LowVis. vs. Regular Hyguard

[jim2210]

I'm about to do a 50 hr. service and purchased the recommended LowVis Hyguard as per the manual. However it doesn't seem to be recommended for use above approx. 80 degrees. The majority of my use is the summer time with temps being around the 80 degree mark, occasionally going above. Winter use is minimal. I got to thinking about this escpecially with this heat wave approaching the 100 degree mark.

Is the LoVis Hyguard just fine or should I take it back and get the regular Hyguard? I'll rarely use the tractor in -40* weather as per the manual to make the LowVis seem worth it!

 

[jdbower]

I'm about to do a 50 hr. service and purchased the recommended LowVis Hyguard as per the manual. However it doesn't seem to be recommended for use above approx. 80 degrees. The majority of my use is the summer time with temps being around the 80 degree mark, occasionally going above. Winter use is minimal. I got to thinking about this escpecially with this heat wave approaching the 100 degree mark.

Is the LoVis Hyguard just fine or should I take it back and get the regular Hyguard? I'll rarely use the tractor in -40* weather as per the manual to make the LowVis seem worth it!

Good question. My manual says low viscosity is to be used from -40 through 104F and regular between about 5F through 122F. In our region it's a tough call because I see temps above 104 sometimes (especially in the sun with the black tractor frame). I also sometimes see below 5 - but both events are uncommon.

I think I'd choose regular since I'll eventually be parking inside where it's warmer and if I keep the RPMs up I should be able to raise the temp a bit, recently there was a report of someone in the south who may have had issues using low viscosity stuff in the summertime, but I've been away and missed the solution.

Of course the flip side to that argument is that when it's about 100F I'll probably stay inside until the temp drops whereas if it's <5F I may need to clear the driveway...

 

[RalphVa]

The dealer recommends low vis here in Va. It's currently near 100 F for about 3 or 4 days running. Tractor runs fine. Can climb my 100' drop hill down the back in high range.

Think the major concern is getting the oil moving or not having the relief pop in ANY driving in the winter time. Major cause of engine wear is at startup. Think its near the same situation for hydraulic stuff. Lighter weight is better to get it moving in cold weather, or even cool weather.

Oil will ALWAYS be heavier at startup than at any other time, no matter what kind of oil you use in the hydraulics or engine. Best to buy something with a low first number.

Ralph

 

[johndeere_2320]

jim2210,

I think given your location, you are more likely to be in the desired temp range of low vis as opposed to being TX where a significant portion of your time spent on the machine is under some very hot conditions.

 

[matthew3120]

I would go with the low vis hydro oil.I just did my 50 hrs engine and transmission change and made mistack of putting regular hydro transmission oil in. It affect the steering makes it run slow and sluggish. and it may not keep all parts in the transmission with enuff oil on them. I drained and put low vis in. in the winter the tracotr my not runn right for the first 15 mins. Some if it say low vis then that is what I would use.

 

[Lobo56]

I would use regular Hyguard, it's good from 0 to 122 degrees, if your tractor is in a garage you will most likely never see below 0 degrees in the winter. The low viscosity Hy-guard is good from -40 to 85 degrees. My dealer recommended the regular Hy-Guard and been using it in my 2210 and 650 without out any steering or loader problems and my service manual recommends it to. In the summer you’re going to be over 85 degrees on average most of the time. I have had problem with low viscosity Hy-guard with my 650 when working the loader hard in over 90 degree temps, changed to regular Hyguard and the problems were resolved.

 

[gf5205]

Per my JD Dealer you can mix them to get a custom temp range.
Greg

 

[jim2210]

Thanks to all for the replies.

Even though the majority of my use is in the summer, I'm probably going to stick with the LowVis. RalphVa makes a good point - even though the few hours it gets in the winter time I'd rather have the LowVis in the tranny than the regular. I guess you could say it's the lesser of two evils. It just bothers me that the max range on the recommended fluid is right near average operating temperature for the summer.

I'll call my dealer for his thoughts on mixing the two. Sounds like a good idea to get that extra protection for high temps. I might even email JD to get their thoughts and how or if it affects the warranty.

If anyone else has any thoughts and/or experiences please post. For now I took jdbower's advice and will wait until the temps "cool off" to the mid 80's later this week! Thanks again ..

 

[BillyP]

I would use regular Hyguard, it's good from 0 to 122 degrees, if your tractor is in a garage you will most likely never see below 0 degrees in the winter. The low viscosity Hy-guard is good from -40 to 85 degrees. My dealer recommended the regular Hy-Guard and been using it in my 2210 and 650 without out any steering or loader problems and my service manual recommends it to. In the summer you’re going to be over 85 degrees on average most of the time. I have had problem with low viscosity Hy-guard with my 650 when working the loader hard in over 90 degree temps, changed to regular Hyguard and the problems were resolved.

John Deere must have changed something about the two Hy-Gards Check out the attachment

 

[2nstonge]

I just did the 200hr service in my 4110 and asked the dealer your same question. I too saw the temp chart and was thinking we've had several 90+ degree days so far this summer, I was willing to change again just before winter. Dealer said they always use the low-vis, don't worry about it. So I did. Seems to run fine.

-Norm

 

[Cidertom]

I was told (by sales type) that some folks use the regular as it seems to reduce the cylinder leak down. I have not tried it, but am considering it.

 

[rmonio]

I asked the same question of my dealer and he said to stick with the LowViz vs. the regular. And we get all of the extremes here in MN....

-Bob