oil substitutes

[jimg]

Was looking into changing the hydraulic fluid in my tractor and discovered that if I use NH134 its going to be very expensive. I found a number of substitutes that claim to meet/exceed the 134 spec but its hard to understand exactly how well theyll really work. I know the spec enumerates a list of physical and operational characteristics but little or nothing about the additive package. How much does the additive pkg dictate the physical/operation characteristics? Do the substitutes provide the same additives as NH134? What Im trying to figure out is if I go w/ a sub what will I be missing if I used NH134?

 

[jimg]

Never mind...I found some infos in this forum wich mostly answer the question.

 

[RalphVa]

I don't know about hydraulic oil, but I think that ATF has very few additives. ATF is just very highly refined oil. Suspect this is the case with hydraulic oil. Don't know for sure.

Ralph

 

[Diamondpilot]

I believe TSC Universal Tractor Fluid meets the NH134 spec. Just go and check the back of the jug.

Chris

 

[Danno1]

I don't know about hydraulic oil, but I think that ATF has very few additives. ATF is just very highly refined oil. Suspect this is the case with hydraulic oil. Don't know for sure.

Ralph

I thought I heard once that ATF was highly loaded w detergents.

.

 

[jimg]

Yes, the TSC Premium hydraulic fluid does meet spec. I think a better way to phrase my question is what does 'meet the spec' really mean? Does it meet the spec in some ways and not others? Im sure 134 has some sort of additive pkg for the brakes, rust/corrosion inhibitors and so on. Id like to understand just how well the TSC product does. Id like to save the $$$ if possible but really am uninterested in eventually destroying the tractor (a penny-wise pound foolish thing).

 

[sld]

I recently went thru this with my 1986 Ford 1210. I couldn't decide to buy the TSC stuff and just went to the dealer and bought a 5 gallon bucket for 66.00.

He is a good dealer and he did say that the Ford fluid was a much better product. I tend to take his word for it vs. saving about 25 bucks.

Now when I lay in bed at night and can't get to sleep this is not one of the things I fret over.

 

[Soundguy]

And your dealers wallet thanks you..

I've been using TSC ( previously ).. and now walmart UTF for years. It's 1/3 the price of the 134 from the dealer.

none of my fords have blown up yet. The AC, and IH don't seem to mind either.

soundguy

 

[pat32rf]

I've always been told that there is a governing body (SAE I think) that dictates what the specs are for automotive products and if a manufacturer states that their product meets those performance specs, then it had better meet them! This is what all that small print on the oil cans is for.... Granted some manufactures will tell you that their product exceeds the specs and this is why they charge more. This is why you look for an engine oil with a "C" rating for your diesel but an "S" rating for your gas engine..

 

[WilliamBos]

And your dealers wallet thanks you..

I've been using TSC ( previously ).. and now walmart UTF for years. It's 1/3 the price of the 134 from the dealer.

none of my fords have blown up yet. The AC, and IH don't seem to mind either.

soundguy

Who is it bottled by? The prices have been very tempting, as our 1523 will need a service by fall.

Also, we need to top the system up. Just to confirm, if the Walmart UTF meets the MF Permatran spec ( it meets NH 134, so it should be ok.) then we would have no issues using it??

Could you get me the name or item number off it, so I can look up the msds. I cannot find the specs on the walmart site.


At $77 for 5 gallons, the MF oil is pricey.