Bobcat Oils and Fluids

[crapola82]

I have a 1999 bobcat. Anyone use anything other than fluids from the dealer? Are the hydro and other oils synthetic? I am not sure if I want to use stuff from the dealer or go to the local Fleet Farm ("farm supply" for those of you not near WI).

 

[Tazza]

What model machine?
The new ones want genuine fluid, the older ones work just fine with motor oil, 15W40, 20W50 etc.

 

[Fishfiles]

My choices are : Hydraulic oil in the tank and 15-40 Shell Rotella in the engine is my favorite , I have never been able to find 10 w 30 Rotella so 15-40 is the substitute , I am in the south where it really doesn't get too cold , motor oil in the hydraulic tank is no longer recomended by Bobcat as I have read in thier service bulletin that new motor oils have additives that are not compatable with hydraulic seals and components , and I have always found it is too thick and causes hydraulic code and warnings as motor oil is too thick , as far as synthetics in the hydraulic tank I feel it's a waste as leaks will occur , one blown hose can cost you all the oil in the tank and it is too expensive to waste like that , I see very few pumps go out and have been putting hydraulic oil in the tanks for the last 25 years , long before it was ok'ed by Bobcat , I was a service manager of an rental house that had 90% Bobcats products ,we had over 50 Bobcats in the fleet at all times , back in the day I was told we had more Bobcats than any rental house between Houston and Atlanta and never used motor oil in the hydraulic tanks , motor oil in the tank is a myth that will only cost you more money , as far as the chain case the cheapest motor oil 10-30 --------thats what I believe --------fishfiles

 

[spudcat]

My choices are : Hydraulic oil in the tank and 15-40 Shell Rotella in the engine is my favorite , I have never been able to find 10 w 30 Rotella so 15-40 is the substitute , I am in the south where it really doesn't get too cold , motor oil in the hydraulic tank is no longer recomended by Bobcat as I have read in thier service bulletin that new motor oils have additives that are not compatable with hydraulic seals and components , and I have always found it is too thick and causes hydraulic code and warnings as motor oil is too thick , as far as synthetics in the hydraulic tank I feel it's a waste as leaks will occur , one blown hose can cost you all the oil in the tank and it is too expensive to waste like that , I see very few pumps go out and have been putting hydraulic oil in the tanks for the last 25 years , long before it was ok'ed by Bobcat , I was a service manager of an rental house that had 90% Bobcats products ,we had over 50 Bobcats in the fleet at all times , back in the day I was told we had more Bobcats than any rental house between Houston and Atlanta and never used motor oil in the hydraulic tanks , motor oil in the tank is a myth that will only cost you more money , as far as the chain case the cheapest motor oil 10-30 --------thats what I believe --------fishfiles

Thanks Tazza and Fishfiles for advice on 773 problems. I will let you know how I get on. Regarding oil question I had been using hydraulic oil in an old 743 which I had and when I bought a manual I noticed it said motor oil so I changed over. The 743 is quite old and has lots of hours but I can say that it ran better on the hydraulic oil before I changed over.