I have a new to me 2008 MF1528 HST with 1520 FEL. I want to do a complete fluid change. However, there are no close dealers near my area. What would be the best hydraulic fluid for my machine? It will take about 8+ gallons of fluid. I do not know the history of the machine, so no idea what was or in it. Thanks.
Congrats on the new tractor. Like most compact tractors, yours has a common sump for the hydralics and transmission fluid,so you don't want to be putting straight hydraulic fluid into it. What it needs is a combnation trans/hydralic fluid.
Unfortunately there are no universal standards for combnation Trans/Hydraulic fluids like there are for motor oils. In spite of trans/hydralic fluid being used in most tractors all the way up to giant earthmovers, there are no standards for quality, compatibity with oils or seals, additives, or wear. Nothing beyond simple viscosity and flammability for what any manufacturer calls his trans/hydraulic fluid.
So quality wise, it's the wild west. Anyone can claim anything about trans/hydraulic fluid and they sure do. Advertisers can claim compatibility with other fluids or invent mythical standards or do whatever they want. I suspect a lot of what is marketed as trans/hydralic is simply filtered used motor oil. Without standards, there is no way to know.
One thing is for sure, the good trans/hydraulic from brand name refiners is much more expensive than the box store product.
I think your best to go with a trans/hydraulic name brand refiner - like Shell, Mobil, Chevron, Amsol or such. Or with whatever big time users recommend like Cat or JD.
You will see cheaper fluids claim all sorts of things. Take it with a grain of salt. I saw one that claimed their product met all the requirements for brake fluid. Another claimed that it met JD standards that never existed.
your money; your choice.
rScotty
