TSC Premium Universal Hydro Fluid In Question?

[Diggin It]

I had a bug put in my ear today about Traveller Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydrauilic Fluid. I was asking about a fluid to match the LS Specs in my Owner's Manual and stopped into a place that specializes in oils and fluids. They implied that they were aware of the company that makes it being under investigations for mis-stating the specifications of it.


Anybody familiar with anything along that line?

Some members he spoke highly of it, while others complained about it, but I'm not sure if that had merits or was just a matter of preferences to brand names over store/generic products.

 

[TractorGuy]

I haven't heard any claims they misrepresented the product. I'm sure if they have then one or all of the manufacturers will be all over them.

Haven't had any trouble using it in either of my tractors. It has gone up 10 bucks a bucket in the last 3 years but it is still the lowest price oil I can find listing compatibility specs matching JD Hygard or Ford New Holland 134D. I have done complete changes on my backhoe and have mixed it with Hygard on two different John Deeres without any signs of incompatibility or issues.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Are you sure they were not talking about the 303 fluid?

 

[Diggin It]

Dunno to be sure.

They didn't want to talk directly about competition, only inferences, which is why I'm asking here.

 

[F3506]

They were probably referring to the 303 fluid, but there has been speculation that other "universal" fluids may not actually meet the approvals they claim to.

Your LS probably calls for 32/46 fluid. Why not just get one of those? I picked up a bucket of 32 at Atwoods yesterday for $26.99.

 

[Diggin It]

After looking at the specs in the owner's manual I showed him, one guy at our big petroleum products distribution facility called out Chevron AW48 at $38.24/5 gallons

 

[3Ts]

I had several buckets of TSC hydraulic fluid sitting in the barn for an excavator. JD guy came out to work on my JD and said not to use the TSC stuff in JD because, over time, it will leave deposits in the machine. He said they can tell the difference when they open up a tractor. IDK

 

[wheelbuilder]

There's a bunch of info about this at pqiamerica.com
My takeaway is that some manufacturers are selling a product that meets an obsolete specification with the suggestion that it is good for current tractors. There is also the issue of what exactly the old spec called for requirement wise, as some are using additives for a current specification, but at a much lower dose and saying it is like the old 303.
For my tractor, I'm planning on using a name brand fluid that meets a current spec, AND the requirements stated in the old (1980's) owners manual. My tractor cost me enough and is enough of a pain to get some parts for that I'd have to save a awful lot of money on the fluid to make it worth the risk.

 

[Zebrafive]

There's a bunch of info about this at pqiamerica.com
My takeaway is that some manufacturers are selling a product that meets an obsolete specification with the suggestion that it is good for current tractors. There is also the issue of what exactly the old spec called for requirement wise, as some are using additives for a current specification, but at a much lower dose and saying it is like the old 303.
For my tractor, I'm planning on using a name brand fluid that meets a current spec, AND the requirements stated in the old (1980's) owners manual. My tractor cost me enough and is enough of a pain to get some parts for that I'd have to save a awful lot of money on the fluid to make it worth the risk.

Same here ^^^ I have John Deere and use HyGard despite the higher cost. Last I paid was $65 for 5 gallons.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Few bucks saved on fluids can sure be expensive on repairs.

 

[TractorGuy]

Few bucks saved on fluids can sure be expensive on repairs.

Five bucks per gallon difference isn't small change when your machine takes 28 gallons. Not that big of a deal for 5 gallons.

I'm inclined to believe that they didn't blatantly lie on their label regarding specific compatibility. John Deere, New Holland, and all the other manufacturers mentioned on the label would be quick to go after them in that case.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I think we should wait for some facts. What you are saying may be true but we really don't know. Lot of members have used TSC product for years. You would think this is not something that would get by. I have read at least a dozen threads on this subject over time. Lot of smart people have looked into it.

 

[PA hayseed]

FWIW
There is a thread in the Kioti section https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...oil-analysis-traveller-premium-universal.html

It is interesting to read. Some other posters in the thread have interesting input into the subject.

Note traveller premium, not regular traveller is discussed.

 

[F3506]

I'm inclined to believe that they didn't blatantly lie on their label regarding specific compatibility. John Deere, New Holland, and all the other manufacturers mentioned on the label would be quick to go after them in that case.

Read the label. They're vague enough to not say which JD, NH, etc. spec they meet. For the 303 fluid, read the fine print on the bucket. It says for 1972 and older tractors. So if you have a 1965 JD, this fluid will work great for you at a bargain price. Sure it works for the most part on newer tractors, but start using it in an HST or power shuttle and you'll likely notice problems sooner rather than later. In a regular tractor you'll see issues as well, but it does work for a while.

 

[DK35vince]

Read the label. They're vague enough to not say which JD, NH, etc. spec they meet.

Just read the label on the bucket I have.
Says
John Deere 303 fluid ( JDM-J20A, JDM J14B)
John Deere Hygaurd ( JDM- J20C)
Ford/ New Holland M2C41B, M2C48C, 53, 86B, 134 D, C, B, A

 

[Redlands Okie]

Five bucks per gallon difference isn't small change when your machine takes 28 gallons. Not that big of a deal for 5 gallons.

I'm inclined to believe that they didn't blatantly lie on their label regarding specific compatibility. John Deere, New Holland, and all the other manufacturers mentioned on the label would be quick to go after them in that case.

$125 is not a insignificant amount of money I agree. My point was that $125 is probably about one or one and a half hours of shop time at the tractor repair shop. They will use that up just diagnosing it. Probably will not even be able to get one hauled into be looked at for $125 in transport fees. The possible cost of a mistake and repairs can be a big factor in choices one has to make.

 

[nyone]

If you have wet clutches or wet brakes then personaly i would suggest spending the money on good fluid. Thos of us with out wet clutches regular hydraulic fluid should do just fine.

As far as i know universal tractor fluid has wet clutch protection. Do your self a favor and at least find out the price of a quality fluid from the dealer, napa, or other suppliers that would have a name brand. Repairing the transmissions in a tractor with wet clutches can get real expensive real quick.

 

[TractorGuy]

Read the label. They're vague enough to not say which JD, NH, etc. spec they meet. For the 303 fluid, read the fine print on the bucket. It says for 1972 and older tractors. So if you have a 1965 JD, this fluid will work great for you at a bargain price. Sure it works for the most part on newer tractors, but start using it in an HST or power shuttle and you'll likely notice problems sooner rather than later. In a regular tractor you'll see issues as well, but it does work for a while.

Just read the label on the bucket I have.
Says
John Deere 303 fluid ( JDM-J20A, JDM J14B)
John Deere Hygaurd ( JDM- J20C)
Ford/ New Holland M2C41B, M2C48C, 53, 86B, 134 D, C, B, A

You beat me to it. I don't think they could be any more specific.

 

[smartascii]

My feeling is, you buy the fluid and filters at the dealer while under warranty. If something were to go wrong, it is relatively cheap insurance against them denying a warranty claim.