Oil...

GitchiGummi · Dec 30, 2007

Hey there...Happy new Year.

Now that my machine has arrived and I read the manual, I was wondering if anybody is using synthetic engine oil or hydraulic fluid? Pros and Cons, comments. I am using the machine for home maintenance and snow removal, not commercially, and plan to keep it for a long time.

If anyone has a preference for synthetic what brand(s) do you recommend and do you adjust your change intervals?

How about diesel fuel conditioner?

Thanks for all the great advice.

timm9 · Dec 30, 2007

So far I have only used the dealer brand oil, hydro, etc on my TC's. I will make the following suggestion regarding fuel, fuel filters in particular. The fuel filter that is OEM on my units (both B series) is located directly under the unit just aft of the rear of the cab. It is protected by a thick metal housing/skid plate. There is a small round hole for access that is so small I can barely get my hand on to the filter. The OEM filter/water seperator does not have a drain on it. I have had problems (even after great lengths with addatives, keeping tank full, etc) water getting into the fuel. I have replaced the filter/seperators with ones that have a drain so that if I have a problem in the field I can reach under and drain off the water and resume operations. The filters/seperators are about $30.00 but worth every penny if you start loosing power/RPM's and are miles from the shop.

Just my .02

Tim

Spudgunner · Dec 30, 2007

I get the impression the Toolcat isn't extremely picky about hydraulic fluid; however, I only use the Bobcat stuff. With my Kubota tractor I use Chevron All-Season THF which appears to meet many specs...but I don't know if I'll use it on the TC or not...probably not without further investigation. It would be nice to only have to keep on type of hyd fluid around, though.

After break-in, I'm planning on using Mobil Delvac 1 for motor oil. I think it is 5W-50 but don't remember for sure.

dsb5610 · Dec 31, 2007

I use Shell Rotella 'T' 15w-40 in the engine. All filters are Wix. I doubt I will use a synthetic since I don't put on enough hours in a year to require more than one oil change but I change it annually irregardless of the hours.

The factory fuel filter on my 'A' model had the water drain and is described as a maintenance item in the manual. The Wix has a drain as well. The 'A' model does not have a guard over the fuel filter.

I replaced the hydraulic oil and filters this past year. The filters were replaced as part of the 500 hour service interval. The oil was changed due to the wrong tank being topped off with diesel. I don't recall the brand name but I am running 10w-30. I haven't noticed any change in the performance of the hydraulics.

dsb

MrJimi · Dec 31, 2007

If you going to go with synthetic oil, I would suggest you break in your engine first, these synthetic oils are very slippery and may not allow a full/good break in for you.
Take a look in the oil forums for a better answer to the question
Jim