Oil & Fuel - NAPA Premium Heavy Duty Traactor Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid Specs (2024)

FAQs

Is tractor hydraulic fluid and transmission fluid the same? ›

Interestingly, hydraulic fluids for tractors are NOT the same as other hydraulic oils. Tractor hydraulic fluids are specially designed to fulfill multiple functions such as transmissions and differentials, final drives, hydraulics, power steering, wet brakes, and more.

One simple answer would be that tractor fluids and hydraulic oils are products that have different formulations and are for different purposes. They are designed for applications in different tractor and heavy-duty machinery components.

IMPORTANT: Never check the hydraulic fluid level with the tractor running. The engine must be turned off to get an accurate read. View the oil level in sight glass (A). The level should be between the marks on the glass with the optimal level being just beneath the top mark.

Some people use hydraulic oil and fluid interchangeably, although that isn't always accurate! Hydraulic fluid can also include water, water-oil emulsions, salt solutions, and hydraulic oil.

Even though the transmission will still shift when using hydraulic fluid, there are some shortcomings to this — the primary being that these fluids aren't designed to be exposed to high levels of heat and are prone to oxidation.

Water: Water has low compressibility, making it an excellent hydraulic fluid substitute. Plus, it has unrivaled fire-resistance properties.

Because fluids are the lifeblood of any hydraulic system, you must take care to keep fluid levels and purity within the acceptable range. Check the fluids after the first 100 hours of operation, and replace them every 1000 hours after that, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Looking at the hydraulic fluid is the simplest way to determine if it may be contaminated. Clean fluid is almost clear to amber in color. A milky, dark, or otherwise abnormal color may indicate the presence of one or more contaminants.

Universal Tractor Hydraulic Fluid is a SAE viscosity grade 10W-30 and meets API GL-4 gear oil specifications. FORMULA 500® Universal Tractor Hydraulic Fluid should not be used where a Caterpillar TO-4 fluid is required.

Can I use 20w50 in a hydrostatic transmission? ›

Use in hydrostatic transmissions that require 15W-50 or 20W-50 oil recommended for API SM, SL, SJ, SH or SG, including (not limited to) those found in zero-turn, riding and stand-on mowers made by SCAG*, Toro*, Ferris*, Snapper Pro*, Gravely*, Ariens*, Exmark*, Walker*, Hustler*, Wright*, Dixie Chopper*, John Deere*, ...

The hydrostatic transmission transmits energy using hydraulic fluid. The usual transmission has two hydraulic devices; one working as a variable displacement pump and the other working as a motor connected by hydraulic lines.

Universal Tractor Hydraulic Fluid is a SAE viscosity grade 10W-30 and meets API GL-4 gear oil specifications.

Mobil Delvac™ Tractor Hydraulic Fluid is an extra high performance multipurpose tractor lubricant engineered to meet or exceed transmission and hydraulic fluid requirements.

The hydrostatic transmission transmits energy using hydraulic fluid. The usual transmission has two hydraulic devices; one working as a variable displacement pump and the other working as a motor connected by hydraulic lines.

Gear oil is a lubricant for manual transmission while transmission fluid is a lubricant for the automatic transmission of semi-trucks and other heavy and light-duty vehicles. In essence, they perform the same functions.