Hydraulic Fluid

Using the proper hydraulic fluid to lubricate and protect the hydraulic systems in heavy equipment is critical for that equipment to deliver peak performance and dependable service for many years. That equipment is the foundation for success on farms, ranches, and construction sites. Maintaining those machines requires using the proper type of hydraulic fluid.

Is All Hydraulic Fluid the Same?

Not even close. The hydraulic systems found on farm equipment are under a lot of strain, especially on newer machines as OEM manufacturers move to smaller, more efficient systems. By design, hydraulic fluids must be able to manage many different tasks such as lubrication, corrosion resistance, heat transfer, and anti-foaming in a wide variety of temperature and weather conditions. The most recognizable way hydraulic fluid is classified are by the base material they’re made from: petroleum, synthetic, and biodegradable. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, they’re recommended for specific purposes. That’s why it’s vitally important to always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for the type of fluid recommended for your machine, whether you’re servicing a tractor, skidsteer, log splitter, snow plow, forklift, dump trailer, or all of the above.

Petroleum Hydraulic Fluid

Petroleum hydraulic fluid is made from refined crude oil found below the Earth’s surface. Additives are integrated during formulation to provide necessary features like increased anti-wear properties, reduced rust and oxidation for system components, and decreased anti-foaming caused by small air leaks in the system. They typically cost less than synthetics but oftentimes offer similar performance.

 

Synthetic Hydraulic FluidWhereas petroleum-based fluids are made from oil found under the ground, synthetic-based hydraulic fluids are largely man-made. Synthetics are formulated to provide the same crucial characteristics needed in hydraulic fluid as petroleum-based products, but they are particularly great in situations where extreme temperatures or pressures exist. Plus, synthetic fluids contain fewer impurities and are less hygroscopic (don’t absorb moisture from the air) so service intervals can usually be extended.

Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid

It is becoming more common to find applications where biodegradable hydraulic fluid is preferred, most notably in equipment where a fluid leak or spill would wreak havoc in wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas.

Other Fluid Categories

Besides categorizing fluids by their base materials, fluids can also be categorized in other ways. For instance, Low Temp Hydraulic Fluid is a type of high-performance fluid designed for full flow during extreme low temperature operation. Universal Hydraulic Fluid, sometimes called Trans or Transmission Hydraulic Fluid, is a popular type that does equally well lubricating hydrostatic transmissions as it does oiling differentials, PTOs (power take-off), wet brakes, and final drives.

Additive Abbreviations

Fluid companies prefer to use abbreviations to describe the additives used to formulate their products. Unless you’re “in the know,” these abbreviations can be confusing to the average consumer. Here are some of the more common abbreviations:

 

MV – Multi-Viscosity

MG – Multi-Grade

AW – Anti-Wear

R&O – Rust and Oxidation

VI Scale – Viscosity Index

HVI – High Viscosity Index

ISO VG – ISO Grade

AGMA – American Gear Manufacturers Association

SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers

Large Equipment = Large Fluid Capacity

Large equipment holds large amounts of hydraulic fluid, and the manufacturers package their products accordingly. Summit Racing has you covered. With fluid from name brand companies like Mobil 1, Lucas Oil, Valvoline, and OTC Tools in one quart, one gallon, 2.5 gallon, and even 5 gallon quantities (depending on product), you’re sure to find the fluid to keep your Kubota, Case IH, John Deere, New Holland, Bobcat, Massey Ferguson, or International Harvester working hard for several years to come.

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