"Universal" Tractor Fluid - Depends on your transmission type?

[MrEvilPirate]

I have a Mahindra 3650 with a shuttle shift, recently broke a hose and lost most of my fluid, been looking for replacement fluid.
This machine has shared fluid for transmission, hydraulics, and wet brakes.

-Manual calls for SAE 80w UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) that also meets API GL-4 which is a standard for gear oil.
-SAE ratings for gear oil and motor oil are different. An 80w gear oil has similar viscosity to a 20w motor oil
-GL rating has to do with oil additives so oil can stand up to high pressure when in between gears in gear box and not break down.
-Universal Tractor Fluid (UTF) 10w30 is correct weight for my application but I have found that a lot of brands do not have GL-4 or GL-5 ratings. Specifically the Tractor Supply Traveler line, which I have seen recommended for Mahindra tractors.

My concern is that people with shuttle shift or straight up gear shift transmissions (Mahindra or not) should NOT be using UTF that does not have the GL rating as well.

Is this correct? Maybe "Universal" is not so universal. The TSC fluid is 60 bucks / 5 gal which is a lot better than Rotella HD at 110 / 5 gal. There are people who have said they talked to the manufacturer and it is good for Mahindra, but I would think the GL4 would be on the bucket if it had that rating, and I think based on your transmission you may need a GL rated fluid.

 

[RjCorazza]

You have a good grasp of the various ratings, specifications, and viscosity numbers.
The real problem is that "universal", "recommended for", and "suitable for use in" mean practically nothing. The only thing regulating these manufacturer claims are the once in a blue moon lawsuit, like the TSC lawsuit involving universal 303 fluid.

I can use OEM fluid in my Kubota, which is my preference to avoid the hassle and confusion.

 

[3gunr]

i use tsc premium universal hydraulic fluid in both my mahindras , The 80/90 gl4 for the front axle

 

[3gunr]

I could only find the GL4 rated oil at my local farm and home store, All other places had GL5

 

[MrEvilPirate]

ROFL went to TSC to read the jugs of some different oils check this out:

 

[Citydude]

ROFL went to TSC to read the jugs of some different oils check this out:

They've been on the shelf for a few decades. Lol

 

[RjCorazza]

Too funny! I would have thought TSC would have learned their lesson.

 

[5030]

i use tsc premium universal hydraulic fluid in both my mahindras , The 80/90 gl4 for the front axle

TSC branded fluids are basically all junk. Being cheap on fluids will eventually bite you in the butt.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

I could only find the GL4 rated oil at my local farm and home store, All other places had GL5

The critical difference between GL4 and GL5 is that the GL4 won’t attack copper alloys, and GL5 might. But many of the GL5 fluids say they are yellow metal safe, and are fine to substitute for the GL4.

 

[scootr]

I have a 2018 MX5200 HST. What is the difference between Kubota Super UDT2 70000-40201 and 70000-40202?
Which one is best for my tractor in warm climate?