Confirming fluids for a 2024 Yanmar SA325

[Goodkat]

I'd like to confirm the fluids for the first 50hr service for my 2024 SA325 sub-compact tractor. I'll be replacing the filters using their kit that includes everything including Yanmar 15w40. I was going to get my own engine oil, but my dealer only has the kit that includes the oil. Amazon has the kit that doesn't come with the oil, but I thought I would support my dealer.

I've done research, and it sounds like JD Hy-Gard J20C is the same or equivalent fluid that meets the same standards as Yanmar TF500A fluid. Can anyone confirm this? I called my dealer, and the woman in parts and service at my dealer said they use TF500, which from what I understand is an older spec. This threw me off a bit and made me a little cautious. She said to keep my warranty I need a fluid that meets the requirements, but then gave me a spec that I believe not to be the most up to date, or appropriate for my tractor. I hate to be "that guy" over the phone, but I was suspicious.

The reason I'm considering another fluid is because of cost, honestly. Yanmar TF500A is $60/gallon, and I need just over 4 gallons. Mobil Delvac Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (Mobil 424) is cost savings by at least half, and is highly regarded. The Mobil Delvac states that it MEETS JD J20C fluid, so connecting the dots dictates that I should be able to us Mobil Delvac if J20C is in fact the same as TF500A.

As far as engine oil goes, should 15w40 be fine in my Virginia winter climate? The hardest I push my tractor at the moment is with a 60" Woods finish mower. We're getting summer temps in the high 80s to the mid 90s. If its that hot I may choose to not be on the tractor if I can help it. How much I use the tractor in winter is undetermined. I have a 3pt plow for it, but I mayor may not get enough snow in my region to use it every winter. This first oil change will get me through the this season and into next season. Should I consider 10w30 HD diesel oil, or will 15w40 be fine down to 10-20° F? Would 5w40 be best?

 

[cptbarkey]

Your engine is the same as my JD 1025R, any 10w30-15w40 will be fine. I have about 30 hours with the same Delvac in the HST right now and everything is as expected. I have 10 gallons of Supertech for the future, after going down the same confusing rathole that is Universal Tractor fluid.

 

[Goodkat]

Your engine is the same as my JD 1025R, any 10w30-15w40 will be fine. I have about 30 hours with the same Delvac in the HST right now and everything is as expected. I have 10 gallons of Supertech for the future, after going down the same confusing rathole that is Universal Tractor fluid.

Just about every oil topic becomes a rabbit hole for me! I tend to over think things, but like anyone, I'm only trying trying to make the best informed decision for my equipment. Even when it comes down to 10w30 vs 15w40. I've read that 15w40 may offer more protection or durability, but 10w30 may carry and distribute heat better while still offering enough protection? Some say they would never put 10w30 in a diesel tractor, where others are fine with it. I've read a lot of things over the years and it can get confusing.

Will 10w30 provide enough protection on the 90-95° days, should I decide to use the tractor? Again I don't farm with this thing and the things I put it through are easy work. I feel 10w30 could be better going into Fall/Winter vs 15w40.

 

[aba4430]

I have a 23 SA425 with 150 hours. It is very similar to the 325. I procured a couple of oil-less kits from Yanmar, additional oil filters and some other parts. I have used Rotella T6 15W-40 exclusively thus far for 3 oil changes, last one being at 133 hours. Will start with Rotella T6 5W-40 on the next one.

The Yanmar SA service kits without oil are available for purchase through Yanmar; priced at @$145 presently. Used to be @$90 when I purchased my kits.

Separately, not sure whether the TF500A is equivalent to JD J20C. Could be J20D, low viscosity. In any case for the 50 hour service, I used Rotella HD hydraulic fluid. I do have 5 gallons of the Yanmar TF500A procured and will replace the Rotella Fluid at @200 -250 hours. The Rotella is good fluid and I have had no issues with it. Down the road, may even try Delvac hydraulic fluid.

 

[wander2039]

Our LS MT232 has a slightly larger Yanmar but I’m going with 5w40 here in MO. I plan on snow work and with oci lasting a year or maybe two figure safer. Are you changing hydraulic fluid already? At 50hrs LS just recommends changing the filter. Going with Wix’s from Rockauto, half the price!

 

[Goodkat]

Our LS MT232 has a slightly larger Yanmar but I’m going with 5w40 here in MO. I plan on snow work and with oci lasting a year or maybe two figure safer. Are you changing hydraulic fluid already? At 50hrs LS just recommends changing the filter. Going with Wix’s from Rockauto, half the price!

Yeah, I'm replacing all the hydraulic fluid, filters and engine oil. The manual calls for them all to be changed at the first 50 hours. Then the hydraulic fluid every 300 hrs, and engine oil every 200 hrs or I'm sure at least once per year.

The manual shows 10w30 for up to 86°, so i think are 5w40 or 10w40 HD diesel oil would be best for my potentially hot summers. I'm not aware of too many 10w40 diesel oils, so I'm sure I'll probably be using T6 5w40.

 

[Goodkat]

I have a 23 SA425 with 150 hours. It is very similar to the 325. I procured a couple of oil-less kits from Yanmar, additional oil filters and some other parts. I have used Rotella T6 15W-40 exclusively thus far for 3 oil changes, last one being at 133 hours. Will start with Rotella T6 5W-40 on the next one.

The Yanmar SA service kits without oil are available for purchase through Yanmar; priced at @$145 presently. Used to be @$90 when I purchased my kits.

Separately, not sure whether the TF500A is equivalent to JD J20C. Could be J20D, low viscosity. In any case for the 50 hour service, I used Rotella HD hydraulic fluid. I do have 5 gallons of the Yanmar TF500A procured and will replace the Rotella Fluid at @200 -250 hours. The Rotella is good fluid and I have had no issues with it. Down the road, may even try Delvac hydraulic fluid.

From the little info I found, the TF500A should be the J20C, and not the cold weather J20D. To me that makes sense that Yanmar (most likely) wouldn't want to put cold (severe cold?) weather hydraulic fluid in their tractors, and leave that up to the purchaser to make that decision based on where they live. Obvuously, I could be wrong but IMO TF500A =J20C makes a little more sense.

 

[repairman54]

3, soon to be 4 diesel Yanmar powered Gators in my care. All have tracks and used for snowmobile trail grooming. 10-30w T6 oil in them. Can't remember the hours but the oldest 2, a '14 and '15, have over 3k miles on them mostly pulling 1k lb groomer drags through the woods.
No cold start issues when they have to be parked in an unheated building in sub 0f weather. One reason we don't run the 15-40w so we can avoid any subzero starting issues. .
Warmest temperature they get used is in the mid eighties in September so 10-30w is my better choice for year round.
I would not worry about summer heat if yours are not being worked hard with the 10-30w.

 

[Goodkat]

3, soon to be 4 diesel Yanmar powered Gators in my care. All have tracks and used for snowmobile trail grooming. 10-30w T6 oil in them. Can't remember the hours but the oldest 2, a '14 and '15, have over 3k miles on them mostly pulling 1k lb groomer drags through the woods.
No cold start issues when they have to be parked in an unheated building in sub 0f weather. One reason we don't run the 15-40w so we can avoid any subzero starting issues. .
Warmest temperature they get used is in the mid eighties in September so 10-30w is my better choice for year round.
I would not worry about summer heat if yours are not being worked hard with the 10-30w.

Yeah, like I said, I'm not farming with this sub-compact. I have a grapple, bucket, pine straw rake, Bad Boy 60 l" 3pt plow, and the Woods finish mower. My new home/property is 6.1 acres with some slopes, and I only mow about 4-5 acres of it. The rest of the time I'm using the grapple to pick up fallen limbs, brush, and bigger tree branch limbs after chipping and shredding, running the rake up the gravel driveway, and general yard maintenance. If its in the mid 90s, I probably would choose to not be on the tractor anyway.

 

[wander2039]

Yeah, I'm replacing all the hydraulic fluid, filters and engine oil. The manual calls for them all to be changed at the first 50 hours. Then the hydraulic fluid every 300 hrs, and engine oil every 200 hrs or I'm sure at least once per year.

The manual shows 10w30 for up to 86°, so i think are 5w40 or 10w40 HD diesel oil would be best for my potentially hot summers. I'm not aware of too many 10w40 diesel oils, so I'm sure I'll probably be using T6 5w40.

Interesting the difference in manufacturers. 500hrs on the hydraulic and 250 on the engine oil with the LS. I thought about just cracking the plugs after it set a week and draining a gallon or so. Thats alot of fluid and $$$!

 

[Goodkat]

Interesting the difference in manufacturers. 500hrs on the hydraulic and 250 on the engine oil with the LS. I thought about just cracking the plugs after it set a week and draining a gallon or so. Thats alot of fluid and $$$!

Yeah, and who's behind that? Executives? Engineers? Lawyers? A little bit of all of them? Which company is right, or more right? We'll likely never know, and it probably doesn't matter. I think all of us just do our best to maintain our equipment, and to maintain the warranty

 

[Goodkat]

Napa had Valvoline Premium Blue 5w40 on sale for $25. 99/gallon and they also stocked Mobil Delvac THF so I went with that