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.

 

[george88]

FYI, my best place to buy most filters is at Welcome to Filterbarn™ | Discount Oil Filters | Discount Air And Fuel Filters | Heavy Equipment and Diesel Engine Filters. However they can't cross those filters either. Otherwise, they supply me with NAPA gold, fleetguard, etc. filters at very reasonable prices.

 

[george88]

Interesting how my filter barn recommendation popped up with the blue underlining in my last post. That was not my email/advertising. However, filter barn even forgoes shipping if over $100 in order. So I usually order 2 to 3 years worth for my "operation".

 

[VictorW]

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

Your CT230 would be the same as the Kioti CK30hst. I don't believe any of the Kioti owners have found aftermarket for either hydraulic filter. Napa does have the engine oil, air filter, and fuel filter though. You can also get a K&N air filter that is washable and reuseable. I usually just call a Kioti dealer, none close to me, and order several of each filter. Prices are reasonable.

The Shell Donax TD hydraulic oil was a 10W-30 weight. As mentioned, it is called Spirax md now. Some use the 5W-30 weight especially up North where it's very cold. Amsoil synthetic hydraulic fluid has a 5W-30 weight. Other choices advised by Kioti are: Texaco TDH oil, Exxon Hydraul 560, Exxon Torque Fluid 56, Pennsoil Hydra Tranz, Mobilfluid 424, BP TracTran UTH, Citgo Mystik JT-5 Universal, and the Shell Donax TD which is now the Shell Spirax md.

 

[george88]

Thanks Vic,

"too many choices"

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have used Bobcat fluid as well as Phillips and TSC. They all work the same. I just shop by price now.

 

[george88]

I am not familiar with TSC fluid, can you be more specific? How much cost savings is it?
geo

 

[krazsk]

TSC is tractor supply company. their universal tractor fluid is about $49/5 gal, vs $125? at Bobcat

 

[CJONE]

The big hyd filter is on the suction side of the system and the little filter is on the pressure or charge side of the hydrostat, that is why it is so expensive. because of the location and function of both of these filters I would not be in a big hurry to cross them over. Both filters are not out of line on pricing. The oil and air filters may be a different story. CJ

 

[krazsk]

You don't think $128 for the hydrostatic filter is out of line? I think $37 for the hydraulic is high.

 

[CJONE]

You don't think $128 for the hydrostatic filter is out of line? I think $37 for the hydraulic is high.

Yea you bet I do, you need to contact a Kioti dealer I think I paid $28.00 for the large suction filter and $69.00 for the hydrostat filter. You are paying Bobcats markup for sure and they are ripping you off. Kioti's pricing is not out of line but Bobcats sure is, WOW. CJ