hydraulic oil

catton93 · Mar 7, 2016

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 · Mar 8, 2016

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 · Mar 8, 2016

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 · Mar 8, 2016

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 · Mar 8, 2016

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

sw99 · Mar 10, 2016

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 · Mar 10, 2016

nvmyhd said:
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 · Mar 10, 2016

Checkout MobilFluid 424

lostcreekranch · Mar 10, 2016

sw99 said:
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 · Mar 10, 2016

rlgustafson said:
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.

lostcreekranch · Mar 10, 2016

Is there a "reasonably" priced synthetic that meets LS Specs?

boomer632 · Mar 10, 2016

If by reasonable you mean under $100 a 5 gallon bucket.. No.

catton93 · Mar 11, 2016

catton93 said:
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

I found that the Conoco and Shell hydraulic oil list API CL4 on there spec sheets. I have not decided what to use yet. Still looking around. Thanks for the info.

nvmyhd · Mar 11, 2016

I've been researching if the Kubota meets GL4, and it's hard to determine. In other countries it looks like they list them as meeting GL4. But given that they most likely are manufacture in different facilities / countries I can say that its good to go. One example was the Canadian fluid is made in Canada and labeled differently than the US fluid.

I can't see how it would be any different as both are engineered for Hydrostat and wet brake use.

Here are the mfg specs for both AMSOil and the SUPER UDT2:
View attachment MSDS KUBOTA SUPER UDT2.pdf
View attachment Amsoil MSDS HydraulicTrans.pdf

On another note Ashland = Valvoline

catton93 · Mar 12, 2016

I have found out that Ls does have a hydro fluid and my dealer is checking on getting some. I found a dealer that has it but they are 3 hours away.

silverstreek · Apr 16, 2016

Speaking of hydraulic fluid? If anyone with experience can tell me if replacing the hydraulic fluid with synthetic will give me a smoother operation of the loader and backhoe when the fluid gets hot? As it stands right now, when the hydraulic fluid gets hot the controls operating the loader and backhoe are super touchy. I know synthetic is more expensive, but my little XJ2025 HST only takes 5.3 Gallons per the owners manual. So, if I can get better operation. It may well be worth the extra cost.

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Silverstreek

lostcreekranch · Apr 16, 2016

silverstreek said:
Speaking of hydraulic fluid? If anyone with experience can tell me if replacing the hydraulic fluid with synthetic will give me a smoother operation of the loader and backhoe when the fluid gets hot? As it stands right now, when the hydraulic fluid gets hot the controls operating the loader and backhoe are super touchy. I know synthetic is more expensive, but my little XJ2025 HST only takes 5.3 Gallons per the owners manual. So, if I can get better operation. It may well be worth the extra cost.

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Silverstreek

I asked same a few posts back and never really got much response. I will check with my dealer and post back here. I'm at 190 hours so, need to decide on a plan for 200 hour maintenance.

silverstreek · Apr 17, 2016

rlgustafson said:
I asked same a few posts back and never really got much response. I will check with my dealer and post back here. I'm at 190 hours so, need to decide on a plan for 200 hour maintenance.

I certainly appreciate it! I'll keep an eye out for your reply.

Thanks again!