Hydraulic Fluid

Paul007

Member
Hi, Mr. Newbie here again.

My local O'Reilly auto parts has their own hydraulic fluid, AW32 or AW46, $40 for 5 gallons. They also have Valvoline tractor fluid at $80 for a fiver. Is the O'Reilly stuff OK to use, and if so which one's best for MF 202 and MF 40 with loaders and backhoe?

Thanks again. Paul
 
If it has detergent, anti-scuff and anti-foam additive pack, it is probably just as good as the 80 buck stuff.
 
Do you want it for the hydraulics or transmission? For the trans,/diff. I'd use MF Permatran. For the seperate hydraulics, it won't make much difference. I use TDH oil from Walmart in my Cat with no problems. I had the main hose to the hyd. pump come apart. I needed 60 litres(15 gals.) of hyd. fluid. Dave
 
What brand was it at the auction? If it was new and never opened, he didn't really pay too much for it. I've seen stuff sell at auctions for more than you can buy it brand new. Auction doesn't mean it's automatically going to be a good deal. Dave
 
I'm pretty sure the manual calls for Permatran in the instant
reverse/diff reservoirs. Manual is at the shop, can confirm
tomorrow. Markus
 
I'd say the trans. on the MF40 takes MF Perma-tran and I think it works better than generic tractor fluid. If you have the instant reverse transmission(foot pedals), I would ONLY use what the manual calls for. Dave
 
Got my MF40 ops manual today (thanks Chuck). Under Maintenance Instructions it says "Change trans, diff and hydraulic system oil (also torque converter if applicable) after the first 50 hours of operations. All three components (and torque converter if applicable) are served by the same reservoir."

Then on the next page under Lube Specs and Capacities it says:
Backhoe Loader Hydraulic System
12 US Gallons
Use Automatic Transmission Oil Type "A" M1110 (or equivalent)

Instant Reverse Trans, Diff, Torque Converter and Hydraulic System
45 US Quarts
Use Oil Conforming to MF Specifications M-1129A (or Equivalent)

If they all share the same reservoir, how can different fluids be specified?
 
The trans/diff/hydraulic system refers to the 3pt hydraulic system,
if your tractor has it. The backhoe/loader system runs off its own
front mounted hydraulic pump with it's own attendant hydraulic
reservoir in the right side loader frame. The two are totally separate
from each other, however the transmission, differential and 3pt
hitch hydraulic system use the same oil in the trans/diff reservoir.
The power steering also has it's own independent reservoir and
pump. In effect, 3 different hydraulic systems on the one tractor if
yours has the 3pt . Markus
 
OK, got it. Thanks Markus. So I'm thinking I can use generic tractor/hydraulic fluid in the backhoe/loader, but must use something that conforms to the MF spec for the trans/diff. Paul
 
Use MF Perma-Tran especially if you have the instant reverse transmission. A lot of contractors use automatic transmission fluid in hydraulic systems on heavy equipment. It is like a high grade hyd. oil anyway and keeps the same viscosity(10 wt. if I remember right) in wide temperature range. That's what I'd use if the book calls for it. It also helps you see leaks easier because it is red. Dave
 
Definitely use Permatran in the trans/diff/3pt reservoir. That
instant reverse transmission is cherry while it's working, but parts
for it are getting scarce and expensive. I'd change the trans filter
too. That way you'll increase your chances of long, trouble free
service out of it. Is it still smooth in it's transission from standing to
moving? If not, then apparently it's sloppy linkages to the instant
reverse valve that are generally the problem. That would require a
split between the motor and trans to renew the internal bushings of
said linkage. It's important to come to a stop before changing
direction. Markus
 
Thanks Dave and Markus. It's still pretty smooth going form forward to reverse, maybe a little jerk when it kicks in. I will be bringing the 202 I bought out to my property next week and bringing home the 40 for servicing and will have a better handle on it's operation then.
 

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