What synthetic hydraulic fluid are you using?

[Silverss427]

Coming up on the first fluids change and I want to switch to full synthetic fluids. I want to switch to synthetics for cold weather and I wondered what you guys use since there doesn't seem to be a huge amount of choice out there for hydraulic fluids.

 

[5030]

Whatever fluid is compatible with your brand of tractor and approved by the OEM as a suitable replacement. In my case I run Kubota ag tractors and I use Kubota approved fluid, either Chevron Synthetic THC all weather (first choice) or Rotella Hydraulic fluid (second choice). I prefer the Chevron because it's orange and you can see it easily on a dipstick. Most fluids are clear and hard to see. Both are Kubota approved.

 

[oosik]

5030 - +2

 

[Robin Veerman]

Coming up on the first fluids change and I want to switch to full synthetic fluids. I want to switch to synthetics for cold weather and I wondered what you guys use since there doesn't seem to be a huge amount of choice out there for hydraulic fluids.

I'm really happy with the AMSOIL Tractor/Hydraulic fluid that I'm using in my Kioti CK30HST. It flows great even at -30C, my HST or FEL work like it's a summers day. I'm at 300 hours on the oil and it looks good. Will change out the filters soon and continue on for couple of hundred hours or so before changing it all out. Maybe do a UOA sample?
Here's a link if you want to check it out. AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil SAE 5W-3
I would recommend that you change the front axles to a gear lube at the same time. They usually are factory filled with Hydraulic fluid for initial break-in.
I used AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W90 for mine. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR(R) 75W-9
Order enough and get the free shipping too. That really helps us up here in Canada!!
Dutchy

 

[YLee Kioti]

On my CK4010HST, used Amsoil but it was 200 bucks for 5 gallons.

The NX has a 12 gal res. tank no way spending 400+ bucks.....
So used NAPA synthetic at 99 buckets for a five gal. container. Used two buckets and bought two gallons of Kubota UDT to top off.

Two hundred hours on the clock and appears to be working well.
Aside from hyd. foaming issues that do not presently believe is related to type of fluid.

 

[LouNY]

I'm running Cen-Pe-Co multi purpose hydraulic fluid;
It meets or exceeds most manufactures requirements,
it is not a full synthetic.
My next choice would have been the Amsoil.

 

[Robin Veerman]

Aside from hyd. foaming issues that do not presently believe is related to type of fluid

What is causing the foaming, in your opinion? Controlling foaming is an important requirement of Hydraulic Fluids. Anti-Foam Additives Benefits; Rapid air release, Cooler operation, Smooth brake operation, Control over fade and spongy hydraulic response.
Dutchy

 

[YLee Kioti]

Aside from hyd. foaming issues that do not presently believe is related to type of fluid

What is causing the foaming, in your opinion? Controlling foaming is an important requirement of Hydraulic Fluids.
Anti-Foam Additives Benefits; Rapid air release, Cooler operation, Smooth brake operation, Control over fade and spongy hydraulic response.
Dutchy

There is a long thread on this topic about the NX series from justman777.
My images of the foaming while the machine is running and it makes a wind tunnel noise when removing the fill plug are there.
I Don't want to hijack this thread and get off topic.

I hope the OP finds a solution that will work for him.

The NAPA synthetic fluid is Coastal from Warren Oil.
Warren Oil Company, LLC - World Class Lubricants - Motor Oil, Transmission Fluid, Antifreeze, Greases, and more!

My next change will work harder on locating a Mobil dealer and use the Mobil syn. fluid.