hydro fluid comparison

[avatar]

I have been MIA from the sight for awhile, work..work..work!! I have managed to get 50 hours on my 4020 and picked up the fluids and filters for a 50 hr fluid change. I was alittle shell shocked to see that the 3-5 gallon pails of hydro fluid was $119.00 per pail. The dealer stated that it was what LS recommed for there tractors. The brand name is permatran 821xl made by AGCO, I looked it up in the forums and it looks like it is a good product, but there is also other brands listed with the same specs for a lot less any thoughts.

 

[rocknrod]

Your receipt will just say Hydraulic Fluid - right?

 

[avatar]

The receipt said, oil/permatran 821xl.5gal--119.00/5gal. Soo are you saying all hydro fluids are the same?

 

[Short Game]

My 2010 R4010's Operators Manual (page 5-3) calls only for filter replacements at 50 hours. The hydraulic oil replace is at 600 hours and the engine oil is at 300 hours in my book. Do your manuals say something different than that? There are stars for the 50 hours (first) service requirements. Black dots for regular replacement requirements.

 

[kpbeddin]

I went ahead and changed my hydraulic fluid and filter at 50 hours, partly because I knew I would lose some during the process anyway. I used the premium hydraulic fluid from TSC (~ $38.00/5 gallons). I also spoke with LS and the gentleman I talked to said that any quality trans-hydraulic fluid is acceptable for use in our tractors. I also noted that the specs on the TSC fluid met or exceeded those required by FarmTrac, McCormick, John Deere and many other companies. Both of my magnetic drain plugs contained some metal powder and a few shavings, so I'm glad to have fresh oil in there. I hope this helps.

 

[Short Game]

That should help to the tune of $184.68 for 11.4 gallons.

 

[avatar]

short game, Yes you are right about the filter replacement at 50 hrs. but, like kpbedin stated i too like to replace all the fluids after breaking a new moter in. But $38.00 a pail sounds a lot better than 119.00. Thanks for the reply

 

[avatar]

kpbedin, Thanks for the reply! I also like to change all the fluids at 50 hrs but, if $38.00 fluid will work as well as $119.00 than all the better. I will start shopping around for TSC hydro fluid, if its good enough for LS than its good enough for me. Thanks again.

 

[kpbeddin]

No problem, I am always glad to pass along anything that will help the next person. I did do a fair amount of research prior to deciding and feel confident that the TSC product should be just fine. I typically will never take the cheap way out just to save money, but I also don't believe in paying 3 times as much something when there is no real return or benefit. I guess that is why I am an LS owner .

 

[ProdaddyTX]

We absolutely recommend changing the ENGINE oil along with the filter at the 50 hr break-in service. However, with the hydraulic oil not being subjected to the same heat stress as engine oil, and with LS's filters and plug magnet doing their jobs well, we follow LS's recommendation and change hydraulic filters at break-in, but unless the customer requests otherwise we catch the fluid in a very clean container and re-use..... that stuff ain't getting any cheaper.

.....and yes, our tech svc rep from LS told us basically the same thing.... a high quality "Universal" tractor hydraulic oil (meaning that it's formulated for trans lubrication, hydraulics, and wet brakes) is adequate.

 

[Soundguy]

No problem, I am always glad to pass along anything that will help the next person. I did do a fair amount of research prior to deciding and feel confident that the TSC product should be just fine. I typically will never take the cheap way out just to save money, but I also don't believe in paying 3 times as much something when there is no real return or benefit. I guess that is why I am an LS owner .

if it meets the specs, I use it.

warren unilube bottles alot of house brands like walmart and tsc... I use whichever is cheaper. when the accell 303 fluid is out.. i grab that. it generally is about 29$ for 5g.. the tsc is usually 30-35 for 5 or occasionally 6g.. and the walmart oil is 5g and price varies from 35-49$ depending on where you are.

soundguy

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have had some short PM conversation on this topic with ShortGame and find it hard to believe that each of our LS tractors has such varied lubrication change intervals. My P7010 manual says to change engine oil, transmission/hydraulic oil and even front axle oil at 50 hours (includes filters as needed). Then every 200 hours on engine and every 400 hours on hydraulic. My hydraulic needs nearly 15 gallons and 2.3 gallons for the engine so I guess I will have lots of fire starting oil.

 

[gregsm33]

hi Gary, I see you mentioned LS recommends changing front axle oil after 50 hours, I think my manual suggests different? I'm away from home now unfortunately and can't verify this but it makes me curious. I'll be home next week and will check this out as I did not do this service at 50 hours. I just did filters and engine oil.

 

[avatar]

The manual for my 4020 said to change the oil in the front axle housing. Also iam wondering if all the drain plugs on your tractor are painted white like mine, or if it is something that my dealer does. Sure takes any guess work out.

 

[Short Game]

All of my drain plugs are white.

 

[ozley]

I have had some short PM conversation on this topic with ShortGame and find it hard to believe that each of our LS tractors has such varied lubrication change intervals. My P7010 manual says to change engine oil, transmission/hydraulic oil and even front axle oil at 50 hours (includes filters as needed). Then every 200 hours on engine and every 400 hours on hydraulic. My hydraulic needs nearly 15 gallons and 2.3 gallons for the engine so I guess I will have lots of fire starting oil.

Here is a copy from my manual for a U5030C with the date of 07-30-2009 and it is a geared model

 

[Short Game]

That chart has only the engine oil first replacement at 50 hours. My R4010g chart does not. All oil filters first change at 50 hours.

 

[ozley]

That chart has only the engine oil first replacement at 50 hours. My R4010g chart does not. All oil filters first change at 50 hours.

I read it as
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Filter and
Hydraulic Oil Filter

 

[Little_Grizzly]

What I don't see on that chart is hydraulic oil at all. ??? You never have to change it?

 

[ozley]

What I don't see on that chart is hydraulic oil at all. ??? You never have to change it?

I would say changing the 12.41 gal of oil in the Transmission at 600 HR counts.