International 1986 Hydraulic issues

[Jswintex]

I have an International 1086 and having problems with the hydraulics. I mainly use it for cutting hay using a 10ft Kuhn mower. I have had the tractor for about 6 years and had very few problems. This past spring I took it to the local case dealer for some work and they told me to use Case Hy-Trans fluid for the hydraulics. I had been using the general fluids from Tractor Supply or the local automotive store. Well since I started using the Case fluid, the hydraulics are not working very well. This summer it started with having to raise the rpms to 540 to lift the three point. Now we are at the point that I have to alternate very quickly between the three point and the remote valve to raise the mower to travel position. Last week the steering started becoming hard to turn, acting as if it was low on fluid. The TA is also slow to engage and has never been slow before. I have a few leaks on the tractor and the mower cylinder leaks some so through out the summer we have been replacing the fluid in the tractor. Anyone else experienced these issues and could it be my fluid? Should I change back to the generic fluid?
 

[Jswintex]

Sorry not 1986 but 1086
 

[RGMartin]

I think the more likely scenario is that real HY-TRAN picked up the crud that your bargain oil was leaving lay in the bottom.
 

[Jswintex]

But how does that effect the all the different items? The tractor acts as if the fluid is not viscous enough and not able to build pressure.
 

[rufus80]

Hy-tran is pretty thin. The bargain oils are meant to conform to a spec that allows it to meet the specs of 10+ different oils. Probably your pump is getting worn and the bargain (thicker oil) is taking up the slack. How many hours are on your 1086? Has the pump ever been replaced?
 

[JswintexJwservicesllc]

Ive never replaced any of the pumps and the tach shows 4800 hours.
 

[Jswintex]

If the pumps do have wear, would generic brand hydraulic fluid damage any other items in the tractor?
 

[rufus80]

What oil was in the tractor when you bought it?
 

[Jswintex]

I'm not sure the exact kind of fluid. I used the Tractor Supply and Automotive store 10w-20 or 30 for the first five years and just changed to Hy-tran this year.
 

[DeltaRed]

When is the last time you serviced your hydralic filter?You also stated you had been useing 20 or 30 wt. oil.Motor oil??I hope not...
 

[Jswintex]

I changed to filter in the spring and no its not motor oil.
 

[andrew hegeman]

i would say that your tractor is overdue for a hitchpump and a mcv pump. there not that expensive and easy to change.
 

[hd6gtom]

Change the filter again, might be partially plugged.