Rotella HD Tractor Fluid--OK for Log Splitter?

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Is the Shell Rotella HD tractor fluid suitable for a MTD 27 ton log splitter requiring an 10 weight anti wear hydraulic oil. I called both shell and MTD but got someone that could only read a script from the back of the package or out of the manual. The HD tractor fluid is of 10W-30 weight but everyone I talked to now has me second guessing if this product is ok to use in my log splitter.

The following is from the container:

Shell ROTELLA® HD Tractor Fluid
Premium transmission-hydraulic-wet brake fluids for tractors
Shell ROTELLA® HD Tractor Fluid is a premium quality fluid for use in
transmissions, hydraulic systems, oil immersed brakes and other ancillary
systems fitted to agricultural tractors and off-road equipment. It is an
exceptional universal tractor fluid specially formulated for use where a
common fluid reservoir serves transmissions, final drives and hydraulic systems.
Performance Features and Benefits
• Incorporates a friction modifier for proper
noise-free operation of wet-brakes
• Excellent low temperature fluidity provides
good response at low temperatures
• Shell ROTELLA® HD Tractor Fluid provides
excellent service in virtually all makes of
construction and farm tractors
• Is frequently used as a single fluid to prevent
accidental contamination or misapplication and
to eliminate the need to purchase and keep in
inventory several products for most farm and
construction equipment
Main Applications
• Tractors and other equipment using a common
fluid to lubricate the transmission, differential
and hydraulic systems
 
Hyd log splitters are the "Lowest stress" form of hydraulic powered equipment anywhere.

Almost ANY oil that *resembles* hydraulic fluid will work fine in a log splitter.

I run used ATF in mine... been doing it for 26 years.
 
Originally Posted By: pburchett

Performance Features and Benefits
• Incorporates a friction modifier for proper noise-free operation of wet-brakes


This is expensive stuff, if it has this feature.

WAAAAAAAY overkill for what a log splitter needs.
 
For your specific splitter:
HGgoApS.png


ISO 32 or SAE 10W are equivalent; around 30 cSt at 40°C, and 5 cSt at 100°C.
Rotella HD Tractor is double that; 65 cSt at 40°C, and 10 cSt at 100°C.

In other words, the Rotella is too thick.
 
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
For your specific splitter:
HGgoApS.png


ISO 32 or SAE 10W are equivalent; around 30 cSt at 40°C, and 5 cSt at 100°C.
Rotella HD Tractor is double that; 65 cSt at 40°C, and 10 cSt at 100°C.

In other words, the Rotella is too thick.
That's what I use in my splitter, AW32 in cold weather, AW46 in hot weather, seems to work just fine. Cheaper than the Rotella, too.
 
A viscosity grade or two higher than recommended is always not an issue, so is in OP's application.
 
I did not know the Rotella was so thick. I stopped at Tractor Supply and they had the Rotella for $50 and the description sounded good, but I thought I would ask here first.

Tractor Supply also had Traveller AW32 for $30, but I was worried about the quality. I looked at the local parts store and all they had was their store brands which equated to a rebranded Costal or Peak/Shield/Old World Industries AW32 for $45.

I guess I will go with the Traveller brand and change it out sooner than I have previously done.
 
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