Motor Oil/Synthetic in Power Trac Hydraulics

[Charlie_Iliff]

Terry Estep at Power Trac confirmed that Mobil 1 and Amsoil motor oil will work fine, but the company doesn't endorse others because they have not verified compatibility. Power Trac doesn't try to quantify any benefits, although Terry says they think synthetics are better.
Terry is checking to see if their engineers also would recommend Amsoil or Mobil synthetic hydraulic oil in place of the 10 W 30 motor oil.
Anyone had any bad experience with synthetics in hydraulic systems?

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Dave:
Most info on synthetics touts superior longevity and wear characteristics. Are there any data comparing the efficiency of a hydraulic pump to hydraulic motor system with synthetics versus with petroleum fluids?

 

[OilMan]

Charlie,
If you are talking about efficiency in the transfer of power, no, I don't have any data on that. I suspect that there is not a significant difference under normal operating conditions. What you will get though is more resistance to oxidation under heat, less friction (and resulting heating) and better heat dissipation qualities. This saves hoses and other components. You also get less viscosity change over temperature extremes.

Dave

 

[whoodle]

Charlie,

I met with the local dealer and he set me up with a non-resellers account. I think it was about $61/5gallons plus $8/each shipping UPS. I put it in three different machines. Observations: fluid is very clear and pours almost like water at 56 degrees. I haven't had the opportunity to cold start at under 55 yet, but it seems like the engine works less hard when I start moving from a cold start. Not much data yet.