Oil & Fuel JD303 spec oil

Neat 1500 · Oct 29, 2009

i have been looking around for a 303 spec oil, in doing so i came across an article where a bloke had removed the 303 spec oil that was in it and replaced it with a standard type hydraulic oil and said that the hydraulics operated better,much less noise from the pump and they were quicker.also when it was cold they would not operate immediately until the fluid was changed.is a 303 spec oil 10w/20? i have not come up with a definate answer on this as i would like to change mine as i have changed everthing else. my hyd are very slow and sluggish until they warm up,then they are OK and it is also clean but i dont know what was put in it.

MJPetersen · Oct 29, 2009

Neat, You need to remember that the trans fluid not only is used as hydro fuluid but must lubricate the trans bearings and such. I have only heard the dangers of using a straight hydro oil. However, there are some here (even a dealer), who use Dextron ATF. I switched to Dextron about a year ago and find it great. Some tractors will even come from japan with the red stuff.

I believe that my VN import came with the wrong oil--when it was cold it would not move at all until warm--I know it works well now.

Mike

Neat 1500 · Oct 29, 2009

MJPetersen said:
Neat, You need to remember that the trans fluid not only is used as hydro fuluid but must lubricate the trans bearings and such. I have only heard the dangers of using a straight hydro oil. However, there are some here (even a dealer), who use Dextron ATF. I switched to Dextron about a year ago and find it great. Some tractors will even come from japan with the red stuff.

I believe that my VN import came with the wrong oil--when it was cold it would not move at all until warm--I know it works well now.

Mike

Yeah Mike i was aware of that, DexronIII is very common and cheap here but i was not sure how the loader etc would operate with DXIII in it. if this is the case i can change over to a "J" spec ATF and be done with it as this is another oil i use for my Landcruiser auto.i already use Delo400 for the Cruiser and now in the 1500. using common fluids would be nice

MJPetersen · Oct 29, 2009

There are many hydro systems even in the construction industry that use ATF. I once had a hyster compactor (hyd motors and cylinders) which used only ATF. I do not believe that you will have any problem at all using the loader.

Mike

Neat 1500 · Oct 30, 2009

well thats what im gonna do! i will use DXIII J spec as this is what i use in my cruiser. the fluid in it is quite thick but i still dont know exactly what type of hydro fluid it is so out with it,only problem is trying to get all the old stuff out to change to the new stuff-the fun begins!

MJPetersen · Oct 30, 2009

Paul, While you have it out make sure you check and clean your pick up screen and go for it. Tractor Ernie is the dealer that uses Dextron AFT.

Mike

Neat 1500 · Nov 2, 2009

I ended up buying 20L of AgriTrans by Caltex (Texaco). changed it out and what a difference already.smoother and quieter gear changes,hydro pump and rams are now also quiet and no squealing. have to wait for a cold morning to see how much that has improved. i planned to clean the filter hence i was going to lose oil,so the change also came about. the filter hardly had anything on it so that was good. i stuck my finger in the diff housing but only fished out a couple of bits of old gasket material. i also added a breather in the hydraulic system so i will see if it stops blowing vapour past the lever boot.