Motor Oil/Synthetic in Power Trac Hydraulics

Charlie_Iliff · Mar 13, 2003

Power Tracs have a single hydraulic reservoir, with 10-20 gallons of 10W30 or equivalent motor oil as hydraulic fluid, for wheel motors, the PTO for mowers, etc., and the lift cylinders. We have been having a bit of discussion on the Power Trac forum about synthetics, both for engine and hydraulic application. Basic questions are:
1. Is synthetic worth the extra money in a hydraulic system:
$200 - $500?
2. If we go synthetic, should we go a bit heavier viscosity for better power transmission? (Is there really better power transmission?)
3. Any additives recommended?
4. Any pitfalls to avoid?
5. Brand preferences? (Sources cheaper than $5.65 a quart?)
Any input will be appreciated.

Schultz · Mar 13, 2003

If you were to make the change, I think a grade heavier and a grade lighter would work very well for the system in the northern areas. Castrol makes a 5W-50 synthetic oil. Which I think would be ideal for heavly worked mowers in the summer and still have good winter starting abilities.

kcook · Mar 13, 2003

Has anyone looked at Amsoil, I use it in my Dodge Cummins Diesel as well as my wifes Escape. You can become a perfered customer and save money!

KC

whoodle · Mar 13, 2003

At the Power Trac facility they told me that they put some synthetic fluid in at the start up, I think they said a gallon or so.

Charlie_Iliff · Mar 14, 2003

Has anyone looked at Amsoil 
I've been using their racing grease on mower spindles, and am switching my Deutz to their diesel synthetic. At $20 plus per gallon, however, part of the reason for this thread is to see if the $400 is justified to replace the hydraulic system oil.

whoodle · Mar 18, 2003

I just received 35 gallons of amsoil thf. Cost me 500 bucks. I'll be putting it in in the next couple of days.

Charlie_Iliff · Mar 19, 2003

Did you get it from Amsoil or a dealer? The price sounds a little better than I've seen, but I don't know what discount the preferred customers get.

OilMan · Mar 19, 2003

Amsoil is sold through dealers only. You cannot buy directly from the company. If you are a business owner, the best price on product and shipping is by getting a commercial account. I can help set that up for anyone that contacts me.

Dave
dave@ultimateoiltechnology.com

Bird · Mar 20, 2003

( Amsoil is sold through dealers only. You cannot buy directly from the com )

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifWhen I decided to try Amsoil hydraulic fluid, I ordered directly from the company and it sure doesn't appear to me that their web site has changed. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

OilMan · Mar 20, 2003

Sorry, I guess that wasn't too clear.
When you purchase, even directly from the company through their website, you are assigned to a dealer. You are tied to that dealer as long as you remain a regular customer. Most of my customers come via personal contacts or my website, but some are assigned to me from Amsoil. It is your personal dealer that should get to know you and your needs, give you advice on products, etc. I get questions from people that are assigned to other dealers -- obviously I cannot take as much time with them as I do with my customers.

Dave