Let's revisit the oil vs. hydraulic question??? Possible Answer!

[busted_knuckles]

Ok, so Im servicing my newly purcheased 1999 Lx885 Skid Loader, putting a list together of filters and fluid, using the provided "Operators Manual". Im looking at the spec for the Hydrualic fluid, cant believe its telling me to use motor oil for the hyro and such. In some sort of fog, and disbelief, I figure I cant be the only one who read that for the first time and is left scratching their head? Assuming youre skid is not the first piece of off road construction or Ag equipment youve owned or worked on. So I come here and do a search for "new holland engine oil hydraulic" and land on a lenghty thread that was actually posted under the "bobcat" heading. It appeared in summary, nobody was sure what to run, because the OEs dont state the spec for hydraulic fluid, and no one readily knew how to covert the viscosity numbers over to the hydraulic fluid ratings. So I go poking around, and land at my favorite Oil manufactuer, and would you believe it, they are selling hydraulic oil, by the standard old viscosity numbers, they offer a 5w30, my NH calls for a 10w30, but I figure Im splitting hairs at that point, I plan to push snow anyway, the thing came with a 9' snow plow. Would anyone care to review what Im looking at? Im thinking my machine would be better off with hydraulic fluid, not engine oil, heres what Im looking at :
http://www.schaefferoil.com/112_htc_oil.html
Then down near the middle of the page, they show this one : 184 HTC Oil SAE 5W-30.

 

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

My 2005 LS185b says the same thing use motor oil. The reasons I discovered are---aside from the actual specs---as follows: oil has better resistance to foaming which will wipe out a pump; better resistance to preventing rust on internal parts; contains a detergent. Now the real question is: can synthetics be used?

 

[mllud]

This subject opens a huge range of opinions. I personally am following the book.
My fear is that the seals or o-rings in the hydros could swell or harden with the wrong oil.As for wear I dont have any Idea.
There in a very long thread on this subject that has some very good technical information on oils.
Different oils have different solvents.15 years as a printer taught me the wrong solvent can a distructive reaction on rubber parts in pumps.
I dont know if Solvent is the wrong term to use when talking oils. Think about the hydro. fluid that will burn the underside of your arm where motor oil wont. Somethings different. Just an opinion. Mike

 

[busted_knuckles]

This subject opens a huge range of opinions. I personally am following the book.
My fear is that the seals or o-rings in the hydros could swell or harden with the wrong oil.As for wear I dont have any Idea.
There in a very long thread on this subject that has some very good technical information on oils.
Different oils have different solvents.15 years as a printer taught me the wrong solvent can a distructive reaction on rubber parts in pumps.
I dont know if Solvent is the wrong term to use when talking oils. Think about the hydro. fluid that will burn the underside of your arm where motor oil wont. Somethings different. Just an opinion. Mike

Thanks guys, for your opinions, Im going to place a call to a guy that runs a large independent skid only garage. They also peddle a large number of used and abused loaders. They service and resell all brands, want to see what his take on it is. If I get an opinion out of him, I will post it here. You have made some good points, Im just a little more confused than before! My last Gehl had ATF in it when I got it, so thats what I put back in it, so Ive had three different machines with 3 different types of fluid!? I found the lenghty thread on this subject tonight, when I wasnt even looking for it, didnt realize it was still open or I would have posted to it. Bill

 

[Tazza]

Thanks guys, for your opinions, Im going to place a call to a guy that runs a large independent skid only garage. They also peddle a large number of used and abused loaders. They service and resell all brands, want to see what his take on it is. If I get an opinion out of him, I will post it here. You have made some good points, Im just a little more confused than before! My last Gehl had ATF in it when I got it, so thats what I put back in it, so Ive had three different machines with 3 different types of fluid!? I found the lenghty thread on this subject tonight, when I wasnt even looking for it, didnt realize it was still open or I would have posted to it. Bill

All threads are open
Some brands recommend their own fluids, they may seem odd to us but hey, they want us to use it...
With modern hydrostatic drive you need a heavier oil to lubricate the rotating groups, as oil heats up it gets thin so if the oil isn't thick enough you can cause serious damage. This is where the whole discussion comes un-stuck! Some say use hydraulic oil, some say engine oil. I was always told engine oil, 10W30, 20W50 or anything in between. Your climate also changes things, if it gets cold you need a lighter oil.

 

[busted_knuckles]

All threads are open
Some brands recommend their own fluids, they may seem odd to us but hey, they want us to use it...
With modern hydrostatic drive you need a heavier oil to lubricate the rotating groups, as oil heats up it gets thin so if the oil isn't thick enough you can cause serious damage. This is where the whole discussion comes un-stuck! Some say use hydraulic oil, some say engine oil. I was always told engine oil, 10W30, 20W50 or anything in between. Your climate also changes things, if it gets cold you need a lighter oil.

Ok, called the skid dealer, the guy I wanted to talk to is n vacation, the tech I spoke to told me its 6 of 1, half dozen of the other, just gave me a big "detergent" caveat and provided the address for this website, that I have read a bunch at, and just raised more questions! Have a look if you like: http://www.hydraulicsupermarket.com/technical7.html . Im still undecided, gonna wait for the other guy to get back and get his 2 cents! Talk to you guys later, Bill