I’m curious here what everyone’s opinion would be on this topic. I’ve previously worked at Polaris for close to a decade, and while I typically support the use of OEM fluids, AGL has just always seemed like a compromise fluid to me. Polaris has done a great job at trying to cover a very wide range of applications and gearbox designs with one fluid, but I’ve seen and replaced what I felt was an abnormal amount of transmissions over the years, and have wondered if the fluid was just not up to the task of protecting internal components of the higher output machines.
The gearbox applications have had a pretty wide of internal component types, such as spur gears, helical gears, silent chains, roller chains, HYVO chains, and spiral bevel gears. AGL, according to Polaris, covers all of these applications in any combination.
Another member has previously tested AGL and the results pegged it as close to a 5w-20 motor oil, I believe, which is also close to ATF consistency. However, Polaris claims there are EP additives. I’ve seen a lot of suggestions and theories about finding a compatible fluid, but I think with as ambiguous as Polaris’ specs are, I’d rather base my fluid choice on the type of internals in this transmission.
I have a 2016 RZR XP 1000, with a married transmission design (transmission, transfer case, final drive in one unit). This transmission utilizes all helical main drive and final drive gears, a silent chain for reverse, and a spiral bevel gear for the transfer case output. Everything is on regular ball bearings, there are also no yellow metal components, wet clutches, or hypoid gears. Gear shifting is done by typical shift drum and forks, this unit is also not shifted unless the machine is stopped. Typical expected outside operating temperatures would be -30F to +80F.
My gut says this is a perfect application for an MTF with a GL4 rating, due to Polaris’ claim of EP additives. However, I’ve used ATF (typically Transynd 668 since I stock it for all my automotive uses) commonly in dirtbike/sport ATV transmissions, although those benefit from the wet clutch additives and don’t have bevel gears. I can’t find if ATF has any GL rating or EP additives, but I’m assuming most don’t. GL5 fluids seem unnecessary, both in thicker viscosity and the fact that I’m not sure the reverse chain would be happy in this environment. But I’m not sure if the extra EP additives would necessarily be a negative.
Based on the description of the transmission itself, what would you feel is correct?
The gearbox applications have had a pretty wide of internal component types, such as spur gears, helical gears, silent chains, roller chains, HYVO chains, and spiral bevel gears. AGL, according to Polaris, covers all of these applications in any combination.
Another member has previously tested AGL and the results pegged it as close to a 5w-20 motor oil, I believe, which is also close to ATF consistency. However, Polaris claims there are EP additives. I’ve seen a lot of suggestions and theories about finding a compatible fluid, but I think with as ambiguous as Polaris’ specs are, I’d rather base my fluid choice on the type of internals in this transmission.
I have a 2016 RZR XP 1000, with a married transmission design (transmission, transfer case, final drive in one unit). This transmission utilizes all helical main drive and final drive gears, a silent chain for reverse, and a spiral bevel gear for the transfer case output. Everything is on regular ball bearings, there are also no yellow metal components, wet clutches, or hypoid gears. Gear shifting is done by typical shift drum and forks, this unit is also not shifted unless the machine is stopped. Typical expected outside operating temperatures would be -30F to +80F.
My gut says this is a perfect application for an MTF with a GL4 rating, due to Polaris’ claim of EP additives. However, I’ve used ATF (typically Transynd 668 since I stock it for all my automotive uses) commonly in dirtbike/sport ATV transmissions, although those benefit from the wet clutch additives and don’t have bevel gears. I can’t find if ATF has any GL rating or EP additives, but I’m assuming most don’t. GL5 fluids seem unnecessary, both in thicker viscosity and the fact that I’m not sure the reverse chain would be happy in this environment. But I’m not sure if the extra EP additives would necessarily be a negative.
Based on the description of the transmission itself, what would you feel is correct?
