I have a Bobcat S160 skidsteer with highflow and was wondering which type of hydraulic fluid to use for changing. The dealership has a hydraulic/hydrostatic fluid but they're 1000 km away so that's out. Walmart carries various types such as #32, #46 and #68 - not sure what all this means. There's also Can. Tire , Napa and Speedy in the area so maybe one of these has what I need if I only knew what to buy. This is where you come in. I would very much appreciate any and all input regarding this matter. Thank you for this and all your previous support.
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7LBSSMALLIE
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- Feb 2, 2012
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ever hear of ups . can be on doorstep in am. easy 12grand worth of pumps and motors. I have seen first hand the effects of inferior oils , smells burnt. stands to reason since pumps and motors are smoked.currently the official line from bobcat is there is no suitable replacement . back in the day you could use 10/30 or aw 32, not so much anymore.... and by the way it now has dye in it, cand find a leak put on the yellow glasses an hit with ultra violet it pops. its great, change every thousand hrs. don't forget the case drains too. but you own it do what you want , but an s160 with proper maint should turn 10.000 hrs no problem. don't shoot yourself in foot. mind you this is just one mans opion others may disagree, for reasons of anominty I wont detail my background, but you can trust me on this .
Thanks for your input. Is there anyone else out there that would like to comment on the type of oil they use in their skidsteers. Thank you.
I run engine oil, some agree, some disagree, all i know is i have never had any issues with using it.
reaperman
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I found bobcat hydraulic fluid at the dealer isnt much more expensive than 10w-30 motor oil that sports bobcats name. I changed engine oil a while ago and bought bobcat brand 10w30 because they sell it in 2 1/2 gallon jugs for about the same price as buying motor oil at a automotive store. At that time, the bobcat hydro fluid was only $2 higher than engine oil for a 2 1/2 gallon jug. For the little difference in price I wouldnt think twice about getting recommended oil for my machine. I figure if hydro fluid is going to be in my machine for 1000 hours, it better be what my machine likes to drink.
Thanks Tazza and Reaperman. I really appreciate your input.
7LBSSMALLIE
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thanks for input, you should also find that bobcat filters etc are not priced outta range. from the company perspective, they would rather have OEM, on their equipment, cuts down on war claims and badmouth of equipment, therefore they try to price reasonable.
MrBigBlock
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- Dec 10, 2012
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Well I had a leak this winter and put in hydraulic oil from an oil supply house coz it was close and convenient, I ended up putting it in all my machines I run a lot of angle brooms and they tend to blow a lot of lines. Well big mistake it took out one of my pumps that bill was 6grand, and the other day I was changing the filters and noticed metal shavings in the filters. Ive been running bobcats with brooms for 15 years never had a problem till now. Only common link is the hydraulic fluid. I drained the oil out of all the machines their was no shaving past the filters, I filled it up with Bobcat brand Fluid so hopefully damage is not that bad time will tell, their r a lot of anti wear additives in their fluid which im sure the over the table fluids lack.
