Oil & Fuel Motor oil in hydraulic system

[tholder85]

Ok, everyone. I am a newbie to the forum and a first time mahindra owner(6500 fwd) and really love it thus far. But here is why I am posting this- I called a dealer here in Mississippi the other day to ask what type hydraulic fluid to use in the tractor and the guy told me they use 15w-30 motor oil, same thing they use in the engine. Now, I grew up on ford tractors and I have never heard of using motor oil in the hydraulic system on any tractor, including the jd 4640, 4850 and 6000 hi-boy I drove while working on a farm in the delta for 10 years. Somebody help me out here! Is this dude right or what?
Thanks!

 

[JDL538]

I don't know if he is right or not but ex mark zero turn uses 15w40 mobil I. IN its hydraulics.

 

[richamor]

My Mitsubishi uses 80/90wt gear oil in the three point hitch.

 

[wirenut]

NH Skidsteers use 10w-30 for hydraulic.

 

[wirenut]

Where in MS are you? I'm in Summit (1 stop light).

 

[J_J]

Yes, motor oil is and has been used for quite a few years. Just about any fluid can be used for hydraulics. However, manufactures have chosen a particular brand for their hyd system. My Case SS uses 10W-30, and so does my PowerTrac. If the dealer told you to use the motor oil, then use it. If you don't believe him, look up the specs for your tractor. Just don't mix motor oil with hyd fluid. Hyd oils contain certain additives for longevity of the fluid, and so does motor oil for engine /hydraulic use. Case does say to add one qt of Case additive to the motor oil. PowerTrac has been using motor oil for at least 30 years as the hyd fluid of choice, and you can get it just about anywhere. Some of us are also using synthetic motor oil.

 

[tholder85]

That is a new one on me. Never heard of motor oil in a hydraulic system. I guess the first thing I need to do is determine which one mine has in it and go back with the same, ie. motor oil or hyd fluid. Thanks for the replies, guys!:thumbsup:

 

[Transit]

That is a new one on me. Never heard of motor oil in a hydraulic system. I guess the first thing I need to do is determine which one mine has in it and go back with the same, ie. motor oil or hyd fluid. Thanks for the replies, guys!:thumbsup:

It is really a matter of the seals compatibility; I would not change from one to the other. No telling what may happen with seals that have been conditioned, you could be replacing seals.

 

[civesnedfield]

Here ya go right off Mahindra's website:

 

[J_J]

So for your tractor, it appears to be motor oil for the engine, and hyd fluid for the transmission . You have to be specific what you ask a sales person.

Anyway, we use motor oil for both engine and hyd fluid in our PowerTrac.