[Duane4238]

I've read all the posts about using Rotella 15w40 oil in place of the Cub Cadet hydraulic fluid in the hydro unit. So I picked up my filter at the dealer today and asked what they thought about doing that. He said he recommends the Rotella in the newer Cubs but for my model 1340 I should use the older style Cadet fluid.
Is he yanking my chain just to get $$$ for the Cub fluid? I'd like to switch to the Rotella because the cost savings is so great. What should I do, guys?
Duane

 

[Jeff in PA]

If Hy Tran is too much money, get a Hy Tran equivalent at NAPA or Tractor Supply.

Just don't be penny wise and dollar foolish :fing32:

 

[Pokey]

Duane,
I've been using the Traveller's universal trans/hydraulic fluid in my 1862 for the past year (approximately 90 hours on it so far) and it has been great. I'm unsure of what was in the tractor prior to my purchase but I changed it out immediately and noticed that after several dozen hours of operation the leak-down that used to occur if I left the snow blower raised when parked practically disappeared; it used to settle down to the ground after a couple hours, now it takes more than 2 weeks. Transmission operation is fine as well, no strange noises or actions. I can't complain especially since it only costs about $10/gallon compared to over $20/gallon for Hy-tran from the dealer. Good luck and don't forget to change out the filter with the correct unit when you do the fluid change.

 

[thunderbirl]

I'm seeing Hy-Tran and Rotella in the same discussion. I don't think these are in any way substitutable.

I'm not familiar with the hydraulic requirements of individual tractors to know when one/other is needed - except for mine! Perhaps someone of greater experience with the models could chime in on this subject.

Thanks!

 

[Cubdriver]

Motor oil is not a good substitute for hydraulic oil. BTW, the thing with Hytran, is that it is superior in keeping moisture from attacking the internals of your hydrostatic pump and transmission in a way that motor oil can not. If a hydrostatic tractor lives outdoors, the hydraulic fluid should be changed at least yearly if it is to last any reasonable length of time. And IH used to specify Hytran even for their gear drive tractors.

just sayin

 

[jsoluna]

Cubs with the Sauer-Sunstrand pumps take Hytran or compatible hydraulic fluid.

Cubs with Hydro-Gear pumps take a HDEO, Cub Drive Fluid Plus/Rotella, etc.