What fluid to use in front axle

[bamarider]

Ive got a new to me 2008 branson 2910i and am going to do a hyd fluid & filter change but not sure what to use in the front axle. Do it take the same fluid or do you use gear oil?
Would like to find an owners manual but no luck so far.

 

[ning]

Ive got a new to me 2008 branson 2910i and am going to do a hyd fluid & filter change but not sure what to use in the front axle. Do it take the same fluid or do you use gear oil?
Would like to find an owners manual but no luck so far.

Here's a manual: 10-20 Series service manual.pdf

Interesting:

This specified hydraulic fluid for the front axle.

Here's a thread about using gear oil instead: Has anyone used gear oil in front axle (instead of the hydraulic oil that the manufacturer recommends) AND had an issue?

I suppose you can use either?

Chevron THF1000 is similar to a 15W30, and 80W90 is similar to 10W30. So I guess viscosity-wise, gear oil is pretty similar to hydraulic fluid.

My guess is that a quality gear oil is cheaper than a quality hydraulic fluid... I've gone with gear oil in my 3520 front axle.

 

[bamarider]

I don't have a manual. That's the reason I posted this question. I guess when I drain the front diff I'll be able to tell if its gear oil or hyd oil.

 

[ning]

I don't have a manual. That's the reason I posted this question. I guess when I drain the front diff I'll be able to tell if its gear oil or hyd oil.

(I edited post #2 at the same time you were responding)

 

[Torvy]

Video I watched on service for the T574H called for gear oil in front axel, iirc.

 

[oldnslo]

My 2400H either fluid is an option per the manual. I use gear oil since that is what was in it from the factory.

 

[bamarider]

Here's a manual: 10-20 Series service manual.pdf

Interesting:
View attachment 1029696
This specified hydraulic fluid for the front axle.

Here's a thread about using gear oil instead: Has anyone used gear oil in front axle (instead of the hydraulic oil that the manufacturer recommends) AND had an issue?

I suppose you can use either?

Chevron THF1000 is similar to a 15W30, and 80W90 is similar to 10W30. So I guess viscosity-wise, gear oil is pretty similar to hydraulic fluid.

My guess is that a quality gear oil is cheaper than a quality hydraulic fluid... I've gone with gear oil in my 3520 front axle.

I was reading thru that manual and saw that branson recommend the same oil. I'll see whats in the front but will probably use the hyd fluid since I have 10 gal of it.
Thanks for the help.

 

[ericm979]

My dealer recommended gear oil. I think it performs better under high pressure when squeezed between the gears, and has a better additive package for that use. Tractor fluid has to work well with wet clutches and that limits the additives that can be used.

 

[DynamicD]

Use gear oil in the front axle, 80w90
Some of the older Branson's had a separate tank for the power steering. I think its on left side. So that's what the owners manual is referring to when it says to use Transmission fluid

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I'm using gear oil in mine. But I am using a synthetic. 75w-90 weight.