Snythetic Hydro Fluid in Cold Weather

Anonymous Poster · Feb 15, 2001

Has anyone had any success in using either NH's or some other brand of hydro fluid in reducing the hydrostatic drive whine of any Boomer. My 40D whines pretty bad in cold weather and I'm wondering if synthetic, which I think is more like a Multi-grade, would help.

Bird · Feb 15, 2001

You'll find a lot of old discussions on this topic in the Oil, Fuel, & Lubricants forum.

Bird

Anonymous Poster · Feb 19, 2001

I think I've read most of those you refer to, but failed to see an answer to my question. Mostly the discussions seemed to focus on who thinks what is best, synthetic vs petroleum-based. Is there something I missed? I just wondered if someone saw the hydro noise go down.

VTSTEVE · Feb 19, 2001

I agree about not finding answers to that particular concern in the oil, fuel, lube forum. I wasn't aware that NH made a synthetic Hydro Fluid but did learn the following over the weekend. Although NH steadfastly "specs" only 134 fluid, two local dealers recommended trying NH200 oil for colder climates. They both said that it was fine for use all year round but that it produced more favorable working conditions in cold weather. One of them said NOT to mix it in with (top up) the existing 134, but rather to wait until time for a hydro flush/change and change it all. Other dealer said that it was fine to intermix them and that I would still notice a difference with only a portion of fluid being 200. He was referring mostly to FEL operation efficiency/speed but it might be worth a try to see if it improves Hydro whine! Dealer who said only change entire system to 200 did say it would improve performance on all levels which I assume means hydro (whine) in addition to other fluid uses. Local prices for 5 gal tub = auto parts Trcator Hydro Oil (NH 134 rated) $23, NH dealer NH134 $29, NH dealer NH200 $36. Hope this helps out. Would love to hear about whether the 200 really helps and more about Synth Oils.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 13, 2001

Changing from 134 to F200 makes a very noticeable difference. The whine in the hydro is reduced and it also helps loader cycle times in cold weather. The F200 does not need to be changed back to 134 in the summer, at least in our climate. The F200 is a thinner oil than the 134 and is approved by NH, where as other brand oils may cause a problem w/ warranty should you have a problem. But I highly doubt you will.

JATO_RaT · Mar 14, 2001

I would doubt that a change of oil be it synthetic or a special hydraulic fluid for various temperatures will make a difference. My feeling is the whine is inherent in the design. I have yet to hear (or not hear) of a hydrostatic drive that doesn't have some whine. If the whine is to annoying, a headset is always advisable. I put Amsoil synthetic hydraulic fluid in my Kubota manual "wet clutch" and must admit I notice nothing different except the $200 extra dollars spent on fluid ( takes 48 qts ). Maybe once the heat hits there will be some perceivable advantage to it. Rat...

Anonymous Poster · Mar 27, 2001

I put Amsoil in my TC-29 hydro at 50 hours. The whine is nearly gone, and is most noticeable during the cold start before the hydro is fully warmed up.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 27, 2001

I noticed John Deere has an Transmission Heater Option available for the 4000 Compact series. Perhaps NH has something similar for cold weather operation.

DFB · Mar 27, 2001

JD also has 2 HST/hydraulic oils The standard HY-GARD has a viscosity level of 58cST @ 40 degrees C. The other is labeled Low Viscosity HY-GARD. it has a viscosity rating of 32cST@ 40 degrees C.
Low Viscosity HY-GARD is the preferred choice.

Interestingly it is recommended for any system using anti wear hydraulic oil.
John Deere and competitive equipement. It is spec'd out as replacement for FORD/NH ESN-M2C41B, M2C134D, M2C48B, M2C48C, M2C159B/C, M2C86B, FNHA-2C-200,and FNHA-2C-201.

Also as a replacement for Kubota UDT Hyd/Trans fluid.

DFB