JD 3038e compact tractor hydraulic fluid

[shock]

My John Deere 3038e hydraulic oil was in the middle of the dip stick, so I decided I'd add a little Champion 4000 hydraulic oil (j20c compatible) to bring it up a little.
Tractor has 175 hours on it, so assume it hasn't been changed ever, or since 50 hour checkup.

Did I do a bad thing mixing JD Hygard with Champion 4000 oil? I put about a quart, or 1 1/2 qt of the Champion in it.

Then I read about not mixing oils.......Thoughts?

 

[Ortimber]

I don't think adding a quart of this oil into your system will hurt anything.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you have a hydrostatic transmission you probably didn't do a good thing. For hydrostatic I would have stuck with manufacturer recommended fluid. It makes less difference for standard transmissions and hydraulic rams.

 

[super55]

while not recommended to mix blends you should be Ok. J20c is Hy-gard equiv. J20D is hy-gard lo-visocity. Most newer systems run the lo-vis but it's all dependent on temperature of your climate. Your tractor probably holds close to 5 gallons of hydro fluid so adding a quart is probably going to be a non-issue.

 

[shock]

The tractor was sold new in the Midwest (Northern Kansas), so I assume it had J20D when new, and never been changed - I bought it with 140 hours on it.

I also am in the Midwest (Northern Missouri), so similar climate.

Appreciate the responses.


Is there something I should look for if it's causing an issue? Someone said look for bubbles after working it hard. Does that make sense?

 

[Zebrafive]

If never changed, why not change it? At least change the filter.

 

[shock]

I didn't ask about opinions on maintenance schedules.

try to stay on topic.

 

[CobyRupert]

I didn't ask about opinions on maintenance schedules.

try to stay on topic.

Try not to be a ****.

Asking whether adding a quart of Champion oil to 5 gallons of some other oil is okay, yet nobody knows what that other is, IS YOUR TOPIC.
Zebra's comment was not about maintenance schedules.

For most people, knowing that the original break in oil has been changed anytime since (regardless of maintenance schedule) would be more important.
You might even have original Deere's Break-In Plus oil in it that dealer or factory added, who knows?
You don't know what kind of oil is in it, so why worry about what you mixed in?

 

[super55]

Is there something I should look for if it's causing an issue? Someone said look for bubbles after working it hard. Does that make sense?

Shouldn't have any issues with the small amount of fluid added. If you do come across an issue it will most likely be from the fluid needing a service. When you do service the hydro don't just replace the screw on filter and new fluid and call it good. If that model has a sump screen pull it out and clean it and check the rockshaft/3 pt screen as well for debris. These early hours are where the gears are still getting "set" will often is often the the time when most of the fine metallic particles are created. Filter will catch them but larger particles will not make it past the sump screen and can sometimes restrict flow especially when the fluid is cold.

 

[shock]

Ok, thanks for the info. I appreciate the advice.