How important is it to use "hy-tran" in my 400?

ohfail

Member
I have a medium size hydraulic fluid leak coming from just behind the instrument panel. I assume from the control block thing that's behind there. I need to pull the cover to check. I lost a good 4-6 quarts of fluid I think. I'm going to need more hydraulic fluid for sure.

I see that what to use is highly disputed here and in other forums. My problem is that I have checked around locally and there's no source for the hy-tran fluid. The CIH website shows my nearest dealership is in northern Alabama which is still over 100 miles. The prices aren't that great either at over $100 per 5 gallons.

I don't believe the tractor is using hy-tran currently. The fluid coming out has no dye or coloring. It came with the tractor so I have no idea what's in there, but I was under the impression that hy-tran is not clear.

Locally I have a Tractor Supply, a mahindra dealership, various autoparts stores, and a few places that work on trucks.

Personally I feel like companies like to put stickers on stuff and make bigger profits.
 
Before you do anything, make sure that it is not the oil pressure gauge line that has blown. It would not be a welcome surprise to discover that it wasn't hydraulic fluid, but engine oil. The hydraulic system can survive being run low, but running out of engine oil will pretty much relegate the tractor to the scrap heap, as overhauling the engine will far exceed the value of another good running tractor.

Non-Synthetic Hytran "Premium" (it's new name, corresponding to a change to a different supplier) is only about $80 for a 5 gallon bucket from the dealer. Much cheaper than the previous product. You must have been looking at the full synthetic which is much more expensive.

Is it important to use it? Sounds like you've already made your mind up, so it isn't important to you.

There are plenty of "hytran compatible" products on the market at much cheaper prices. At the very least I would recommend choosing one of these. It will either list CaseIH Hytran as a compatible fluid, or it will list the MS-1209 spec.
 

Likely the steering hand pump or the oil gauge. A check of the engine oil will determine that. Engine oil tends to turn black so another indicator. Hytran doesn't have a dye that I am aware of and will look like motor oil when new. Hytran picks up a lot of water and becomes milky with a slimy feel to it. Definitely needed a change when it started to get that way. I and others use the cheap hytran and most of them do meet the ms-12xx standards. Used 303 from orshelns and now get the cheap VP hytran from TSC. There are threads around. Engine probably holds no more than 8 or 9 quarts and hytran probably not more than 21 quarts so if you lost a lot it won't be hard to find what it is.
 
Several states ban 303 oil. You will want to check product to see what specs it meets. See below quote from Missouri:

MDA Removes 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluids From Sale, 303 Manufacturers Recall Product

Missouri retailers of tractor hydraulic fluid (303) have been notified by the Department that these products are misbranded because they fail to meet any current tractor manufacturer s specifications. The John Deere (JD) 303 designation is 57 years old and has been obsolete for 43 years. In addition, there are no specifications available for 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluids and, as such, products making only "303" claims cannot be tested to assure compliance with any known specifications. This action is being taken to protect tractor owners from equipment damage.

Over the summer the Department sampled 14 different 303 fluids, many claiming to work in almost every tractor. All 14 of these 303 fluids failed to meet current specifications and were found to be underperforming to the point that damage was likely to result from use.

Companies have been given the opportunity to revise their claims on the container to clearly identify the appropriate use of the product therein. The Department is working with manufacturers, distributors and retailers to ensure a low cost product with accurate labeling is available in the State of Missouri.

In the end, this action was taken to protect you and every other tractor owner in Missouri from damage to equipment. We are continuing to work with companies to revise their product claims or provide a higher quality product that meets a verifiable OEM tractor specification.
Notice to retailers with 303 products

Please contact your oil supplier to return any mislabeled 303 products for full credit. If you experience a problem with your return, please contact Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division Director Ron Hayes at (573) 751-4316.
 

Al, does that mean I can take my 20 some empty yellow 303 buckets back to Orshelns and get a full refund? Kinda thought 303 was just a brand name.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top