CK230, why two filters?

[george88]

Just changed my hydraulic filters yesterday. Since the hydraulic fluid and transmission fluid are the same. Why would there be two filters to do the same job considering they are from the same source within the tractor?

What is a good replacement fluid in lieu of Bobcat hydraulic-transmission fluid?
geo

 

[krazsk]

Shell Donax TD and Mobilfluid 424 are specified in the Kioti and McCormick versions of that Daedong tractor.

I believe Shell has renamed Donax TD to Spirax /md and they sell it at WalMart here. If you have a little guts you could go to TSC Universal Tractor trans/hydraulic fluid, which I believe is very similar but not specifically specified in the owners manual.

The hydraulic system and hydrostatic transmission use a common supply of fluid but the manual says the hydrostatic uses a separate filter for it's need for "especially clean oil". There, now I've told you more than I know.

 

[george88]

Thanks kraszk,

I wonder about the fluid because our local Bobcat dealers in KC are no longer servicing or carrying parts for the Bobcat CUT line.

Donax TD has two weights...which one for tractors? Shell Spirax EW is what I use in the rear end of my motor home. Which Spirax fluid do I use in the tractor? Which weight?

I'll have to look for the Mobile 424 tractor hydraulic fluid at Walmart. Suspect it isn't available in our area (Kansas City).

What manual are you reading? I don't see that in mine.

geo

 

[krazsk]

I got the Shell Spirax /md S4TXM a few weeks ago at Wal Mart, the label says former name Shell Donax TD. I believe it was like $65/5 gallons. I got the Mobilfluid 424 a couple of years ago from the local petroleum wholesaler. I belive it was $55 for 5 gal 2 years ago, but they wanted $75/5 gal now. The TSC stuff was something like $45 or $49, and it seems to be recommended for essentially the same equipment as the Mobil or Shell recommends. I haven't run into the different wt/viscosity for these, so I don't know nothing.

I bought the Kioti manual for the CK25, I own the Bobcat CT225. Of course the Bobcat manual says to use Bobcat fluid, but the Kioti says to use the Shell or Mobil, They also have an Exxon hydraul 560 fluid listed and BP Tractran UTH. I recently bought a 50 hp McCormick, the exact same as a Bobcat CT450 except the color. The McCormick owners manual matches the Kioti for fluid recommendations. (Surprise!) Free advice is worth every penny you pay for it.

 

[george88]

Kraszk,

I looked up Shell Donax TD, it came in two viscosities: 5w-30 and 10w-30. Shell Spirax TD does not specify viscosity differences. I know that there are two viscosities for the Spirax I use in my motorhome differential. Looking at the fluid ratings, I cannot decipher those values with what is recommended in the Bobcat 230 manual.

However, when I look at the Mobilfluid 424, then the manual numbers for viscosity and viscosity index do match.

The TSC universal tractor fluid does have a viscosity of 10w-20 but no other numbers that I can line up with my manual.

For $20/5 gal difference, I do not see any value in making a big fuss over the price for just one tractor with low hours on it. The Bobcat fluid is fine with me....my basic concern is the lack of availability down the road when Bobcat, and if Bobcat, pulls out of the CUT business. I just want to have some backup fluid brand that is compatible with the machine. Will probably go with the Mobilfluid.

Could you attach a copy of the Kioti manual which ref the fluids?

geo88

 

[krazsk]

How much was the bobcat fluid? I don't recall exactly, but I think the dealer quoted me like $60 for 2.5 gallons. I never asked again. I believe at the price the dealer quoted me, the fluid was like $100 extra for the bobcat fluid for a CT225. The manual specifies nothing about viscosity.

 

[george88]

I just bought 1 gal for filter change replacement, $25.14 with tax Olathe, Ks.

 

[krazsk]

there should be a better way to do this, but here it is

 

[george88]

Somethings things just work!!! ok, thanks, now to shop for fluids. Again, I just fear Bobcat will stop carrying the fluid.

I have been able to crossmatch air filters, oil filter, and fuel filter, but no luck with hydraulic filters. Do you know any crosses? Coincidentally, if one hydraulic filter is "finer" filter than the other, do you know the acutual microns per filter?

I know, I know, too much detail, so little time.

geo

 

[krazsk]

I haven't been able to find any cross reference filters for the hydraulic or hydrostatic. Not for lack of trying over the last 3 years. Those prices hurt.