Transmission Fluid vs Hydraulic Fluid?

[FerretPD]

Hey, Guys...
I have a Mahindra 4500DI.
I'm getting ready to do a full fluid service on it, and I'm confused.

Looking at the manual; the Fluid specs are as-follows:
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM - VG 68 (Low temp) / VG 100 (Hi Temp) - 3.7 gallons (I would be using High-Temp...Texas, y'all know)
TRANSMISSION – API GL-4 gear lubricant SAE 80W90 - 7.7 gallons

Spec-ing these out... they appear to be the same thing? (i.e. TractorSupply's Traveller Multi-Purpose Gear Oil covers both.)

Am I missing something here; am I over-thinking it too-much?

Thanks in advance!

Paul DeLisle
Salado, TX

 

[ericm979]

They are totally not the same. I would not use tractor fluid in place of GL-4 80w-90. Gear oil has a bunch of additives to lower wear on the transmission parts, make synchros work better, etc. which are not in tractor fluid or not in the same amount.

I assume your tractor does not have wet brakes or clutches? Tractor fluid is basically hydraulic fluid with additives to make friction material work better. You can use tractor fluid in place of hydraulic fluid but not the reverse. If it does have wet cluches or brakes you should use tractor fluid of the same weight.

 

[oldnslo]

Does your tractor have separate reservoirs for hydraulic and transmission?

 

[FerretPD]

They are totally not the same. I would not use tractor fluid in place of GL-4 80w-90. Gear oil has a bunch of additives to lower wear on the transmission parts, make synchros work better, etc. which are not in tractor fluid or not in the same amount.

I assume your tractor does not have wet brakes or clutches? Tractor fluid is basically hydraulic fluid with additives to make friction material work better. You can use tractor fluid in place of hydraulic fluid but not the reverse. If it does have wet cluches or brakes you should use tractor fluid of the same weight.

No Wet Brakes, no Wet Clutch (I wish!)

If I should not "cross"... are there simple recommendations for those of us on a budget (i.e. NOT ordering Mahindra spec from frickin' India)?

 

[FerretPD]

Does your tractor have separate reservoirs for hydraulic and transmission?

Yes.
Transmission fills in the center, i.e. between your legs (with a center drain plug), and Hydraulics fill from the rear (with a rear Drain Plug)

 

[ericm979]

TSC has decent prices on gear and hydraulic oils. Or your local NAPA if you have ag in the area.

I don't think you need anything special for either oil. Regular stuff that meets the specs should be fine.

 

[oldnslo]

Since separate reservoirs then yes use the 80W- 90 gear oil in the transmission and a good hydraulic fluid of the proper grade that meets the specs for hydraulic system.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Why don't you open your manual and use what it tells you to use?

Why are you trying to re-invent the wheel?

SR

 

[FerretPD]

Why don't you open your manual and use what it tells you to use?

Why are you trying to re-invent the wheel?

SR

I did (...the quote in the OP was directly from the Manual...unless (also in the OP) I want to order from India, or a Mahindra store. )

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Why order from India, just buy the brand "in your area" that meets the specs laid out in your manual...

SR

 

[IH3444]

Use a full synthetic 75w-90 gear oil such as Mobil !, Amsoil Severe Gear, or even Walmart Super Tech. Amsoil Severe Gear is what I have in my front 4WD axle.
Robot or human?

Robot or human?

www.walmart.com

Super Tech is manufactured by Warren Oils. Same company who manufactured the New Holland OEM fluids for my tractor back in 2005.
Good quality.
There are better fluids, but sounds like you are very budget minded. I use Amsoil products, Rotella full synthetic T6 engine oil.

 

[FerretPD]

Why order from India, just buy the brand "in your area" that meets the specs laid out in your manual...

SR

Which is why I was asking for advice....

(Sadly, TractorSupply [all 5 in my 35-mile radius] is completely out of 5-gallon Hydraulic Fluid....I had to go to Advance...but I got it sorted.

Thanks for all the help and clarification, everyone!