John Deere Hy-Guard hydraulic fluid vs generic hydraulic fluid

[MORRISONSTEEL]

When you see on an aftermarket brand that says is meets certain specs like jd20c, or 303, etc keep in mind that there is no industry or requirement to prove and/or test these products to verify that they truly do. In some cases it's just printed on the side but does not meet those bare bones specs. Typically this is much more important to multiclutch pack tranny's. Brake chatter is also a reference to "planetary brakes" that these tranny's would use not just tractor brakes. Many times either std or low vis can be used in either application, in cold weather the pressures can be much higher with the std hygard vs low vis. In purely gear trans tractors I see nothing wrong with using std hygard. I have had the opportunity to see many a powershift tranny that is burned up beyond reasonable repair just because of inferior oils.

 

[dieselcrawler]

My warranty is out, and my lil 3005 is straight gear drive, so it is not likely that I will have any issues regardless. If it were my bx1800hst we were talking about, it would be no question, factory filters and fluid for the trans. Rotella oil for the motor, factory filters.

 

[Edward. S]

I would just use the JD Hy-Gard. I have heard people using a generic fluid and their power brakes on their 6000 series chattered like crazy. Stuff like this you cant skimp out.

 

[dirt ditch]

Found more about Hy-Gard and Low Viscosity Hi-Gard.

https://jdparts.deere.com - Hy-Gards Transmission Hydraulic Oil

 

[Wvanatti]

Have to throw in my experience here-
I have a 2010 -2305. With 322 hours since I purchased new. I am overkill with doing my own maint. And have changed the tranny filter every 50 hours. I constantly have my loader off and on, At 290 hours, one of the quick disconnect started leaking only when first disconnected- I purchased the TSC brand fluid that showed it was equivalent. A half a cup here and there... Yesterday while mowing- the tranny started squealing really loud. The sight glass on the rear shows fluid and a lot of foam. I just put a new filter and low vis HT GARD ( 3.4 gallons) in it and no more squealing or foam. $76 dollar lesson learned.

 

[Wvanatti]

Auto correct... HY. GARD

 

[JKR]

I have never though about any thing else beside JD oil and filters. The little money you may save could cause big dollars in the end.

 

[jgayman]

I have never though about any thing else beside JD oil and filters. The little money you may save could cause big dollars in the end.

Agreed. Cost savings with 3rd party are minimal. I've been purchasing all my JD supplies on-line. Cost less, no mileage, no shipping, no tax, no time wasted...

Click click and a box shows up a couple days later. ;-)

 

[Wvanatti]

I agree, I always order JD supplies on line, have always used JD oil. It's a 40 mile drive to JD. And one morning I wanted to mow, moment of weakness and not thinking, ran 2 miles away to TSC. For the quick fix. I paid for the mistake, the $76 dollars for the fluid and $30 for tranny filter. On my list of never do that again.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree, I always order JD supplies on line, have always used JD oil. It's a 40 mile drive to JD. And one morning I wanted to mow, moment of weakness and not thinking, ran 2 miles away to TSC. For the quick fix. I paid for the mistake, the $76 dollars for the fluid and $30 for tranny filter. On my list of never do that again.

Wow that is very frequent filter changes. Have you cut the used filters apart and found any debris recently?

I changed my 4520 hydraulic fluid and filters last week and pulled the screen to clean. This is the second change for me and at 1040 hours I did not have over a half teaspoon of crap on the filter and screen combined. The used oil looked really good but I changed it anyway. It would appear that the 500 hour frequency is good enough and not seeing the point in 50 hour filter changes.