[lmichael]

So kinda resurrecting an old thread here. Yesterday I was working on my Simplicity Sovereign which has a Hydro. I was finishing up putting in new steering bushings and doing a fluid change on the center gear box (Otherwise known as Bevel Gear Box or "BGB"). Many older ones used regular 90W gear lube in that box but newer ones like mine use either ATF Type F or standard trans/hydraulic oil. Since I had the Th oil out curiosity got the better of me and I decided to open my little bottle of Honda fluid to compare as best I could with the TH oil. I was very surprised to see the Honda fluid was crystal clear like water. Though it's consistency and aroma were identical to the TH fluid. I further decided to see the fluid on the Honda was holding up. I was VERY surprised when I pulled a small sample to find it still crystal clear.
So it has me totally wondering if A you even bother needing to change it and or B it would seem regular TH fluid like what I have on hand (see the photo) would work just fine as well. For time being I think I am erring on side of leaving it be

 

[Craftsman_4791]

The Hondas are not designed to take regular transmission fluid. The fluid in it is designed to last the life of the tractor, but I changed mine anyway. What I use is synthetic 10w30 motor oil. The transmission can actually be damaged so I've heard by using regular transmission fluid, so I just avoided that.