ATF in place of UTF, for tractor?

[fortec]

Is there a JD 303 UTF spec'd oil that can handle cold? The UTF I see only goes to 32°F.

You would take a look at a J20D fluid since JD 303 fluids no longer exist.

 

[prs]

I think any of JD HyGuard 20 series are rated for pour point way colder than 32F. Mobile makes a good one too, I think the number is 424. Amsoil does market a synthetic, as does Ventrac, but way $!

prs

 

[fortec]

You are correct about Mobil 424. It's best to stick with the major brands that have genuine approvals.

 

[Scotty Dive]

I guess what I am asking is there a utf that ALSO meets the 303 spec? The tractor supply utf that meets the JD 303'spec also meets the j20d spec but it's for 32 degrees or better. I think most of us yanmar owners in cold climates want to meet the original spec and have better cold weather viscosity. A heater block is not an option for many of us as well. Super S SuperTrac 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid, 5 gal. - For Life Out Here

 

[WilliamBos]

We will be switching out to Shell S4 TXM. Not worth the risk of running ATF.

 

[fortec]

I'm not sure what you are looking for. The JD 303 spec claims are meaningless since no one can prove that a given fluid does or does not 'meet' the obsolete specification. As far as low temperature goes the J20D requirement is 20,000 cP max at -40C which is the same or similar to that of many modern ATFs.

 

[California]

... which is the same or similar to that of many modern ATFs.

Ok, we've come full circle back to the question I started this thread with.

I've seen dealers and customers say ATF is better than UTF assuming light utility tractor application. (Not ag tractor heavy continual pulling). Mostly because of better low temperature characteristics. I remain curious if there is a practical (not 'could be') difference.

 

[fortec]

Ok, we've come full circle back to the question I started this thread with.

I've seen dealers and customers say ATF is better than UTF assuming light utility tractor application. (Not ag tractor heavy continual pulling). Mostly because of better low temperature characteristics. I remain curious if there is a practical (not 'could be') difference.

The big difference is that, as I think someone else mentioned, ATFs do not contain anything like the amount of anti-wear additive that UTFs do. Hence an ATF does not offer as good a level of gear protection.

 

[Soundguy]

Nor extreme pressure, like for rear ends. You dint see many diffy spec'ing ATF instead of gear lube.

 

[California]

Nor extreme pressure, like for rear ends. You dint see many diffy spec'ing ATF instead of gear lube.

Uh ..With the exception of modern front wheel drive passenger cars? ATF seems sufficient for these. A utility tractor used mostly for loader work etc won't pull hard all day like a row tractor would, so the stresses in its differential might not exceed ATF capability. (Obviously real gear lube is what you need in an application of frequent heavy pulling).