I bought a used TC55DA 2wd for ranch clean up with the 18 LA loader. I check the oil and water when I bought it and put about 25 hours on the machine. I bought it at about 305 hours and now I'm close to 330 or so. I know these are supposed to go 100 hours between changes but the widow who sold me the tractor did not have maintenance records and I don't want to run it too long without some baseline maintenance. I live in California where temperature lows can get into the teens but generally don't go lower than about 25 or 30 degrees in december and summer temperatures can be as high as 115 with 90 to 105 being typical. I did get the ownder manual and some oil from the lady. I understand the Umbra 134 is hydraulic fluid and that the umbra W15-40 is for diesel tractors as that's what I was told to put in my late father's 7600. I have read how to change the oil and the owner manual lists different temperature ranges and oil recommendations. I was going to put 10-40 Cheveron in the tractor that was on clearance at tractor supply for $2/quart but I want to ask if 15-40 would be much different or a better choice for my application. I believe capacity is 7.5 quartz. I'd like to use the weight of oil that gives the best performance in this tractor which with relatively few hours runs great. I saw that it will even use 10-30 which is pretty common in cars and light trucks but it really doesn't give an absolute recommended weight in the manual. I'd like to find out from someone with a bit more tractor experience. Thanks, edge
TC55DA Oil Recommendation
- Thread starter edge08
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kenstrac
Platinum Member, RIP
You should use 15W40 with a C rating on the can normal 10W40 is not C rated.
bp fick
Super Member
Diesel 15w-40 is fairly universally accepted as the oil of choice. For a slightly more expensive option, the synthetic diesel 5w-40 is also very popular. You can even buy these everywhere. I find prices vary widely, with Wal-Mart having usually the best price.
In any case, if the person from whom you purchased your tractor did not have solid evidence of maintenance, I'd be dropping all fluids and replacing any filters, if it were mine. Don't forget the front axle, if it's 4 wd. Best Regards
In any case, if the person from whom you purchased your tractor did not have solid evidence of maintenance, I'd be dropping all fluids and replacing any filters, if it were mine. Don't forget the front axle, if it's 4 wd. Best Regards
number two
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Hey Fred,how's that pipe working out?Sorry to be off topic.
Thanks for the recommendation. I wasn't sure and am glad I asked. I didn't know anything about "C" rating. What is that exactly? Also, does anyone know how the newer low sulfur fuels should be dealt with in the TC55 and my late father's older Ford 7600 from the early 80s? Do I need to worry about additives? Thanks, edge
kenstrac
Platinum Member, RIP
The letters are on the container SC SD SF anything that starts with an S is for engines with spark plugs.
The letters CD CE CF are for compression fired engines (DIESEL) so any oil with a rating that starts with a C you can use, and you will not have to add any additives.
bp fick
Super Member
You don't say where you are located, but if you live in a cold climate, that 15w-40 is going to be a wee bit stiff without a block heater. Just sayin'. Your oil won't need any additives if you use the proper diesel rated oil, but your fuel will. The modern fuels are low in sulphur, but this has the effect of making them cloud easier at temperatures that are not even all that cold. (said the guy who lives way up north).
A little shot of diesel treatment in every tank of diesel fuel would be a great idea. Most guys here use either Howes or Power Services. I like the White Bottle this time of year. It prevents gelling and also raised the cetane. All good.
A little shot of diesel treatment in every tank of diesel fuel would be a great idea. Most guys here use either Howes or Power Services. I like the White Bottle this time of year. It prevents gelling and also raised the cetane. All good.
Hematite
Gold Member
You answered your own question. The manual recommends 10W-30. If you look at the anticipated temperature range for this weight oil you will notice that it will be correct for your needs. I use Ambra 10W-30 year round as recommended by NH for the temps encountered. By the way, 10W-30 diesel engine oil is NOT the same as 10W-30 gas engine oil as was correctly noted by a previous poster.
MikePA
Super Moderator
What confuses me about oil is not what to use, rather, what confuses me is why other people get confused about oil. 
The authoritative source for what oil to use, engine or hydraulic, is your Operators Manual. Generally, there's a nice table on a page in the manual that shows what weight to use at what expected temperature ranges. The manual also includes the recommended API classification. Any oil that matches the recommended weight and API classification (or newer) is fine, regardless of who makes the oil. What could be easier? What am I missing?
The authoritative source for what oil to use, engine or hydraulic, is your Operators Manual. Generally, there's a nice table on a page in the manual that shows what weight to use at what expected temperature ranges. The manual also includes the recommended API classification. Any oil that matches the recommended weight and API classification (or newer) is fine, regardless of who makes the oil. What could be easier? What am I missing?