RjCorazza
Elite Member
Opinions vary, but factually these oils are not manufactured to universal standards like API engine oils are. They may state an ISO viscosity rating, and claim compatibility with various OEM fluids.
My favorite example was a post here on TBN years ago that showed the front lable of a UTF (non OEM) fluid claiming compatibility with all modern tractor hydraulics and transmissions... The back lable said it was not to be used in machines manufactured after 1972.
My favorite example was a post here on TBN years ago that showed the front lable of a UTF (non OEM) fluid claiming compatibility with all modern tractor hydraulics and transmissions... The back lable said it was not to be used in machines manufactured after 1972.
AntiqueIron
Silver Member
Maybe warranty, but even then I don’t think it’s strictly necessary.
As long as it meets the spec of NH134D you’re good. You wouldn’t go to a car dealer every time you needed a jug of engine oil I assume, or back to the dealer for tubes of grease
Most manuals will have a page on service for lube specifications, usually that states “When proprietary product is not available, use one that meets (fluid specification.)”
I work on compact tractors for a living. I’ve yet to see or hear of any sort of hydraulic or hydrostatic damage from using equivalent aftermarket fluids.
(NEVER PUT 303 IN A NEWER TRACTOR-ITS NOT GOOD FOR WET BRAKES OR CLUTCHES.)
80% of hydraulic or hydrostatic failures I see are from lack of maintenance or abuse. Especially in power shift transmissions, contaminated fluid is real bad for them.
As long as it meets the spec of NH134D you’re good. You wouldn’t go to a car dealer every time you needed a jug of engine oil I assume, or back to the dealer for tubes of grease
Most manuals will have a page on service for lube specifications, usually that states “When proprietary product is not available, use one that meets (fluid specification.)”
I work on compact tractors for a living. I’ve yet to see or hear of any sort of hydraulic or hydrostatic damage from using equivalent aftermarket fluids.
(NEVER PUT 303 IN A NEWER TRACTOR-ITS NOT GOOD FOR WET BRAKES OR CLUTCHES.)
80% of hydraulic or hydrostatic failures I see are from lack of maintenance or abuse. Especially in power shift transmissions, contaminated fluid is real bad for them.
Last edited:
AntiqueIron
Silver Member
It’s just me, but “compatible with” is a very misunderstood term. I take it to mean “This is a product that will not produce an adverse reaction when mixed/used in the aforementioned.”
Meeting the specifications of a fluid should result in something that’s chemically indistingushable in components and performance.
Does the machine have wet brakes,clutch or hydro drive? If it does use the NH fluid specifically for it. $300 in fluid is alot cheaper than replacing parts and the fluid with the correct stuff.
Hydraulic fluid isn't like motor oil with the API 3rd party testing. This means any oil manufacturer can state it meets any spec and there's no one testing that it actually does.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
With a gear drive tractor, I use any GOOD quality trans oil, BUT with a hydro trans I stick pretty close to tractor brand fluid.
SR
SR
