Hydraulic oil when to change

2187 Views 38 Replies 11 Participants Last post by ras101, 4 mo ago

Rg 1

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

I know there is other threads on this matter but couldn't find a definite answer. Since I live in Indiana where it's hot in summer and cold in winter. Do I need to change my hydraulic oil weight for the the different temperature change, from hot to cold or vice versa. I read where you use heavier weight in summer and lighter weight in winter. Which means I would have to change twice a year or is there a happy medium. As I will be mowing in summer and plowing in winter. Twice a year seems little excessive. Since it also says change every 500 hrs then to me contradicts it's self as in picture.

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bhildret

· #2 · 4 mo ago

Winter/Summer hydraulic oil changes are primarily a performance and starting related question.

Most users find using 15W40 in summer provides fine performance and does not lead to starting problems in winter. Your results may vary. If you live in routinely deep cold winters further North, then it might surely be more beneficial.

In my opinion, if your engine starts fine with summer hydraulic oil, then don't bother changing it. Do give it a few minutes of idling to warm up both the engine and hydraulics ...

For most applications, we do generally recommend going to a winter oil for the engine ...

You don't say what tractor model you are working with, so post that and more responses will surely follow.

Brian

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bhildret

· #5 · 4 mo ago

The Vanguard is generally recommended to use 10W30 year round for Indiana climate. Again, always a good choice to let it warm up a few minutes before going to work.

If you use it really hard ... tilling long periods, hydravac while mowing, etc ... then I might consider switching up to a synthetic.

Brian