Hydraulic fluid

[Palmer78]

The last time I changed the hydraulic fluid in my mini I used Chevron Rando 46. It's about time to change it again and I already have a bucket of Napa AW 46, and the Napa stuff is only $40 per 5 gallon bucket and not to mention they're right down the street from me. Since hydraulic fluid is the most important fluid in a mini I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Napa stuff and if it's any good. My mini specs ISO 46. What does everyone else put in their minis?

 

[lantraxco]

My NAPA guys tell me that their oils are sourced from Valvoline, though they can't guarantee the additive packages are the same as big V oil. Any good AW 46 should be fine. My personal favorite is Deere Hygard, but that's just me.

 

[brockwellauto]

Can anyone tell me what kind of hydraulic fluid I should be using in my 1996 link belt 2800Q? I have been using hydraulic fluid from oreilly auto parts and it's call tractor 303, and every since I put it in it been leaking a lot faster and after I run it for a little while it seems like my tracks get weaker. It doesn't want to go foward or backwards very good. If I let it cool down for about 30 min it works good again for a little while. Almost like when the fluid gets hot it gets way to thin. Please give me advice?

 

[lantraxco]

You want at least AW46 in an excavator, but check with Link Belt dealer for the exact spec.

 

[maddog]

I agree with Lantraxco, you live in TN you need at least AW46, when I lived up north I used AW32(I believe that was the next lower #) only because it was so cold. Now I'm down here I use the AW46, get mine from TSC