Pump label says use ATF - why?

[lhfarm]

We are restoring a 1947 Willys as a farm jeep, complete with a 3 point lift. We don't have the crank driven pump, so will be using a 12v hydraulic pump till we can locate the real thing. I picked up a pump on e-bay and the label says automatic transmission fluid only. It is an old (1991) Monarch M-547 pump. I've checked their site, but can't find any information on why they call for ATF.

Since the pump is used, I have no idea what might have been used by the previous owner. Am I going to ruin the pump by using plain old hydraulic fluid?

Thanks,

 

[Charolais]

At my work place we've changed several hydraulic systems over to ATF. Some of the systems came with ATF in them. The reason we do this is because of cold weather. The ATF flows better in the cold and some equipment speed is critical. Other equipment it's a safety factor. Like brakes on 27 ton lifting device. If the brakes don't open in the proper time allowed it puts a lot of drag on the motor, gear box and cables. If the brakes are slow to close it can drop that 27 tons, over speed the motor and it's destroyed after that. I've seen 3- 200hp DC motors over speed. It's not a pretty site for the motor alone not to mention that 27 ton load that just got dropped up to 80'.

Some of these systems have heaters on the tanks but with long runs of hydraulic lines (220') it doesn't do much good out on the working end with say a cylinder cycling every 15 minutes with temps. down to 10 deg.

Since we made those changes it's eliminated lots of winter problems. The ATF will flow when it's cold and we still use the heaters on long runs too.

 

[lhfarm]

Thanks. So I am assuming I can drain the reservoir (part of lift frame and control valve), fill it with generic ATF and we should be good to go - correct?

 

[HomeBrew2]

My first "tractor" was a '42 MB with the f-head mounted/ crank driven pump/tank and 3PH lift arms mounted over the rear axle. I'd sure love to see your setup! I started out using 20w motor oil in the system cuz that's what was handy to try it out after decades of non use. then I switched to ATF.
Cheers! and good luck with the project!

 

[lhfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My first "tractor" was a '42 MB with the f-head mounted/ crank driven pump/tank and 3PH lift arms mounted over the rear axle. I'd sure love to see your setup! I started out using 20w motor oil in the system cuz that's what was handy to try it out after decades of non use. then I switched to ATF.
Cheers! and good luck with the project! )</font>
Any chance you still have that MB? Here is our Farm Jeep Web site. Click on the Newgren restoration link under the Farm Jeep Parts section. There are also some shots of the Monroe lift, which is what it sounds like you are using.

We haven't updated the site recently, just too busy, but are back working on both jeeps.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Great website!!! Thanks!
I'm afraid I had to sell the MB many moons ago.
Cheers!

 

[Soundguy]

Lots of pump applications are multi - oil tolerant.

Over ont e ford board I read.. it is common to use an automotive power steering pump ( ps pumps don't mind atf ) to be used as a live hyds pump for remotes on old fords.. the oil beig used is then UTF.. no pump issues I've ever heard of..

Soundguy

 

[Charolais]

Yes that should work just fine. If the fluid is old I'd make an extra effort to drain every part that I could.

One other thing I've noticed since we switched those units over to ATF, in the heat of the summer we rarely get high temp. alarms now. So it seems to make the units run cooler too.

Good luck with your project.

 

[tracdoc]

Here's some more input on using ATF in hydraulics

{BOBISTHEOILGUY}

This website has some of the most authoritative info on oils, lubes, etc. that I have seen anywhere.

Good luck