Usable Front End Loader fluids?

[ebinmaine 63,339]

I've read on other sites and spoken to folks IRL that say a lot of hydraulics can use various types of fluids.  

An example would be the changeover Wheelhorse made in the early 70s from ATF to 10W30 in the Sundstrand transmission. 

 

 

For our own Wally Digger Backhoe FEL in particular...

 

I have some Pentosin VW ATF and also some old style Ford Mercon ATF here. 

I wouldn't mix the two but wondered if I could use one or the other either by purchasing more or mixing them with 10W hydraulic oil.  

 

 

Thoughts comments questions suggestions??

 

 

Edited November 18, 2023 by ebinmaine

[pfrederi 17,171]

You can use a variety of fluids for a simple hydraulic system like your FEL...Issue I would be concerned with is mixing disparate types.  VW vs Mercon vs Dexron no problem  Different weight oils also no issue

[ri702bill 7,384]

Eric - two things come to mind...

When you mix equal amounts of 2 fluids into a clear jar, do the stay mixed or separate like oil & water???

 

Is either of the two compatible with your seals???

 

[wallfish 15,960]

Hydraulic fluid is what's in there now. I bought  5 gal bucket from TSC. Since I had a choice for what to fill it with, I went with an oil designed exactly for the purpose of hydraulic systems.

Why would you want to change it to something else?

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/traveller-premium-tractor-hydraulic-fluid-5-gal-t806391

[ebinmaine 63,339]

4 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

either of the two compatible with your seals???

That's my exact concern.  

 

2 minutes ago, wallfish said:

Why would you want to change it to something else?

 

Only because I'm a cheap skate and that's what I already have here.  

    

 

 

Remember one of my favorite phrases. 

Use what ya have!

 

Likely I'll just get some hydraulic fluid because we'll be flushing both the Backhoe and Loader soon. 

 

Thanks for the link there John.  

 

 

[peter lena 8,102]

@ebinmaine  other members   https://www.amazon.com/Kats-1155-Watt-Magnetic-Heater/dp/B089DZF7C3/ref=asc_df_B089DZF7C3/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475692271572&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6961602501858814363&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018127&hvtargid=pla-1094617143487&psc=1&mcid=93eec7779fab3c62a6304116d7838d8f&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3uGqBhDdARIsAFeJ5r0sKcRRFk6ULiaHbYAj-4GNIb04d1hnHIjD3f01PsIvupFrMeqrScMaAt-iEALw_wcB  think a plug in heater on that fluid , as it gets colder , would be an added helper , just the idea of quicker response , on warmer oil , make a problem go away . my cold starts , with reflector , bulb under my engines , is stupid fast , off choke quickly too .  experiment , Pete  

[Pullstart 59,870]

I have been known to run tractor/trans fluid in my snow plow systems, atf, or strictly hydraulic oil.  After close to 20 years of service, I haven’t found any pump failures.  I do say I like some ATF mainly for the red dye to spot any leaks in the snow before they are catastrophic.

[wallfish 15,960]

5 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Only because I'm a cheap skate and that's what I already have here.  

Think the hoe took about 3.5 - 4 gallons but I don't remember exactly.

Kind of focused on that hoe comment but the loader still had motor oil in it.

[ebinmaine 63,339]

13 minutes ago, wallfish said:

loader still had motor oil

So any inexpensive old style motor oil?

 

[wallfish 15,960]

14 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

So any inexpensive old style motor oil?

 

IDK. It was 10-30 . If you were just maybe topping it off then probably not a big deal. If you're draining it and changing it then I would go with the hydraulic oil.

 

[JoeM 7,699]

3 minutes ago, wallfish said:

hydraulic oil

hydraulic oil and tractor hydraulic oil is cheaper than motor oils. At least from what I seen. 

 

EB just get the right stuff and not worry about compatibility. Drain and refill. 

 

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

I like some ATF

yeah it cleans up off the floor easy too.

 

[Pullstart 59,870]

1 hour ago, wallfish said:

Think the hoe took about 3.5 - 4 gallons but I don't remember exactly.

Kind of focused on that hoe comment but the loader still had motor oil in it.

We are talking about a tractor, right?  

 

Sorry, I had to!  Anyway.

 

For this specific machine, are there two hydraulic systems on the tractor?

[wallfish 15,960]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

We are talking about a tractor, right?  

 

Sorry, I had to!  Anyway.

 

For this specific machine, are there two hydraulic systems on the tractor?

Yes, 2 completely separate hydraulic systems with 2 pumps. I did it that way so the hoe would be complete and easily transferred if it went on to another tractor

[ebinmaine 63,339]

14 minutes ago, wallfish said:

Yes, 2 completely separate hydraulic systems with 2 pumps. I did it that way so the hoe would be complete and easily transferred if it went on to another tractor

Excellent Idea.  

 

[sjoemie himself 2,922]

My .. the (Claas, tractor) shop I work at there are two options when it comes to hydraulic oils.

 

1- all tractors (except Fendt) we sell and maintain run the same oil in the transmission and the hydraulic system: Total Dynatrans.

 

2- the small wheel loaders we sell and maintain use a '46' hydraulic oil.

 

The info I've read states that the '46' oil is more suitable for 'extreme' applications. So better temperature stability, less sludge buildup, less corrosion/oxidation, better filter-ability etc.