hydro fluid comparison

[avatar]

I have been MIA from the sight for awhile, work..work..work!! I have managed to get 50 hours on my 4020 and picked up the fluids and filters for a 50 hr fluid change. I was alittle shell shocked to see that the 3-5 gallon pails of hydro fluid was $119.00 per pail. The dealer stated that it was what LS recommed for there tractors. The brand name is permatran 821xl made by AGCO, I looked it up in the forums and it looks like it is a good product, but there is also other brands listed with the same specs for a lot less any thoughts.

 

[rocknrod]

Your receipt will just say Hydraulic Fluid - right?

 

[avatar]

The receipt said, oil/permatran 821xl.5gal--119.00/5gal. Soo are you saying all hydro fluids are the same?

 

[Short Game]

My 2010 R4010's Operators Manual (page 5-3) calls only for filter replacements at 50 hours. The hydraulic oil replace is at 600 hours and the engine oil is at 300 hours in my book. Do your manuals say something different than that? There are stars for the 50 hours (first) service requirements. Black dots for regular replacement requirements.

 

[kpbeddin]

I went ahead and changed my hydraulic fluid and filter at 50 hours, partly because I knew I would lose some during the process anyway. I used the premium hydraulic fluid from TSC (~ $38.00/5 gallons). I also spoke with LS and the gentleman I talked to said that any quality trans-hydraulic fluid is acceptable for use in our tractors. I also noted that the specs on the TSC fluid met or exceeded those required by FarmTrac, McCormick, John Deere and many other companies. Both of my magnetic drain plugs contained some metal powder and a few shavings, so I'm glad to have fresh oil in there. I hope this helps.

 

[Short Game]

That should help to the tune of $184.68 for 11.4 gallons.

 

[avatar]

short game, Yes you are right about the filter replacement at 50 hrs. but, like kpbedin stated i too like to replace all the fluids after breaking a new moter in. But $38.00 a pail sounds a lot better than 119.00. Thanks for the reply

 

[avatar]

kpbedin, Thanks for the reply! I also like to change all the fluids at 50 hrs but, if $38.00 fluid will work as well as $119.00 than all the better. I will start shopping around for TSC hydro fluid, if its good enough for LS than its good enough for me. Thanks again.

 

[kpbeddin]

No problem, I am always glad to pass along anything that will help the next person. I did do a fair amount of research prior to deciding and feel confident that the TSC product should be just fine. I typically will never take the cheap way out just to save money, but I also don't believe in paying 3 times as much something when there is no real return or benefit. I guess that is why I am an LS owner .

 

[ProdaddyTX]

We absolutely recommend changing the ENGINE oil along with the filter at the 50 hr break-in service. However, with the hydraulic oil not being subjected to the same heat stress as engine oil, and with LS's filters and plug magnet doing their jobs well, we follow LS's recommendation and change hydraulic filters at break-in, but unless the customer requests otherwise we catch the fluid in a very clean container and re-use..... that stuff ain't getting any cheaper.

.....and yes, our tech svc rep from LS told us basically the same thing.... a high quality "Universal" tractor hydraulic oil (meaning that it's formulated for trans lubrication, hydraulics, and wet brakes) is adequate.