"Best" synthetic hydraulic fluid for the money?

[woodlandfarms]

Andy's "Good advice" (along with everyone else in the group) is going to cost me untold thousands by the time I am done with my PT...

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Carl, if it's working and you don't have temp issues, leave well enough alone. I do the things I do because I am a mechanic. Do yourself a favor, don't follow my footsteps. I frequently have gas and it makes for a stinky trail.

 

[SpringHollow]

I do not believe mine has gotten hotter than 170ｰ but i do not think it has run for more than 4 hours at heavy work (stump grinding during the summer) without any breaks (longer periods of use using the mini hoe but i do not think that counts). I will keep track of it when doing extended bush hogging. I have been cleaning out the oil radiator if i have been working in dusty or heavy pollen conditions. The oil is a mix of 10W40 and 15W45.

Ken

 

[Bob999]

According to SFR's website, H-Zol has the following benefits:

Maximizes Hydraulic System Life
Extends Drain Intervals
Excellent Thermal Stability
Improved Cold Weather Performance
Outstanding Pump Protection
Protects against Corrosion from Condensation

The thing that strikes me about the above information is the total lack of quantification and the total lack of support for the claims.

 

[ponytug]

I have to say I was a little disappointed with the lack of data on their website. Reading their MSDS mentions hydrogen sulfide as a component. Do you think it means they use sulfured oils for the high pressure additive?

The thing that strikes me about the above information is the total lack of quantification and the total lack of support for the claims.

 

[KMA]

The thing that strikes me about the above information is the total lack of quantification and the total lack of support for the claims.

I have to say I was a little disappointed with the lack of data on their website. Reading their MSDS mentions hydrogen sulfide as a component. Do you think it means they use sulfured oils for the high pressure additive?

I agree with you guys... I wish there was a bit more information. There is some testing info for their SFR100 product that has been around longer:

SFR 100: ASTM-D-5119 L-38

Thanks.

 

[KMA]

I though I'd finish off this thread with an update...

I decided to go with Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 (~$17/gal). Other synthetics with similar viscosity ranges I found to be far more expensive. I'm hoping this oil gives me better cold and hot weather performance. I still haven't decided whether to add a quart of the H-Zol (or another) additive. Right now, I'm feeling like I probably won't... but who knows.

 

[MuncyBob]

Kevin....come back again and post your results after making the change. I too anticipate a change of fluid this year and we have similar ambient temp ranges to work in.

 

[BobRip]

I though I'd finish off this thread with an update...

I decided to go with Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 (~$17/gal). Other synthetics with similar viscosity ranges I found to be far more expensive. I'm hoping this oil gives me better cold and hot weather performance. I still haven't decided whether to add a quart of the H-Zol (or another) additive. Right now, I'm feeling like I probably won't... but who knows.

Kevin do a pull test before and after to be able to measure the difference. Find a hill you cannot quite climb and see if you can climb it with the new oil.

 

[KMA]

Kevin do a pull test before and after to be able to measure the difference. Find a hill you cannot quite climb and see if you can climb it with the new oil.

Good idea. I will definitely try my best to do that.