hydraulic oil

[catton93]

my dealer is telling me to use john deer 303 hydraulic fluid but my owner manuel calls for API GL4 or ISO/VG 46/68. Can anyone tell me if that in the same as 303

 

[boomer632]

Don't worry about all that API or ISO stuff. Just go grab a pale or two of the universal tractor fluid (UTF) at tractor supply. I won't promote any particular brand because they all satisfy LS requirements. Sam's club also sells it by the 5 gallon pale. Keep in mind that this oil serves the transmission and the hydraulics so UTF will satisfy most compact tractor manufacturer requirements.

 

[Underdog57]

Don't use the 303 fluid, it's an old standard for older tractors and not for tractors with wet brakes.

If you use the TSC brand get the "Premium Universal Trans/Hydraulic Fluid" it meets all the specs.

 

[nvmyhd]

I have yet to do my oil change on the hydraulics but I just bought 3 buckets of Super UDT2 from the local Kubota dealer.
I chose this as a wanted a synthetic and did not want to pay the AMSOIL price.

If the UDT2 does not work as well next time I will switch from the synthetic blend to the full synthetic AMSOIL. Cost was going to be about $100 more if I remember correctly.

From what I have read the hydo whine should reduce and cold weather performance should be better.

I'll let you know how it goes when I change it. About 15-20 hours from now.

 

[nvmyhd]

Just looked up the AMSOIL, price $162 a 5 gallon shipped
Kubota Super UDT2 was $98 a 5 gallon.

 

[sw99]

Another vote for the Traveler Premium Universal Trans/Hydraulic Fluid at TSP. Works excellent and last time I checked it was under $40 for a five gallon bucket.

 

[davesl708]

I have yet to do my oil change on the hydraulics but I just bought 3 buckets of Super UDT2 from the local Kubota dealer.
I chose this as a wanted a synthetic and did not want to pay the AMSOIL price.

If the UDT2 does not work as well next time I will switch from the synthetic blend to the full synthetic AMSOIL. Cost was going to be about $100 more if I remember correctly.

From what I have read the hydo whine should reduce and cold weather performance should be better.

I'll let you know how it goes when I change it. About 15-20 hours from now.

I switched to SUDT2 and a big difference in sound and smoothness of operation. Lot better in the winter too.

As to the OP's question. Pick a fluid that meets the OEM specs. They built the machine and know what it is built to operate with.

 

[TSO]

Checkout MobilFluid 424

 

[lostcreekranch]

Another vote for the Traveler Premium Universal Trans/Hydraulic Fluid at TSP. Works excellent and last time I checked it was under $40 for a five gallon bucket.

Is that a synthetic?

 

[Underdog57]

Is that a synthetic?

No....its regular old oil.

I'm getting ready to change mine out next week at my 300 hr. Service. I am using the TSC Traveler premium oil.