Which Hydraulic/Transmission Fluid?

[tbzep]

The 3550 manual calls for GL4 SAE 80w fluid/oil. It then proceeds to list a bunch of brands that aren't available, with the exception of Mobil 424, and it is not in stock anywhere in my town. What the heck? Specs seem to be listed by tying to more popular tractor brands. There should be an updated list on this forum, stickied at the top. Adding to the mess is that I just need a quart or two to pre-fill the filter on the 50 hour break-in filter change. I don't want a 5 gallon bucket of Mobil 424 (or whatever is equivalent) sitting around for years waiting for the 1000 hour service.

Moving from antique gas burners to modern diesel is definitely a learning (or in this case, non-learning) experience. Since Mahindra tractors are made by multiple manufacturers, I don't trust myself to see a post that says use Brand A type B, when it's going in a Mitsubishi built one and mine is made elsewhere.

 

[dickfoster]

The 3550 manual calls for GL4 SAE 80w fluid/oil. It then proceeds to list a bunch of brands that aren't available, with the exception of Mobil 424, and it is not in stock anywhere in my town. What the heck? Specs seem to be listed by tying to more popular tractor brands. There should be an updated list on this forum, stickied at the top. Adding to the mess is that I just need a quart or two to pre-fill the filter on the 50 hour break-in filter change. I don't want a 5 gallon bucket of Mobil 424 (or whatever is equivalent) sitting around for years waiting for the 1000 hour service.

Moving from antique gas burners to modern diesel is definitely a learning (or in this case, non-learning) experience. Since Mahindra tractors are made by multiple manufacturers, I don't trust myself to see a post that says use Brand A type B, when it's going in a Mitsubishi built one and mine is made elsewhere.

Where? Are you talking about oil for the front axle or the hydraulic fluid for the tranny and such?

SAE 80 is gear lube that you'd only put in the front axle. Mahindra can't make up their minds on front axle lube. One book says gear lube and the other says UTF.

I put 75W90 synthetic gear lube in my front axle because gear lube is specifically made for gear boxes and differentials. I also added a bit of Redline Shockproof, a bit less than a quart. Another synthetic gear lube that's really slippery stuff.

For the tranny I use a premium grade UTF made for later model machines.

I only use high quality oils and never cheap out on that kinda thing.

 

[tbzep]

Exactly my point. In my manual for the transmission/hydraulics, it says to use API GL4 in the text, then at the bottom there is an oil spec chart that says to use SAE 80W UTTO. There isn't anything that's available locally that shows those specs. They might have it on the jugs, but not on the online specs.

Specs for the axle aren't confusing. It says to use API GL5 in the text and SAE 80W90EP or 80W140EP for my temperature range. A search for GL5 80w90 comes back with all kinds of available choices within those specs.

 

[dickfoster]

Exactly my point. In my manual for the transmission/hydraulics, it says to use API GL4 in the text, then at the bottom there is an oil spec chart that says to use SAE 80W UTTO. There isn't anything that's available locally that shows those specs. They might have it on the jugs, but not on the online specs.

Specs for the axle aren't confusing. It says to use API GL5 in the text and SAE 80W90EP or 80W140EP for my temperature range. A search for GL5 80w90 comes back with all kinds of available choices within those specs.

For your tranny you could use this stuff Traveller Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid, 5 gal. - For Life Out Here or I think this stuff Shell Rotella Universal Hydraulic Fluid, 5 gal. Pail - For Life Out Here. I got the Traveller as it was cheaper had better reviews and it had Mahindra listed on the label as meeting manufacture specs. I think my manual listed the Shell Rotella. What ever UTF you get just be sure it's formulated for use in later model tractors.

I guess our manuals differ on the front axle but I've also learned not to trust Mahindra's documentation very far, very shoddy pieces of work.

 

[tbzep]

I think my manual listed the Shell Rotella. What ever UTF you get just be sure it's formulated for use in later model tractors.

I guess our manuals differ on the front axle but I've also learned not to trust Mahindra's documentation very far, very shoddy pieces of work.

My manual doesn't list Shell Rotella UHF. It lists Shell Donax TD, which is obsolete, though the 3550 is a new model and should have a fairly updated list. Spirax has replaced it, but there are several varieties. Also, most of the Donax/Spirax I've seen show it as 10w30, where the manual says to use SAE 80w. Maybe Shell Spirax GX 80? Problem is, nobody here carries it. I found it on a British website. :confused3: :mur:

 

[dickfoster]

My manual doesn't list Shell Rotella UHF. It lists Shell Donax TD, which is obsolete, though the 3550 is a new model and should have a fairly updated list. Spirax has replaced it, but there are several varieties. Also, most of the Donax/Spirax I've seen show it as 10w30, where the manual says to use SAE 80w. Maybe Shell Spirax GX 80? Problem is, nobody here carries it. I found it on a British website. :confused3: :mur:

I think the stuff I found at TSC will work for your tranny and hydraulics.

10W30 sounds like an engine oil. I used Valvoline Premium Blue 5W40 full synthetic heavy duty diesel engine oil in my engine. I always either meet or exceed their specs. I don't mind paying a little more for better grades of lubricating fluids.

 

[burzynsr]

I would go with the premium Tractor supply fluid, best price and quality fluid, works great in my 4025. The fluids listed in the manual are for all parts of the world and they are available elsewhere. This whole lube thing is not rocket science, yes there probably is something misprinted there and it should be corrected and probably will someday but your manual and mine are not right so we just have to live with it. Unless you are willing to purchase an updated version when it is available. As far as the front axle use the SAE80W140EP, any brand you choose and you will be good for any temperature range.

 

[OLV1071571]

My manual doesn't list Shell Rotella UHF. It lists Shell Donax TD, which is obsolete, though the 3550 is a new model and should have a fairly updated list. Spirax has replaced it, but there are several varieties. Also, most of the Donax/Spirax I've seen show it as 10w30, where the manual says to use SAE 80w. Maybe Shell Spirax GX 80? Problem is, nobody here carries it. I found it on a British website. :confused3: :mur:

Hi tbzep - I have a 3540 PST and about to do my 50 hour service. Curious as to what route you took and any feedback you have. My manual states the same as yours. I was told JD Hy-Guard was compatible to top off hydro fluid when changing the filter and cleaning the suction filter.

 

[JerryK]

Ditto on the Tractor Supply Premium Universal Hyd fluid. I have it in two Mahindra HST's, and will fill my new one [ if I ever get one ] with it, too. You can put more expensive and/or synthetic fluid in it if it would make you sleep better at night... but the TSC stuff is just fine. Spend the extra money you save for a Father's Day gift for yourself, so you will have at least something to enjoy that day.....

 

[tbzep]

Hi tbzep - I have a 3540 PST and about to do my 50 hour service. Curious as to what route you took and any feedback you have. My manual states the same as yours. I was told JD Hy-Guard was compatible to top off hydro fluid when changing the filter and cleaning the suction filter.

I went with TSC. Traveller Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid - For Life Out Here

 

[rockarosa]

I just went to my Mahindra dealer to buy filters and fluid for my 4550. The only brand of Hydraulic oil he carried was called Sureguard Universal Hydraulic oil. $35.00 for a 5 gallon bucket. Anyone ever heard of this brand?

 

[Navasot]

They don't have the Mahindra brand?

TSC carries one called traveler that will work... any name brand universal hyd/trans will be fine...

Golden West even makes one

 

[rockarosa]

I went to buy everything that I needed to do the 50 hour service. He had Mahindra brand filters and motor oil but this is the only hydraulic oil he carries. Never heard of this brand before. Hey for all I know it could be made by Mobil, never know anymore.

 

[aledobud]

TSC also carries Rotella HD. It's $60 for 5 gallons. It could have better/more additives? I will probably use that at my 50 hr. Not that much more given how often it's changed.

 

[aledobud]

The whole oil classification system is confusing. Gear oils in the 80W range have the same viscosity as motor oil in the 10W30 range. The difference is just in the additives. Tractor transmission oil is 10W30, so the manual with 80W UTTO doesn't make sense. Does that even exist?

 

[CalG]

J-D did a test

UTTO gave longer life to the seals with no difference in gear wear.

Make a deal of it if you want. UTTO is easy. Add your favorite witches brew, slippery modifier if you want.

You will be long dead before your choice of lubes matters to any of the hard parts inside your tractor. (within reason, a 50/50 mix of essentiallube and kerosene doesn't count! )

 

[Walter L]

Where? Are you talking about oil for the front axle or the hydraulic fluid for the tranny and such?

SAE 80 is gear lube that you'd only put in the front axle. Mahindra can't make up their minds on front axle lube. One book says gear lube and the other says UTF.

I put 75W90 synthetic gear lube in my front axle because gear lube is specifically made for gear boxes and differentials. I also added a bit of Redline Shockproof, a bit less than a quart. Another synthetic gear lube that's really slippery stuff.

For the tranny I use a premium grade UTF made for later model machines.

I only use high quality oils and never cheap out on that kinda thing.

Dick on my 2013 3016 I have a drain plug but no plug to add oil except the vent tube on top and it is impossible to get to it?

 

[oldpilgrim]

There are fill plugs on the top of each side of the front axle on the 3016.

 

[coffeeman]

I just went to my Mahindra dealer to buy filters and fluid for my 4550. The only brand of Hydraulic oil he carried was called Sureguard Universal Hydraulic oil. $35.00 for a 5 gallon bucket. Anyone ever heard of this brand?

Hi there. I just got 5 gallon Sam's Club Brand . Use in transmissions, oil immersed brakes, other ancillary , suitable for Case New holland
Caterpillar, J. Deere, Massey, Volvo and ZF?? 10-20 weight. Named Hydr/trans. $33.00. 5 gal.

TSC Traveler , Trans/Hydraulic premium 10-30 for Mahindra, Massey, New Idea and about 15 others. $34.99. My 4110 owners manual only asks for "THF 500".

I guess I can use either? But would 10-30 be a better shot than the 10-20 ? Plus , I look closer at Sam's brand. Maybe I will take Sam back before I open.

What do U think?

Cheers......Coffeeman

 

[dickfoster]

Dick on my 2013 3016 I have a drain plug but no plug to add oil except the vent tube on top and it is impossible to get to it?

Since they are high up, any of the fill plugs on the axle is good for the entire front axle. The oil will seek it's own high level throughout the axle assembly including the center differential and the portal drive units on each side. Of course it's best to have the tractor sitting level for the fill. However to get a complete drain you want to open the drain plugs in each sub assembly the portals and the center diff gear box. All assuming 4WD of course.