J20D Substitute?

[wjc2003]

Can AMBRA Multi-G 134 be used where J20D is called for? For instance, in the transaxle of a John Deere 455 Lawn Tractor. I just happen to have ample Multi-G on hand.

 

[beenthere]

Any specs on the Multi-G that would indicate it would work?

How often do you change the transaxle fluid and what quantity does it take?

 

[wjc2003]

I've not been able to track down specs on the Multi-G. I try to change it every 500 hours +/-. It takes 6 quarts.

 

[bp fick]

This is an older tractor and Ambra G, is a dino formulation.

I might love to try synthetics in that machine, for cooler operation, but I understand using what you have on hand. I see absolutely no reason not to use it.

 

[beenthere]

I see that Ambra Multi-G 134 is New Hollands hydro oil, so would see no reason not to try it if you are willing to give it a try. But 6 quarts over 500 hours shouldn't be a killer for using the oil called for in the 455. If no other use for the Multi-G, I'd use it.

I'll be replacing the fluid in my 455 shortly. But will use the Deere oil, as I have no other extra sitting around.

 

[wjc2003]

Thanks for the input - will give the Multi-G a try.

 

[Farmerford]

J20D is John Deere's spec for low viscosity transmission/hydraulic fluid for colder climates. J20C is the spec for regular viscosity hydraulic/transmission fluid. The Multi-G presumably is multi-grade, which means the viscosity to some extent changes with temperature. However, without looking at the viscosity specs, I suspect Mulit-G has a higher viscosity at most every temperature than J20C. So your machine will have thicker fluid than JD specifies. Probably, the only difference you will notice this time of year is a bit more noise, particularly until the fluid warms up. But in really cold weather you will likely have much more sluggish operation and might even burst a filter due to increased pressure from the thicker fluid when first starting up.

 

[lostcause]

i was thinking of posting the same question as the original poster, but i was deciding whether i wanted to bother... yesterday i did a fluid change in my jd770 and it calls for the low viscosity oil. i've used and bought implements in the past that have had standard fluid in them, and i asked the dealer and they basically just shrugged and said they set up all implements with standard hygard, and that it's basically not going to matter in my tractor if i mix them anyways.

i also have a 345, and it was suggested that those small hydrostatic tractors need the low viscosity oil, and not to use regular hygard in them. i decided it was just easier for me to only buy the low-vis stuff to keep around the house since it would work in either tractor. it's not like i use tons of oil, so it's not a huge cost issue, but i'd be interested in knowing whether there are some other alternatives out there, for the occasion when i need oil for the 345, and the deere dealer isn't open.

 

[canucklehead]

I just bought a Gator and it says to use either J20C, or J20D in colder weather. As described above, the 20D is low viscosity.

I was at Walmart and their TDH fluid said compatible with J20A and then I'm pretty sure I saw b,c & d besdie that. I have a theory that when an oil refinery makes the product and then it gets put into whoever's brand name, it's still the same product (except maybe an additive or two). SO JD's "J20C" is still TDH oil isn't it? I'd rather pay $8 for a gallon at Walmart than $20 for the privilege of buying the exact same fluid from JD, in their lovely JD decorated container.