alternatives to J20D (low vis hy guard)

[tomd999]

Hiya,

I use this: AMSOIL - Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil (ATH)

From the page: AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil operates over a wide range of temperatures. It has a high viscosity index to maintain its lubricity at high operating temperatures, and it flows at temperatures as low as -51°F (-46°C) for improved equipment operation and wear protection at low temperatures. Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil exceeds the most demanding all-weather specifications of both Case New Holland 3525 and 3526 (formerly Ford New Holland FNHA-2-C-200 & 2-C-201) and John Deere J20C & J20D, eliminating the need for seasonal oil changes.

I haven't had an issue with any Amsoil product since I started using them back in 1978.

My 2 Cents,
Tom

 

[wthompson]

I use the Xtreme oil that greg mentioned earlier with no problems, the 5 gallon pail lists J20D is meet or exceeds. NAPA carries all the filters for my 4600 HST.

 

[megaboz]

I already bought an average product with a 60 % markup, a John Deere, so whats a couple more filters. :laughing:

If it says another product is acceptable in the owners manual, fine, I would get it to if it is cheaper. But researching and getting a bunch of conflicting opinions as to what will work without trashing a $7,000 motor or a more expensive trans-axle to save $30 worth of oil doesn't make sense to me. Peace of mind is worth something. But if a guy is very sure the product is the same or better, great.

I know of a situation where a DIY changed the rear axle oil in his GMC dually. That's easy enough so he went to NAPA to get some rear end oil. They sold him some rear end oil, but then a1,000 miles later the rear end seized up. It seems he didn't put an additive in it that was required by GM. Whose fault was that. It was under warranty and GM said, tough luck buddy. Napa said the same thing.

In my tractors case, just because the filter will screw on the housing doesn't mean it's the same as the original in external construction and even the stuff inside we can't see. Same with the oil.

Well obviously he didn't use a compatible oil and listened to some moron behind the counter. I feel for him, I really hate to see people taken advantage of due to their lack of knowledge.

But the truth is that JD doesn't make a superior lubrication product or filters (actually they don't make either, period).

I have heard several people state I switched to xxxxx oil and the motor blew ### miles later. Truth is the motor was already ready to blow, it was just a coincidence.

My only point is that under ideal and even slightly not ideal circumstances OEM oils and filters maybe fine but either way I won't rely on them.

 

[Cpjlube]

From my experience the manufacturers, auto or tractor, create a spec and then let the lowest bidder make the product. I know for a while Petro Canada made the motor oil for GM. I'm not Canadian, so i could be wrong, but I've never seen that brand of oil. The poor guy with the GM truck probably forgot the limited slip additive required by most GM trucks. You can purchase some conventional GL with it already mixed in. The synthetics usually need the additive. I think that if you are really concerned use the OEM fluids during the warranty then switch. A phone call to an independent repair shop or fluid manufacturer usually helps. Also, after shopping around, it seems to that OEM fluids can be found at many different prices. Make a few calls.

Chuck

 

[wango tango]

well - another way to think about this is that my 4410 ehydro will take the J20C, which is regular hy-gard, which there are aftermarket products for, which are significantly cheaper. think i'll go that route. not trying to give my money away for a product that meets specs.

 

[arlen4720]

Hiya,

I use this: AMSOIL - Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil (ATH)

From the page: AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil operates over a wide range of temperatures. It has a high viscosity index to maintain its lubricity at high operating temperatures, and it flows at temperatures as low as -51°F (-46°C) for improved equipment operation and wear protection at low temperatures. Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil exceeds the most demanding all-weather specifications of both Case New Holland 3525 and 3526 (formerly Ford New Holland FNHA-2-C-200 & 2-C-201) and John Deere J20C & J20D, eliminating the need for seasonal oil changes.

I haven't had an issue with any Amsoil product since I started using them back in 1978.

My 2 Cents,
Tom

I tried the Amsoil in my X748. I thought it would be better for winter snow blowing. The tranny would growl until it warmed up. I drained it and went back to the JD. I think the amsoil is a little thicker.

 

[arlen4720]

well - another way to think about this is that my 4410 ehydro will take the J20C, which is regular hy-gard, which there are aftermarket products for, which are significantly cheaper. think i'll go that route. not trying to give my money away for a product that meets specs.

Where are you located, You may not like how the tractor behaves with the thicker stuff; especially in colder climates. There have been a few posts about people not liking the regular Hy-gard. In fact I know a couple of other farmers that use the low vis JD stuff in their Non JD equipment, because it works better.

 

[arlen4720]

I hope you find something. Personally I tired of trying to find off-brand engine oils and trans. oils and other than Deere brands of filters. They don't have to be changed that often, so I just go to the dealer and get what they recommend. Okay, it may cost a little bit more, but those are the filters and oils the components are tested with. Maybe they are a little more expensive because of some additive to make them work better. But that's just me.

Amen brother.

 

[roush9799]

Schaeffers Oil makes a universal hydraulic fluid that meets JD20. I used it in my 855 I had for years no problems. It's got a compatibility label on the barrel plus free oil analysis. I use their motor oil too in all our equipment.

 

[megaboz]

Schaeffers Oil makes a universal hydraulic fluid that meets JD20. I used it in my 855 I had for years no problems. It's got a compatibility label on the barrel plus free oil analysis. I use their motor oil too in all our equipment.

Yes Schaeffer's makes a great hydraulic fluid, but it can be hard to find unless you have a local dealer.

Personally I would stay away from Amsoil based on some personal testing of their gear oil (their additive package loves water and blends together too much). But taking water out of the equation it is good oil though.