JD303 vs. Hy-Gard

14534 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ronm, Aug 17, 2013

Green Weenie

Discussion Starter · Aug 11, 2013

I didn't want to ask this question, but after researching other forums and internet sites I still don't know for sure: Is a store-brand 303 hydraulic oil a good substitute for JD Hy-Gard hydraulic oil? The boss bought a couple buckets of the off-brand 303 oil because it is a lot less expensive than Hy-Gard. But if it is not a good idea to use it in my 2955, I'd like to know. On one site, a member said that Hy-Gard is just JD303 renamed. True?

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jd110

· #2 · Aug 11, 2013

HyGard has been around since 1973. It has been upgraded and improved several times since. The current spec for hydraulic oil in John deere tractors is J20C. HyGard exceeds that spec. If the oil does not meet or exceed J20C, I wouldn't recommend it. 303 spec oil is pre 1973. So if you want to trust technology older than 40 years when there are better options, that is up to the individual. Just my 2 cents worth.

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MF283

· #3 · Aug 12, 2013

I tried the cheap route once, i'll fork over the $$ for JD product's in my tractor.

Ronnie

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Tx Jim

· #4 · Aug 12, 2013

DITTO what jd110 stated.

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Green Weenie

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 13, 2013

Thanks, guys. It sounds like I'd better stay with Hy-Gard and save money and heartache in the long run. I do love MTF, where the good answers come!

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ronm

· #6 · Aug 17, 2013 (Edited by Moderator)

303 was discontinued because whales had to die to make it...:fing32: seriously, it contained sperm whale oil. Hy-Gard was reformulated w/o the blubber...never did think it was quite as good, but oh well. Working in 303 would clean up your hands like nothing ever has since...
I've seen too many machines run forever on other brands of oil to really buy the JD sales pitch...for a long time, they were very competitive on price, but lately they have gotten totally crazy...lot of guys around here have gone to other oil.
Oil opinions are like ********, everybody's got one...do whatever makes you feel good.

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