What is THF 500??

indianaEPH · Mar 7, 2007

I want to change the trans/hydraulic fluid in my TYM tractor (T390). The TYM manual is not very clear on this topic. It lists THF 500 as the fluid specification, and nothings else. I can't seem to find this anywhere. I wanted to know if I can use any of the high grade multi viscosity such as Chevron Synthetic All-Weather THF? I want to use the tractor in the winter (snow removal) as well as the warm weather activities.

I definitly confused at all the different ratings of the trans/hyd. fluid.

Thanks for the help

Ed

DieselPower · Mar 7, 2007

I can't say I have ever heard of THF 500 before. This seems to be a common problem with tractors. Every manufacturer has their own UTF "brand name". I wish the tractor community would adopt a specification program like the API has for engine oil. Come up with one set of standards that everyone can use. It sure would cut down on all the confusion.

What's even more confusing is that if you go to TYM's online owners manual for the tractor it does not list THF 500 as the fluid to use. The online manual list the following:

Caltex RPM Tractor Hydraulic Fluid or Textron TDH Premium
Texaco TDH Oil or TDH Special Oil
Chevron 1000 THF

From the looks of it, it just uses a standard UTF. I emailed their technical department to see if they would send me the fluid specification requirements. I'll see if I get a reply.

indianaEPH · Mar 8, 2007

Thanks DieselPower. I did make it over to the TYM web site and find the latest manuals. The fact that the specification for the fluid differed from my printed manual only confused the issue.

I think that I'll end up buyin one of the fluids you list above. Thanks again for the help.

DieselPower · Mar 8, 2007

The head technical rep (Roger Summers) for all US imports from TYM called me this morning in reference to the email I sent them questioning about the oil they use. He said there is "nothing special about the fluid they use in their tractors" and that it's just a common UTF oil. Their HTF stands for Transmission Hydraulic Fluid. I am actually going up to Harrisburg, PA to meet with him on the 19th of this month as he seemed very interested in possibly getting TRC to relabel lubricants for them. Got my fingers crossed.

In any case, pick a good UTF fluid and you should be fine as they are not using some obscure special oil.

indianaEPH · Mar 11, 2007

DieselPower said:
The head technical rep (Roger Summers) for all US imports from TYM called me this morning in reference to the email I sent them questioning about the oil they use. He said there is "nothing special about the fluid they use in their tractors" and that it's just a common UTF oil. Their HTF stands for Transmission Hydraulic Fluid. I am actually going up to Harrisburg, PA to meet with him on the 19th of this month as he seemed very interested in possibly getting TRC to relabel lubricants for them. Got my fingers crossed.

In any case, pick a good UTF fluid and you should be fine as they are not using some obscure special oil.

DieselPower:

Thanks for the info. I hope you make a fruitful connection when you visit TYM. Good luck

snoboy · Apr 6, 2007

The Branson manual calls for THF 500 also. I'm not sure what that spec is but any of the good THFs will work. As for the cold weather usage I recommend this fluid from Cenex. It's what I switched to for winter use and I'm happy with it. It is a nice blue color and has outstanding specs. for hot and cold weather use. It's a synthetic blend here is the spec sheet
http://www.cenex.com/Downloads/MaxtronTHF.pdf