mixing hydraulic fluid?

just bought a 2011 NH track loader with 250 hours and need to add some hydraulic fluid due to a leak on an attachment. I am new to all this, so may be a silly question but the owner's manual says the optimum fluid for my area is a good 10W-30. I don't know what is currently in the loader. Is it ok to add this fluid without knowing what is in it?

You're fine mixing fluids...cleanliness is WAY more critical than viscosity. Seems as though if you were going to use motor oil in Texas, 15w-40 would be a better choice. However, I usually defer to the operator's manual.

Why not just purchase medium hydraulic fluid - it's likely cheaper?

~ Mark

Hi Red Durt, I live over north of Tye and run a NH L190. Welcome to the madness. Like you I don't know for sure what kind of fluid was in my skid when i got it. I have always kept it topped off with Hyd fluid from tractor supply. Also I rent attachments quite often so cross contamination is always a possibility. So far I've not seen any ill effects from this.

Tim

We ran NH for a number of years and most had a mix of 10w30 and THF. Never had a pump or drive motor issue on any of them. 6,000hrs on one, 4,000 on another, 10,000 on another plus the older ones we had back in the day that I cant remember.

OK. Well, I said I was new and I am showing it. The SAE 10W-30 came from the owner's manual viscosity chart for hydraulic fluid. I thought it was a viscosity rating for a particular hydraulic fluid. So, it's actually motor oil they are referencing as an option? The chart is followed by this-- NOTE: CNH recommends exchanging factory fill hydraulic oil with SAE 10W30 for applications where continuous operations above 100 F or frequent roading applications (above 20 to 30 minutes) are common. (I will be doing no roading but will have some of the 100+ days)

Based on your responses, I assume that adding Mystik AW Hydraulic Oil ISO 68 shouldn't be a problem regardless of what it has in it?

Thanks for each of your responses. I appreciate it.

Tim--a nice day in the neighborhood today, isn't it?

clear, 59deg, no wind, Yup a great day in the neighborhood

Tim

On a low hour machine I would stick to the 10w30 but I run 15w40 in my skids with over 2000hrs. As stated above I haven't had any problems with my equipment but have had to fix several over the years. I always use diesel grade oil. It is supposed to have a better additive package more suited to the hydraulic systems than the standard automotive oil. I don't run the transdraulic or straight hydraulic oil most farm supply stores sell for cheap.

Thanks frogfarmer and to others for replies!

Red Durt said:

Thanks frogfarmer and to others for replies!

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We always used diesel 10w30 in our NH's. Delo XLE 10w30. Its important to note though some machines that call for 10w30 still need additives. I know the case machines did at one point.

I too just recently purchased a J.D. 250. I was at the dealer today, and the guy at the parts counter told me, that they recommend a /15w40 for hydraulic fluid. He said the 250 had a problem with the fluid getting to hot.

But I was wondering the same thing about mixing. I have been using the tractor supply stuff. Should I drain it before adding a motor oil?

FWIW, I run the same multi grade hydraulic oil in all my equipment: ISO AW 32/46/68. Far superior to engine oil and only a few bucks more. Adapts to temperature changes well. Most name brand oil companies have it.