Hydro Fluid Substitution (Once Again)

[ColoradoGuy]

Hi, everyone –

I’m about to change the hydro fluid in my 1990 Model 1862 (Sunstrand hydro). From previous posts, I’ve learned that the recommended fluids are Case Hy-tran Ultra (#139 029 A2) or Ultra Plus, as well as Cub Cadet Hydraulic Transmission Fluid (#937-3025). I believe I’ve also read that any fluid that meets the IH B-6 specification will work.

I recently stopped at a local Cub Cadet dealer to pick up some fluid. The tech who waited on me suggested that I use Carquest Premium Hydraulic Fluid, (#760-01) ,which meets IH Hy-tran specifications B-5, B-6, and B-7, as well as a whole bunch of others.

The retail price of the Carquest fluid was $13.99 / gallon, a lot cheaper than the Case / Cub brands. I bought two gallons.

Before I install this stuff, I’d better ask: Has anyone else had experience with the Carquest hydro fluid? Is there any reason NOT to install it?

Thanks,
Jon

From www.carquestprofessionals.com:

CARQUEST® PREMIUM TRACTOR HYDRAULIC FLUID
is a high quality, specially designed lubricant containing anti-rust, antifoam
and oxidation inhibitors; plus other additives necessary for the
wide range of applications recommended by various tractor
manufacturers. The product is an “all-season” type of oil that resists
thickening in cold weather and thinning in the heat of the summer.

CARQUEST® Premium Tractor Hydraulic Fluid may be used in
transmissions and hydraulic systems of equipment made by:

Allison – Hydraulic Trans Fluid; GMC, Type C, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4*
Allis-Chalmers - #272843, Part # 924282 (Power Fluid No. 821), Part # 246634
Caterpillar –TO-2; Clark Transmissions; Deutz-Allis – 272843 (Power Fluid 821XL)

J.I. Case – Hi-Lo CH Fluid JIC 145, Case-O-Matic Type A, JIC 143, JIC 144, JIC 185 (TFD), MS-1205 (TFD-II), MS-1206 (Powergard® PTF), MS-1207 (Hy-Tran® Plus), MS-1209 (Hy-Tran® Ultra), MS-1210 (TCH Fluid), MAT 3525 ; Ford New Holland – M-2C41 Selecto-Speed Fluid, ESN M-2-C41A, M-2C41-B, M-4864A, M-2C48A, M-2C48B, M-2C65A, M-2C77A, M-4864B, M-2C65B, M-2C78A, M-2C86B/C, M-2C134-A/B/C/D, FNHA-2-C-200 & 201; Hesston Fiat AF-87; International Harvester – Hy-Tran®, (B-5, B-6, B-7)

John Deere – Fluid Type 303 (J-14C), Part #AR-284254, Part #AR-269444, J-14B, J-20A, J-20C (Hy-Gard®, Quatrol® Requirements, J21A
Kubota UDT Fluid; Komatsu; Landini; Massey Ferguson – M-1103A, M-1103B, M-1110, M-1129A, M-1135, Permatran® III, M-1138, M-1141,
M-1143, M-1145; Oliver – Where Additive Part # 102082A is mixed with 10W, 5W20, 10W30 oil; in 1 part to 16 parts oil, Type 55 and Renk 874
A/B Transmission; White Universal Fluid; Steiger – Hydraulic Trans Fluid. Gear, Hydraulic and Wet Brake Oil; Sundstrand Pumps; Versatile –
Specs. 23M or 24M; White Farm – Hydraulic Oil Type 55 Fluid, White Universal Fluid, White Farm Q-1760, Q-1766B, White UTHF, Q-1826.

[jimbob200521]

If there's one thing I've learned in my time on OCC it's that you will get two very different opinions on this topic: the first will tout that only Hytran will do for our Cubs; it's what the manual recommends, it's what you should use. The second will say that the Cub transmission is nothing too special, just a basic hydraulic pump powering a set of gears so any hydraulic fluid will work. That being said, I (and many others) use "lesser" brands of hydraulic fluid and have for many many years with no issues. That being said, I look at it like I do engine oil: it's better to have fresh something than stale old goo. Change it/service it regularly and you'll be fine.

[Ozcub]

I have used a full synthetic 15W/50 oil in the Hydro and it runs beautifully
Mobil 1 or similar will do the trick
The hydro manufacturer was the original point of recommendation

[ColoradoGuy]

Thanks, guys...

But my question really was "Has anyone actually tried the Carquest brand of hydro fluid?"

From your replies, I think I'm reading "No, but go ahead and try it!"

Is that the general consensus?

Thanks,
Jon

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by ColoradoGuy

Is that the general consensus?

Thanks,
Jon

Sure. Try whatever floats your boat. Your money, your machine. You pay for the fluids, and the parts. You obviously have read all the specs. If your comfortable with it, go for it.

[farmall fred]

There are many fluids that will work in the Sunstrand type U hydro unit that is used in our Cub Cadets. The same unit was used and still is used my most all major lawn and garden equipment mfgs and all of them have their own recommendations as to what fluid to use. The Sundstrand service manual even list's type F as a suitable fluid. I have drained hydros that have had hytran all of their life and also universal hyd fluid. There seems to be less sludge and gunk in the ones that had hytran. I just drained a Cyclops rear that to my knowledge still the the original hy tran in it and it is spotless inside. Tractor had 1100 hours on it. I also just drained the rear in the 1872 I am rebuilding and even though the fluid in is newer it was dirtier and there was more gunk in the bottom. I am a believer in the hytran. It is all we use in our IH and Case IH farm tractors. But as Jon said your money your machine.

[ColoradoGuy]

Thanks again, guys -

I only have one Cub (for seven years now). Four years ago, I changed the hydro fluid for the first time since I bought it, and it was pristine. I used Cub Cadet Hy-tran for the refill. It's been over 100 hours now, so it's due for another change.

I'll go ahead and use the Carquest fluid this time since it meets the Cub-recommended IH B-6 specification. Then I'll change it again after another 100 hours and see what kind of shape it's in.

Thanks to all of you for your advice!

Jon