Oil Experts, Help Please. Hydraulic Oil Query

[savageseadog]

I have a piece of equipment, not mission critical, that uses hydraulics. ram and electric pump. I assume that it uses "standard" hydraulic oil. I don't have any to hand but would any other sort of oil do ie ATF?

 

[earlybird]

I don't think there's anything very special about run-of the-mill hydraulic oil. It's just a mineral oil. i buy grade 32 as a cheap, readily available lubricant for my workshop.
Can't imagine substituting ATF will cause any problem with basic hydraulics, probably a bit less viscous.

 

[Topcat47]

It really depends on the nature of the hydraulic gizmo your trying to top up.

I usually use "Jack oil" ISO VG 32 as it suits my purposes.

I have sailed on a vessel with Diesel Hydraulic drive and that used ATF.

I wouldn't mix them but either would probably do at a pinch.

 

[vyv_cox]

Hydraulic oil contains a high proportion of EP additives providing boundary lubrication that combats wear in high pressure steel-on-steel sliding. ATF has slightly lower levels but more than good quality gear oil would. In a relatively light duty ATF should be good enough.

 

[savageseadog]

Thanks for the help

It's a cheapo log splitter. After some more searching I found a manual for a similar unit which suggests using 10W AW hydraulic fluid or Dexron Ⅲ automatic transmission fluid .

 

[pvb]

Thanks for the help

It's a cheapo log splitter. After some more searching I found a manual for a similar unit which suggests using 10W AW hydraulic fluid or Dexron Ⅲ automatic transmission fluid .

Aren't those log splitters great? Mine's had a lot of use and just keeps going.

 

[Rappey]

Baystar, seastar, teleflex or dometic do a hydraulic oil that is more environmently friendly.. but they do say you can use atf as a last resort.

 

[savageseadog]

I have a brand new drum of ATF not any use to me otherwise which is why I asked the question