Hydraulic oil vs UTF?

[UPFord]

For tractors like a 445C with a separate dedicated hydraulic system for the loader, what are pros and cons of running a regular hydraulic oil instead of the specified UTF?

 

[Sean in PA]

Does the manual of your 445C actually say to use UTF in the loader hydraulic system?

 

[bc]

I can't say but have been doing some research. The Traveller iso 46 hydraulic oil is a 20w with iso 46 viscosity. It is not recommended for transmissions, differentials, final drives, or wet brakes as they state in their specifications.

The Traveller utf/hydraulic fluid is a 10w30 with iso 46 viscosity. OK for the final drives etc.

From what I've been told here, the straight hydraulic oil doesn't absorb water like the hytran does so better for the long run as it doesn't have to changed as often. I just looked at the TSC traveller oil specs so others may vary.

 

[shaun wallace]

As long as the oil meets M2C134D spec use it. When that unit was new M2C134B or C was spec.

 

[UPFord]

My Operators Manual specs M2C-134-C/D for the rear axle and 3 point hydraulics and the same for the separate loader hydraulic system. Moisture accumulation hasn't been a problem for me, I work it long enough to thoroughly warm the loader oil.

 

[sotxbill]

As your loader does not have wet brakes or clutches... you could use an oil with more anti friction additives to keep wear down on the pump or run a lower grade just for the loader... The m2c134x factory specs are good but they allow for the wet brakes and clutches, so the antifriction additives are strictly controlled. So the AW fluids with the antiwear additives would work better,,,,, BUT,,,,,, I would be worried about someone accidentally adding them to the tractor trans/rearend. Just like the power steering can run a different fluid, sometimes its just easier to stock one fluid. If you have "bobcats" or other equipment around, then you have to stock the aw fluids anyway so hopefully your maintenance folks are aware.

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 16:28:26 01/28/21)
My Operators Manual specs M2C-134-C/D for the rear axle and 3 point hydraulics and the same for the separate loader hydraulic system. Moisture accumulation hasn't been a problem for me, I work it long enough to thoroughly warm the loader oil.

It is in tractors that sit and rarely get warmed up enough to drive the moisture out that UTF is a problem. It isn't just the additional changes it is the corrosion and wear that the moisture causes.