New tow me Bush Hog 762h Back Hoe - Correct Hydro Fluid, other stuff?

[KY Gun Geek]

Just made a deal on a BH 762h back hoe - it is one of the little suckers that goes on the 3pt of a tractor. This one has a hydro pump that runs off the PTO. This thing is in excellent shape (almost no rust or scratches, nice bright hydro rods, good hose rubber, been kept in a shed for years). I don't think it has been used much (which can cause problems), but I do NOT plan on it being a restoration project. I see only one hose that MIGHT need to be replaced. I will be running it on a JD 5105 (47hp).

So my questions:
1) The guy I bought it from says it takes "30 weight non-detergent oil and it is **** hard to find". However, the manual says:

SAE 10W40 engine oil with API 鉄F/SG classification in northern climates.
SAE 40W engine oil with API 鉄F/SG classification in southern climates.

Ok, so 30 weight seems a bit light, and i don't know my API classifications - would SF/SG be "non-detergent". What makes sense as a replacement that wouldn't be hard to find?

2) Any other secrets about putting this thing into service? I figured a hydro oil & filter change and some quality time with a grease gun.

 

[J_J]

If the book says to use 10W-40, then use it and check out the quality of the fluid in the tank, and if need more, bring up to the mark and or replace with a good motor oil as the hyd fluid.

Our Power-Tracs have been using motor oil as the hyd fluid for over 20 years, be it reg or synthetic.

If you need 30 W non detergent,

O'Reilly Oil - Motor Oil

Autozone

 

[KY Gun Geek]

If the book says to use 10W-40, then use it and check out the quality of the fluid in the tank, and if need more, bring up to the mark and or replace with a good motor oil as the hyd fluid.

Our Power-Tracs have been using motor oil as the hyd fluid for over 20 years, be it reg or synthetic.

If you need 30 W non detergent,

O'Reilly Oil - Motor Oil

Autozone

I guess that's my question - SF & SG seem to be out of date designations, so I don't know exactly what they are, and how newer designations might work. Do I really need "non-detergent"? I'm ok with using what the manual says, if I can find it. What is an acceptable alternative? ...Or call Bush hog...

 

[J_J]

You probably don't know what is in there now, and if the level is full, I would just go ahead and use it. Drain a little and look at it, smell it, notice the color. If it has a milky color, replace it with a newer grade of motor oil.


The code for passenger cars consists of two letters beginning with "S." The "S" is followed by a letter that advances up the alphabet from "SA" to "SB, to "SC" etc., starting in the 1920s (skipping "I' and "K"). The current specification is API "SN", introduced in October 2010 for 2011 and newer vehicles (although they can be used in older vehicles as well). The second letter in the code is critical to read before buying. This is because it indicates the vehicle model year the oil was formulated to service.