxing reactor to a target pour point by contacting the partly dewaxed product with a dewaxing catalyst consisting essentially of an intermediate pore size dewaxing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under dewaxing conditions at a reactor inlet temperature which is progressively increased during the dewaxing cycle at a rate to compensate for catalyst deactivation so as to maintain the target pour point, the catalyst having an extended cycle life relative to an alumina-bound catalyst, to produce a dewaxed product of low pour point, wherein a progressively increased temperature is defined as a temperature increase which is greater than 40.degree. F.