Hydraulic oil question

arksdad · Mar 7, 2015

Choosing the right hydraulic oil can be very confusing. I need to change hydraulic oil in a 1967 Farmall 656 gear drive. I was thinking of using the Traveller Premium Universal Transmission/Hydraulic Fluid. The stuff in the black pail for $39.99. They also have the same thing only it's Renew for Older Tractors at $49.99, both in 5 gal pails. Local NAPA has a sale on Kendall Hyken 052 for $54.99. As you can see, big price difference. How does a person choose? Also would any of these oils be OK in a 1949 Allis Chalmers C

deerseeker001 · Mar 7, 2015

I would check with IH Dealer but i would bet its IH Hy-TRAN Hydraulic fluid.

arksdad · Mar 7, 2015

I've used the IH Hy-Tran oil in the past, but closest dealer is over 50 miles away. I was looking for a more convenient alternative that was close to the same specs. Hy-Tran is or was just IH's brand.

deerseeker001 · Mar 7, 2015

Is there a farm supply store fairly close.

arksdad · Mar 7, 2015

By farm supply store you mean Tractor supply, then yes. That's why I asked about the Traveller oil.

deerseeker001 · Mar 7, 2015

I would stay with whats recommended.

TRC rep · Mar 8, 2015

If it is cold weather, use a better quality fluid. A cheap fluid is hard on the pump and will even freeze. Try UTF red by Texas Refinery Corp.......or something comparable on specs. It is more expensive, but cheaper than replacing the pump. A quality fluid will pour like water even in freezing temps.

Hill Billy Bob · Mar 12, 2015

I changed mine last summer, and used the Traveller Premium, from TSC. Although my tractor is a lot newer...don't see why it would hurt to use it in your tractor. This winter was the coldest February in recorded history in my area, and with snow fall running 20" above average, I've been using the FEL for snow removal on a regular basis. The multi grade Traveller fluid has been working fine, have not noticed any pump whine or other problems. Of course I do allow for a 15 to 20 minute warm up when temps are 0* or less. After the control lever has been cycled a few times, and fluid in the hoses has been blended, all is fine.

Because 1 pail wasn't enough to do the job, I bought 2....had more than enough left over to change out the front axle fluid of my 4 wheel drive tractor. It does meet the GL whatever spec, so ok to use in, or top off a transmission, or final drive.