PineRidge
Super Member
Sitting here needing hydro oil how about some suggestions from the guys that have purchased some from Tractor Supply, NAPA, Advanced Auto, etc. so many different brands it’s confusing to say the least
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 26,223
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
depends on your wallet but don't buy the cheap stuff at TSC because it's basically junk and will cause you issues down the road. TSC also sells Shell Rotella Hydraulic fluid and it's pretty good in my experience. In fact I use it in my open station M9. Looks and smells just like Kubota UDT actually.
GS650GL
Silver Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2024
- Messages
- 124
- Tractor
- LS XG3025, 1945 Farmall H, Farmall M, Mitsubishi MT2501D, Allis Chalmers B
Buy the best oil you can to protect your investment. Oil and filters are not the place to skimp to save money. I always use synthetic hydraulic oil in a hydrostatic transmission and conventional in a gearshift transmission. Synthetic is very pricey but gives the hydrostat pump and motor the best protection against wear.
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
I was really hoping that some of you guys might actually give me a brand and type so I could get with the program here. I’m not trying to skimp just don’t want to make the wrong choice
Panik
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2013
- Messages
- 490
- Tractor
- Kubota bx2360
Personally, I still use Kubota UDT2 hydraulic fluid.... but recently switched over to Shell Rotella T6 for engine oil based on multiple recommendations of people that know better than I.....were there not a Kubota dealership in town I'd likely be using Rotella hydraulic fluid.... so take that for what you will regarding a brand recommendation. 
spruce Deere
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2009
- Messages
- 1,138
- Location
- Northmost Idaho
- Tractor
- John Deere 790 with loader LS xr3140h also with loader plus a cab
I use chevron thf 1000. I get it from my local oil distributor. Run it in the trannies of both the LS XR3140, 790 deere in my power steering pump in two pick-ups.
It cost a little more than the napa, auto zone, O'riely's tractor/hydraulic fluids but it's good stuff with a long track record of stellar performance. Many logging companies and farms around here use chevron thf for the main hydraulic fluid, even in high pressure systems.
It cost a little more than the napa, auto zone, O'riely's tractor/hydraulic fluids but it's good stuff with a long track record of stellar performance. Many logging companies and farms around here use chevron thf for the main hydraulic fluid, even in high pressure systems.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 26,223
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
I did. Se post number 2.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 26,223
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
What I use in my other N9000 and have for years now. Excellent cold weather flowability. Never had issue one with my hydraulics in 20 years now. My open station will also be on THF when I change out this next time. Only reason I used Rotella hydraulic fluid is I bought the tractor used and the oil in the gearbox was nasty so I drained it, changed the filters (Kubota only) and used the Rotella but next change will be to THF and I will say that I use Blackstone for oil analysis and they keep telling me my THF could go a lot longer than what I run it. I change it every 2 years, plus the filters but I'm always adding anyway because my Pioneer SCV's always leak a bit during hooking up and unhooking implements, most of which are hydraulically actuated.
Sometimes we get into a cross between philosophy and engineering on lubricants. Me, I compromise a bit...but not on engineering specifications.
I would not put any lubricant into your machine that was not specifically named in your manual or identified with a manufacturer "spec" number you can find on the jug/pail. We can joke about designs and cuss a bit, but I personally believe in "listening" to the folks who build our tractors.
For example, I do use TSC "Premium" Hydraulic Fluid in some older tractors and a Case 580C backhoe. Because I can find the Case "THC" hydraulic lube spec on the bucket. Been using it for 15 years without a problem in that machine and other tractors.
But...here's where I begin to draw lines for myself. For example, I have a newer Massey with a Sisu diesel and what is essentially a Fendt transmission under it. That machine gets only AGCO (MF) branded hydraulic lubricants. Why? Well, a feeling. I believe the tolerances and complexity of these newer "hydraulic" machines call for sticking close to engineering spec and intervals, etc. Same with the Allison trans in my Duramax truck - only gets Allison synthetic "Transynd" transmission fluid and Allison filters.
But I do trust Shell Rotella - they have an international presence and reputation, as do several other major oil suppliers. There are eight diesels we run on this farm and they only get Shell Rotella 15W40 (as do several other gas engines).
For yourself, with a newer machine, I would suggest going to your manual and pull out the filter numbers and lubrication specs and writing them down on the outside of the manual (at least that's what I do). I would use the manufacturer's oil filters, Shell Rotella for the engine, and whatever LS specs or brands for hydraulic fluid. If you can't find LS hydraulic fluid, I would be comfortable with buying by their spec any of the top oil suppliers' offerings (read Shell, Chevron and the like). Many times, you can get branded lubricants off of Amazon (from real suppliers - be careful) cheaper than local and get it delivered.
Just my suggestions. Good luck.
I would not put any lubricant into your machine that was not specifically named in your manual or identified with a manufacturer "spec" number you can find on the jug/pail. We can joke about designs and cuss a bit, but I personally believe in "listening" to the folks who build our tractors.
For example, I do use TSC "Premium" Hydraulic Fluid in some older tractors and a Case 580C backhoe. Because I can find the Case "THC" hydraulic lube spec on the bucket. Been using it for 15 years without a problem in that machine and other tractors.
But...here's where I begin to draw lines for myself. For example, I have a newer Massey with a Sisu diesel and what is essentially a Fendt transmission under it. That machine gets only AGCO (MF) branded hydraulic lubricants. Why? Well, a feeling. I believe the tolerances and complexity of these newer "hydraulic" machines call for sticking close to engineering spec and intervals, etc. Same with the Allison trans in my Duramax truck - only gets Allison synthetic "Transynd" transmission fluid and Allison filters.
But I do trust Shell Rotella - they have an international presence and reputation, as do several other major oil suppliers. There are eight diesels we run on this farm and they only get Shell Rotella 15W40 (as do several other gas engines).
For yourself, with a newer machine, I would suggest going to your manual and pull out the filter numbers and lubrication specs and writing them down on the outside of the manual (at least that's what I do). I would use the manufacturer's oil filters, Shell Rotella for the engine, and whatever LS specs or brands for hydraulic fluid. If you can't find LS hydraulic fluid, I would be comfortable with buying by their spec any of the top oil suppliers' offerings (read Shell, Chevron and the like). Many times, you can get branded lubricants off of Amazon (from real suppliers - be careful) cheaper than local and get it delivered.
Just my suggestions. Good luck.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 26,223
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
The underlying reason I use Chevron THF (besides the fact is comes dyed orange (of all things) is cold weather flow ability. It gets real cold up here and I use my one M9 for plowing and blowing snow (the cab tractor for obvious reasons) and I don't plug it in mainly because I have no electricity in the big barn so to decrease warm up time in the winter, I use Chevron THF Synthetic. Works well in the summer as well. In the winter, I still start it and have a cup of java while it warms up. I don't believe in working a cold engine and at the same time, when I shut it down, I'll idle it for a few minutes to let the turbocharger cool down.
I draw the line with cheap fluids like TSC's Traveller hydraulic fluid. In life you most always get what you pay for so if it's cheap, I stay away from it. I bought the cab tractor in 2002 and so far I've had zero issues with it and it has over 5000 hours on it presently. Same with the open station, 2001 and no issues with it either and it has over 6500 hours presently. Steady diet of Shell Rotella but 5-40, not 15 40 T6 and OEM filters always. In fact OEM filters all around.
I draw the line with cheap fluids like TSC's Traveller hydraulic fluid. In life you most always get what you pay for so if it's cheap, I stay away from it. I bought the cab tractor in 2002 and so far I've had zero issues with it and it has over 5000 hours on it presently. Same with the open station, 2001 and no issues with it either and it has over 6500 hours presently. Steady diet of Shell Rotella but 5-40, not 15 40 T6 and OEM filters always. In fact OEM filters all around.
