W00dman
New member
I need to change the hydrostatic fluid in my Bolens Garden tractor the manual suggests ATF "F", I can only find ATF "H" plus others can I use these?
ATF "F" or ATF "H"
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SpudHauler
Gold Member
Search of google shows ATF F is for Ford specs and H looks like all the rest. Must be something special about a Ford. Should be easy to find the F version of this fluid.
Just read some more and the H will do Fords as well. So the F version must have extra STUFF. You'll have to read further to find out what extra stuff that might be.
Automotive stores should have both and because they specify F, I would take the time to find some.
Just read some more and the H will do Fords as well. So the F version must have extra STUFF. You'll have to read further to find out what extra stuff that might be.
Automotive stores should have both and because they specify F, I would take the time to find some.
mrmikey
Veteran Member
Same as mine, spec'd a type F. If I remember correctly it contains friction modifiers, around here it's over double the price of Dexron. Needing, if I remember correctly, over 11 liters it's costly and considering I have 2 it wasn't going to happen 
.
After doing a crapload of research I ended up using Petrocan Duratran Synthetic http://tinyurl.com/23cgpre . It works great in my 19 that I use for mowing and the same for my 17 that I use hauling in the woods. I used the 17yesterday and it was -2ｰC the night before and she never complained a bit.
You have to remember also, when these were made back in the 80's there wasn't the availability of fluids like there is now..Mike
**EDIT** Yes, I'm ready to get flamed GBG
. After doing a crapload of research I ended up using Petrocan Duratran Synthetic http://tinyurl.com/23cgpre . It works great in my 19 that I use for mowing and the same for my 17 that I use hauling in the woods. I used the 17yesterday and it was -2ｰC the night before and she never complained a bit.
You have to remember also, when these were made back in the 80's there wasn't the availability of fluids like there is now..Mike
**EDIT** Yes, I'm ready to get flamed GBG
Thanks for the reply, I thought because the tractor manual is old that it would state what is available at the time. It also states to use an SAE 20 equivalent. I will need to do some more research. Since some have used a synthetic can I expect that the newer ATF will work as well? Do you feel it will do damage or is it just a low temp thing? I am prepping the tractor for snow blowing today. Thanks for the support.
SpudHauler
Gold Member
I agree with MrMikey, a good synthetic like his recommendation would be great for the old girl. :thumbsup:
What does GBG stand for?
What does GBG stand for?
Jimbrown
Veteran Member
The difference in the two fluids has to do with how fast the clutches in an automatic lock up. I doubt your mower has any internal clutches so it is meaningless as to the type. They are just specifying an easy to obtain hydraulic fluid. You could just as easy use motor oil it is just that the transmission fluid has additives that help preserve seals.
mperatikos
New member
jimbrown is right , type f has a much larger friction compound than any other fluid, (has a lot of grit in it) so the clutchs will grab faster and tighter , using a different fluid will actually cause a slight bit of slip , resulting in clutch wear.
mrmikey
Veteran Member
Great Big Grin.
I was expecting a bunch of don't do it, it won't work, it'll cause hemmrohoids (sp), the radiator will plug up etc comments.....Mike
Mace Canute
Elite Member
This site lists a bunch of different types of ATF and who uses them.
Type F -- Introduced by Ford in 1967 for their automatics. Also used by Toyota.
Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Type F -- Introduced by Ford in 1967 for their automatics. Also used by Toyota.
Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.