Oil & Fuel Motor Oil as the Hydraulic Oil in Power Trac

[J_J]

This was supposed to be in two columns


Some typical viscosities (cP at 20°C)

air 0.02
oil SAE 20 125

acetone 0.3
motor oil SAE 50 540

methanol 0.6
castor oil 986

water 1.0
glycerin 1490

ethanol 1.2
pancake syrup 2500

mercury 1.5
maple syrup 3200

linseed oil (raw) 28
treacle 20,000

corn oil 72
peanut butter 250,000

olive oil 84
window putty 100,000,000

 

[MossRoad]

So what do we use for my machine? It operates from -5 to 100 degrees between winter and summer use. I can't afford to be switching out fluid twice a year. Heck, in one week's time I can see 70 degree temperature swings for afternoon highs. I need something thin enough to let it start at -5 and thick enough to push my mower and wheel motors at 100. What is that product? Is there a comparison out there anywhere?

 

[DieselPower]

That's why my suggestion is a UTF and not a single viscosity hydraulic oil. A single viscosity oil will operate best at one temp. UTF's are multi-viscosity and have a broader operting temperature range allowing them to operate in temperatures from cold to hot.

 

[Barryh]

I think the rub for this group, is that we all operate Power Trac's which do not depend on conventional transmissions or a gear driven rear ends in order to maintain a peak performance.

Due to observations from several of the members on this forum who use the thicker viscosity motor oils, in the 20 w 40-50 range. They report the thicker oil (Does) lesson any power fade under extreme heat, and hard use conditions.

As J.J. mentions, it really depends on the climate you live in, as to using a straight or multi viscosity oil. Most of us will need a multi viscosity of some sort. I do believe either a good synthetic or hydraulic oil is better for my PT over any dino oil. Given the special additives, and in the case of hydraulic oil, it is engineered specifically for hydraulic systems.

So the only question for me would be. Does the higher viscosity (synthetic motor oils) in a 20w40 or even 50 really make that much difference in peak performance. And if so, how much measured harm might they do to the pumps over a period of time compared to hydraulic oils.

Are we talking significant damage or wear as in 500 hours or closer to 1500 hours?
Of course the cost is another big factor for some. In my way of thinking , the PT is a big investment, so I really don’t care about cost (within reason). I want the best oil for longer trouble free pump life, because this little puppy has a lot of hard work to do around here.

Guess there’s no real data out there that can determine this, so we all have to make that call individually. My little 180 came with the standard 10w30 motor oil. It seems to have and maintains plenty of power for anything I need to do around my place. Even though I do notice a (very slight) drop in power when it has been running in the heat for an extended period of time.

Even so, I am (very impressed) with its power, given its small size. That said I will opt for a good synthetic hydraulic 10w30.

 

[DieselPower]

Even so, I am (very impressed) with its power, given its small size. That said I will opt for a good synthetic hydraulic 10w30.

Ho hum. I get the feeling everyone missed my point about the differences between hydraulic and UTF oils. Hydraulic, single viscosity (dino or synthetic, doesn't matter). UTF multi-viscosity and don't forget UTF's are hydraulic oils. The only hydraulic oil I know of in the US that is multi-viscosity (other than UTF's) is either biodegradable hydraulic oil and it's usually a 5W/20 or some flame resistant hydraulic oils

 

[MossRoad]

Keep beating that little head against that wall... we'll get it sooner or later (probably later)

 

[Kendall69]

...and the minute you use something other than what the manufacturer recommends, bye, bye, to your warranty.

 

[DieselPower]

That's true but I was told directly by the Power Trac head engineer that UTF Red was fine to use in their equipment and I was sure to keep a copy of that email from them.

 

[MossRoad]

...and the minute you use something other than what the manufacturer recommends, bye, bye, to your warranty.

We're out of warranty after a year or two on all the parts anyway, so it's ours to tinker with after that. Mine, for instance, is 5+ years old still with the original hydraulic oil in it and I'd like to change it out if I can find something that will work better. Not worried too much about the cost. If the fluid change costs me $250 bucks and lasts 5 more years, that's only $50.00 a year or a buck a week.

 

[BobRip]

I have already change to Mobil 1 20W50 (I believe). Is this better than the regular oil. It does work better at higher temperatures as the original oil was 5w30.