720D power steering fluid

[Shleper]

What should I use for power steering fluid in my 720 diesel?I do not know what is in it now.Owners manual says to see your JD dealer.

 

[Bob]

DEERE still sells the special oil for the two-cylinder power steering systems.

Part # AF2235R for a 1-quart bottle, about $9.

If it were mine, and the oil has been in there for a while or looks questionable, I'd drain it and replace it with the correct oil.

Other guys will tell you to just use UTF (Universal Tractor Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid), which MAY work just fine, especially if the system is in good shape (pump not worn).

 

[PJH]

You're opening a can of worms on this subject.

Some people stress the need to use ONLY John Deere PS fluid. Others say that you can use "off the shelf" PS fluid with no harm to the system. When I replaced all of the seals in the PS of my JD630, in 1976, I used Mobil PS fluid. It's still working, but how close is the failure?

Today I would use the JD fluid. In 1976, I thought I couldn't afford it.

 

[730d se]

One of the places where they have you by the short hairs is with lubes. There is a total difference in the additives that are and are not present in the JD Power Steering Fluid.
Many light weight oils will "work" just due to the fact that oils cannot be compressed, so they will move something if and when they move.
But the seals and wipers in there do not last if you do not use the JD PS oil.
Just like certain additives in GL-5 oils will attack brass (yellow metals), the same is true with this situation.
Now, that is what I know, but everyone is allowed to believe what they wish.

 

[randy hall]

i have had dextron two in my 720 for over twenty five years. more complicated parts in a automatic than in the old deere power steering. you don't really need that high priced reindeer oil.

 

[Kent Petersen]

i run JD hy guard in mine have for many years no problems

 

[730d se]

randy,

That is very rare. It is not at all about complicated parts. Most of that is up in the steering shaft that senses movement with the ecentric.
The issue is the materials that the wipers and seals are made out of.
I am guessing that Hygard is close in additives as the Reindeer PS Oil.
There are no wet clutches or bands like in an auto tranny.

 

[wilamayb]

Actaully the issue here is viscosity. ATF wont harm the rubber wipers.

There is no perfect sub for the Deere PS fluid. Hy-Gard is too thin, especially in southern climates. 10W 40 engine oil sorta works in the south but again is not a perfect sub.

 

[Nofbdybs]

We totally redid the PS in our 720 about a year ago. We used 303 oil ( I THINK) to check for initial leaks in the system. After I got everything adjusted correctly, I drained it, and replaced it with the JD PS fluid for older tractors.


Really, whats $60 when you are into old tractors?