Best Universal Hydraulic Oil

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Is there one really good quality hydraulic oil that works in all brands of equipment?
I have Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Kubota, and Volvo equipment, as well as gravel trucks that need hydraulic oil for their hoists.
Thanks in advance.
 
Is there one really good quality hydraulic oil that works in all brands of equipment?
I have Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Kubota, and Volvo equipment, as well as gravel trucks that need hydraulic oil for their hoists.
Thanks in advance.

Not real good single product option for everything that you listed. As specs are different from brand to brand. Potentially weights also differ from brand to brand.
 
even Kubota UDT2?

The problem with this post is “will it work” vs “does it meet OEM spec?”

Also, OP doesn’t list general type of equipment. A Kubota tractor will take a tractor hydraulic oil, a Kx080 takes an AW46.

Where Bobcat is Mobil DTE 10 excel 46 - zinc free.

Volvo is going to be a High VI AW46. Where as CAT is going to recommend a TO4 10w or 30w.

A MAC dump body is going to take regular AW32.

So you’re crossing a lot of different specs between different equipment brands. And different applications.

Could you consolidate? Yes. CAT will be your wildcard. You could certainly use a High VI product or synthetic AW46 in almost all those systems. CAT you would have to be a little cautious with drive train / transmission lubricants vs hydraulic system lubricants.

If you’re using tractors, then tractor hydraulic fluids. Super UDT2 you have limited options with.

So yes, OP could consolidate. But it would require some work on OP’s part.
 
The problem with this post is “will it work” vs “does it meet OEM spec?”

Also, OP doesn’t list general type of equipment. A Kubota tractor will take a tractor hydraulic oil, a Kx080 takes an AW46.

Where Bobcat is Mobil DTE 10 excel 46 - zinc free.

Volvo is going to be a High VI AW46. Where as CAT is going to recommend a TO4 10w or 30w.

A MAC dump body is going to take regular AW32.

So you’re crossing a lot of different specs between different equipment brands. And different applications.

Could you consolidate? Yes. CAT will be your wildcard. You could certainly use a High VI product or synthetic AW46 in almost all those systems. CAT you would have to be a little cautious with drive train / transmission lubricants vs hydraulic system lubricants.

If you’re using tractors, then tractor hydraulic fluids. Super UDT2 you have limited options with.

So yes, OP could consolidate. But it would require some work on OP’s part.


I'm using the hydraulic fluid Hydrex SV in the actual hydraulic systems only.

Diffs, final drives, transmissions, engines, etc. All get the specific required oils.
Its nice to have just one hydraulic oil though.
 
I'm using the hydraulic fluid Hydrex SV in the actual hydraulic systems only.

Diffs, final drives, transmissions, engines, etc. All get the specific required oils.
Its nice to have just one hydraulic oil though.
Good choice.

It’s a high VI 46. So definitely crosses “most” of the hydraulic needs for your equipment.
 
Is that Hydrex XV?
40C 47.9
100C 9.7
VI 192
PP -48C
FP 227C
10,000 hour service life
Addendum 1: If these are the Oil Properties of Hydrex XV, then this is an ISO 46 oil.

Addendum 2: Found the front sheet and there is a TDS link on this page:

https://lubricants.petro-canada.com/en-us/brand/hydrex-xv-all-season

According to the reference below, this oil can be used over an equipment component temperature range of 32F to 176F;

Michael P. Herzog, et. al., "Fluid viscosity selection criteria for hydraulic pumps and motors," Proceedings of the 48th National Conference on Fluid Power, National Fluid Power Association, April 4-6, 2000, Chicago, paper NCFP 100-9.12.
 
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If these are the Oil Properties of Hydrex XV, then this is an ISO 68 oil.

Addendum: Found the front sheet and there is a TDS link on this page:

https://lubricants.petro-canada.com/en-us/brand/hydrex-xv-all-season

According to the reference below, this oil can be used over an equipment component temperature range of 32F to 176F;

Michael P. Herzog, et. al., "Fluid viscosity selection criteria for hydraulic pumps and motors," Proceedings of the 48th National Conference on Fluid Power, National Fluid Power Association, April 4-6, 2000, Chicago, paper NCFP 100-9.12.
KV40=47.9=ISO VG 46 and not 68
 
KV40=47.9=ISO VG 46 and not 68
Yes, thanks for the correction as I mistakenly looked at the 100C viscosity, not the 40C viscosity, whereas the "ISO" viscosity system is defined as the viscosity at 40C or 104F, not 100C. I have made the correction above in Post #13.

ISO Viscosity chart for lower viscosities.jpeg
 
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We all make mistakes. I'm in lubricant development and applications for 47 years and I still make plenty.

FYI - I enjoy reading your posts. Have a great weekend.
 
check out Schaeffers # 288 hydralic fluids,,,the iso 46 grade also pours at -63f ,,,they have multiple grades in the #288 line,,look at owners manuals for correct iso grade,,,more than likely iso 46 would be needed,,see if you got a Schaeffers rep in area to confirm proper fluid for your requirements
 
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