Noob question - Mahindra 2538

[SeanP]

Folks,

I've never owned a tractor before, but was a pretty good shade tree machanic in my younger days. I recently retired from the military, bought 20 acres and inherited the tractor with the property. It has 209 hours and I just had the local Deere dealer replace all the filters, but HSTs are a new thing to me. Hydraulic oil looks a bit low and manual says I need API GL-4 #80 or #90 Mahindra Universal tractor fluid, but the closest Mahindra dealer is over an hour's drive the away - is there a hydraulic oil I can get from the local Tractor Supply or Deere dealer that I can use?

Sean

 

[mwayne]

I used Chevron THF 1000 for hydraulic fluid when I changed at 50 hours, the source for this info was the shop manual. Sounds like what you are referring to is gear oil. The owners manual may not be accurate or may be generic for a number of different tractors.

 

[ericm979]

The GL-4 80 or 90 is gear oil, which you don't use in the HST. It's for the front axle.

I have used Mobilfluid 424 and Duragard semi synthetic HST fluid in my Branson. The Branson dealer is also a Mahindra dealer and when I did my first change, they suggested Mahindra's HST fluid.

I think the 424 is now called Delvac and is available as TSC. I'd also use Chevron TDF 1000 if that is available locally.

 

[SeanP]

The GL-4 80 or 90 is gear oil, which you don't use in the HST. It's for the front axle.

I have used Mobilfluid 424 and Duragard semi synthetic HST fluid in my Branson. The Branson dealer is also a Mahindra dealer and when I did my first change, they suggested Mahindra's HST fluid.

I think the 424 is now called Delvac and is available as TSC. I'd also use Chevron TDF 1000 if that is available locally.

Right, I copied the wrong line - here the page

 

[Roadworthy]

I'm not sure you have the correct manual or perhaps the information is in error. You do NOT want to use eighty weight gear oil in an HST transmission and according to Tractor Data that model does have an HST. You need to determine what fluid Mahindra recommends for their HST. This will be the same fluid used throughout your hydraulic system as well.
TractorData.com Mahindra 2538 tractor transmission information

 

[SeanP]

It’s definitely a HST, but I’m sure I have the right manual

 

[SeanP]

Everything in the manual is GL-4, but all I saw at the local TSC was GL-5, I have a Deere dealer available also - I need transmission/hydraulic oil since the sight bubble is showing low and I still have a couple tons of gabion stone to move.

 

[mwayne]

Here is a page from the 2538 service manual, please check with a Mahindra dealer before putting gear oil in your transmission.

 

[SeanP]

Here is a page from the 2538 service manual, please check with a Mahindra dealer before putting gear oil in your transmission.

View attachment 764416

Thank you

 

[3gunr]

I have the same tractor only use premium hydraulic fluid in the hat not gear oil