Modernizing old Diesel John Deere backhoe with newer better fluids

[tastyratz]

Trying to decide the best coolant for an old John Deere 410 backhoe.

I know what JD recommended for this back in 1971 which was, of course, the best 1971 had to offer - except a lot of advancements have happened since then. Since I'm well overdue for a drain and fill on this backhoe (probably 10+ years old fluid) I'd like to see what fluid makes sense.

It's a cast iron diesel so I know I need to worry about cavitation. I also know what metals are used dictate what coolants are safe or smartest but I'm not sure how I can tell what's best outside of defaulting to the low service life less effective coolant of yesteryear.

Is there a safe upgrade if I'm already buying the jugs?

From what I'm finding and I'm not sure if this applies:
http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMT166701_19/DX_COOL3_19_05FEB99_1.htm
JD COOL-GARD
ASTM D5345 (prediluted coolant)
ASTM D4985 (concentrate)

So something like PEAK FLEET SCA precharged technically fits, for example.

But are there newer better coolants that make sense in light of outdated specs?

How can I identify what's in my existing cooling system to see if I have to worry about brass/copper/aluminum/etc. like by looking at the all black metal painted radiator?

I'm still very new to Diesel engines and heavy equipment, I come from the car world. I've been restoring this backhoe for a few years for my own use around the property so I thought it might make sense to post and see what people thought.

I appreciate the input and people who have read this far.

 

[wwillson]

I spent quite a bit of time on a JD 410 backhoe when I was a kid. We still own several 1960s and 1970s John Deere cast iron sleeved engines. A fleet antifreeze will suffice. Probably the most important issue with your vintage of diesel engine is to keep the anti corrosion additive up in the antifreeze. We had a 4010 sleeve rust through a cavitation pinhole! Those are thick liners! If you dump the antifreeze ever 5 years you'll be good.

 

[Vexorg]

Use the good old green coolant, and make sure to use the test strips to check every 6 months. Make sure the rad cap is good.
Get it on sale, don't overthink it.

 

[doitmyself]

My workplace John Deere tractor fleet ranges from 1997 through the early 2000's. They all have wet sleeved cast iron diesels with brass radiators, some aluminum components, etc.. I run them all on CoolGard and now on the current Coolgard II without issue. If you follow @Vexorg 's advice you will have to find and use an SCA additive.

@Trav has posted the metal wear chart from this pub several times, showing how well Coolgard reduces metal wear: https://www.deere.com.au/assets/pdfs/common/parts-and-service/cool-gard.pdf

That's my vote.