SUDT2 versus Universal Hydraulic Fluid

[TripleR]

I was considering AMSOIL synthetic. Would have only cost a couple dollars a gallon more. Maybe next time.

My brother and I tried synthetics quite a few years ago and were unimpressed, but I think they've mde a lot of progress since then and may try Amsoil or some other synthetic, my new car uses synthetic.

 

[DT86]

Richard,

A trick I picked up (probably from TBN) is to also engage the PTO to churn the fluid a bit while it's warming up. Not sure how much it helps but I doubt it hurts.

 

[Onemoreokie]

So you put in sudt and not sudt2? I've read the biggest improvement when using sudt2....

Sorry, yes I put in SUDT2.

 

[xring100]

Bummer Dave. I was hoping to improve the cold operations a little. Once it gets below freezing my happy butt stays in the heated shop along with the tractor. I've gotten used to starting the tractor, leave trans in neutral, shuttle lever in forward and let it circulate for a few minutes to warm up.

Having never run anything other than SUDT2 I cant compare to what your experiencing. Maybe the issue wont be as severe for you. It definitely has the issues you described.


I've got about 225 hours before the expensive 600 hour fluid change. Makes me cringe just thinking about it. I'll probably go with AMSOIL all around. I already run it in the engine and front axle.

 

[TripleR]

Having never run anything other than SUDT2 I cant compare to what your experiencing. Maybe the issue wont be as severe for you. It definitely has the issues you described.


I've got about 225 hours before the expensive 600 hour fluid change. Makes me cringe just thinking about it. I'll probably go with AMSOIL all around. I already run it in the engine and front axle.

What do you use now for change intervals using Amsoil?

 

[ovrszd]

Richard,

A trick I picked up (probably from TBN) is to also engage the PTO to churn the fluid a bit while it's warming up. Not sure how much it helps but I doubt it hurts.

Derek, hadn't thought of that, good idea!!!

 

[ovrszd]

My brother and I tried synthetics quite a few years ago and were unimpressed, but I think they've mde a lot of progress since then and may try Amsoil or some other synthetic, my new car uses synthetic.

I run Mobil 1 in wife's Jeep, Rhino, Wood Splitter, Power Washer. Here's my unscientific thoughts...... When you drain dino oil and catch some on your finger it barely creates a lubricated feel between your fingers. When you drain Synthetic oil and catch some on your finger it feels just as slick as when it's installed???

 

[xring100]

What do you use now for change intervals using Amsoil?

Hi TripleR,
I still change the engine oil at 300 hours. I will probably double the front axle. Although I might drain a little bit out of each of the plugs to get any moisture out that may have settled. If I change the hydro oil out I would pay to have it tested after 600 hours to have an Oil analysis done. If it really doubles the life 17 gallons of oil pays to have it tested. Would save hundreds of dollars. I would not arbitrarily extended the hydraulic oil life. Differential oil I'm not worried about.

 

[TripleR]

I run Mobil 1 in wife's Jeep, Rhino, Wood Splitter, Power Washer. Here's my unscientific thoughts...... When you drain dino oil and catch some on your finger it barely creates a lubricated feel between your fingers. When you drain Synthetic oil and catch some on your finger it feels just as slick as when it's installed???

We tried Royal Purple, Bel Ray and a brand I can't remember, my truck burned it like you wouldn't believe and my brother did some tear downs and over a couple of years or so swapped back, I'm sure synthetics are much better now.

Hi TripleR,
I still change the engine oil at 300 hours. I will probably double the front axle. Although I might drain a little bit out of each of the plugs to get any moisture out that may have settled. If I change the hydro oil out I would pay to have it tested after 600 hours to have an Oil analysis done. If it really doubles the life 17 gallons of oil pays to have it tested. Would save hundreds of dollars. I would not arbitrarily extended the hydraulic oil life. Differential oil I'm not worried about.

Thanks, I bought a new Toyota last year that came with synthetic and the change interval on my 2006 is every 5000 and the 2013 is every 10000, so I wasn't sure what the situation wold be with tractors.

 

[HEC]

When my M9540 had 50hrs on it I changed hydraulic/trans fluid and put in Universal Hydraulic Fluid. $6 per gallon.

The most noticeable thing was slow movement when cranked cold (30 degrees F). Also got some whining if engine was revved before warming. A little hard to shift gears unless the foot clutch was depressed as well as hydraulic shuttle shifted to neutral.

$21 peAt 600hrs I changed hydraulic/trans fluid again and put in SUDT2. r . Only having operated the tractor in warm weather I can't address the cold issues yet. I do notice it's egallonasier to shift gears. Also changes direction a little smoother when using the hydraulic shuttle without foot clutch. I didn't notice any difference in hydraulic functions such as FEL or TnT.

Can't make a totally fair assessment until I operate the tractor in cold weather. I've read all the "fluid war" threads and thought I'd get some first hand experience.

Today, not worth the cost difference. Might feel better about it next Winter

If you only paid $21 per gal you got a good deal , my dealer charged me $30