Hydraulic oil

[Tintotty]

Is GL1 90 gear oil SAE 90 good for a 1950 ford 8n tractor? I just drained all the hydraulic oil out of my tractor

 

[Richard G.]

That is what I use.
My 52 8N has had 90 wt in it all it's life.
Been in the family since new.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

You will be happier w/ UTF instead of 90w oil.

The owners manual was written in 1939. Just like with engine oil, much has changed for the better in petroleum products in the past 80 years. The original
recommendation was NOT for 90w mineral oil; it was EP Gear Oil conforming to Ford specification M-4864-A and B, SAE 80 below +32 degrees F, and SAE 90 above +32
degrees F. (Do you want to change your hydraulic fluid every spring and fall? ) However, the new recommendation from the local Ford-New Holland dealer now
recommends Ambra Multi-G 134 (NH-410B) synthetic fluid. CNH sells a product called Ambra 134D that conforms to that specification. The equivalent product (and
less expensive) from TSC that meets Ford spec M2C-134d is their Universal Tractor Fluid. Neither of these products are SAE 90 gear oil - they are multi-purpose
oils with an exceptionally high viscosity index engineered specifically for this type of application.

You will really see the difference between 90w & UTF if you use the tractor below 32* F
75 Tips

 

[Denny K]

I have used 134 hyd fluid for over 40 years in my 8n and haven't had 1 problem. Hydraulics work better in the cold winter.

 

[DennyD]

As Bruce mentions, the UTF oil is a good fit on machinery of this vintage. I changed the fluid on my '49 8N last summer after purchasing it, & UTF is readily available & relatively affordable from retailers such as Tractor Supply.

 

[Abbby]

use the heavy oil