This is my first post on this great forum, and I am seeking input and recommendations on selection of a replacement oil for the hydraulics system on my 1-year old Power Trac tractor. It is entirely hydraulic, with 4-wheel hydrostatic drive via four independent hydraulic wheel motors. Additionally, all of the implements are hydraulically operated, and attach hydraulically at the front of the machine. There are 2 hydraulic PTOs to activate the various functions of the attachments. The hydraulic tank is approximately 10 gallons. Hydraulic flows are of the order of 8-9 gpm @ 2500 psi. In other words, the hydraulic oil is the lifeblood for every aspect of the operation of this machine.
The manufacturer {HERE}(made in the USA, btw) supplies these machines with motor oil in the hydraulic tank, and their manual recommends using either 10W40 or 15W40 motor oil for top-off and replacement. The factory rationale for motor oil is economy and ready availability. They indicate, however, that any good quality hydraulic oil of comparable viscosity could be used instead. Some owners have gone synthetic with Mobil 1 of varying weights up to 20W50. Others have used Amsoil synthetic hydraulic oil 5W30 (? formerly ISO46). When operating, the hydraulic oil in the tank will reach 170-180 degrees if working hard such as heavy mowing or brush hogging, despite the machine having a fairly large hydraulic oil cooler. Some owners report empirically that wheel motor strength was improved with higher viscosity oils such as the 20W50.
I plan to change the oil when I reach 100 hr of operation, and would like to replace it with a product which will endure for several hundred hours, barring water or other contamination problem. Input is appreciated.
The manufacturer {HERE}(made in the USA, btw) supplies these machines with motor oil in the hydraulic tank, and their manual recommends using either 10W40 or 15W40 motor oil for top-off and replacement. The factory rationale for motor oil is economy and ready availability. They indicate, however, that any good quality hydraulic oil of comparable viscosity could be used instead. Some owners have gone synthetic with Mobil 1 of varying weights up to 20W50. Others have used Amsoil synthetic hydraulic oil 5W30 (? formerly ISO46). When operating, the hydraulic oil in the tank will reach 170-180 degrees if working hard such as heavy mowing or brush hogging, despite the machine having a fairly large hydraulic oil cooler. Some owners report empirically that wheel motor strength was improved with higher viscosity oils such as the 20W50.
I plan to change the oil when I reach 100 hr of operation, and would like to replace it with a product which will endure for several hundred hours, barring water or other contamination problem. Input is appreciated.
