Which Hydraulic/Transmission Fluid? (2024)

The 3550 manual calls for GL4 SAE 80w fluid/oil. It then proceeds to list a bunch of brands that aren't available, with the exception of Mobil 424, and it is not in stock anywhere in my town. What the heck? Specs seem to be listed by tying to more popular tractor brands. There should be an updated list on this forum, stickied at the top. Adding to the mess is that I just need a quart or two to pre-fill the filter on the 50 hour break-in filter change. I don't want a 5 gallon bucket of Mobil 424 (or whatever is equivalent) sitting around for years waiting for the 1000 hour service.

Moving from antique gas burners to modern diesel is definitely a learning (or in this case, non-learning) experience. Since Mahindra tractors are made by multiple manufacturers, I don't trust myself to see a post that says use Brand A type B, when it's going in a Mitsubishi built one and mine is made elsewhere.

tbzep said:

The 3550 manual calls for GL4 SAE 80w fluid/oil. It then proceeds to list a bunch of brands that aren't available, with the exception of Mobil 424, and it is not in stock anywhere in my town. What the heck? Specs seem to be listed by tying to more popular tractor brands. There should be an updated list on this forum, stickied at the top. Adding to the mess is that I just need a quart or two to pre-fill the filter on the 50 hour break-in filter change. I don't want a 5 gallon bucket of Mobil 424 (or whatever is equivalent) sitting around for years waiting for the 1000 hour service.

Moving from antique gas burners to modern diesel is definitely a learning (or in this case, non-learning) experience. Since Mahindra tractors are made by multiple manufacturers, I don't trust myself to see a post that says use Brand A type B, when it's going in a Mitsubishi built one and mine is made elsewhere.

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Where? Are you talking about oil for the front axle or the hydraulic fluid for the tranny and such?

SAE 80 is gear lube that you'd only put in the front axle. Mahindra can't make up their minds on front axle lube. One book says gear lube and the other says UTF.

I put 75W90 synthetic gear lube in my front axle because gear lube is specifically made for gear boxes and differentials. I also added a bit of Redline Shockproof, a bit less than a quart. Another synthetic gear lube that's really slippery stuff.

For the tranny I use a premium grade UTF made for later model machines.

I only use high quality oils and never cheap out on that kinda thing.

Exactly my point. In my manual for the transmission/hydraulics, it says to use API GL4 in the text, then at the bottom there is an oil spec chart that says to use SAE 80W UTTO. There isn't anything that's available locally that shows those specs. They might have it on the jugs, but not on the online specs.

Specs for the axle aren't confusing. It says to use API GL5 in the text and SAE 80W90EP or 80W140EP for my temperature range. A search for GL5 80w90 comes back with all kinds of available choices within those specs.

tbzep said:

Exactly my point. In my manual for the transmission/hydraulics, it says to use API GL4 in the text, then at the bottom there is an oil spec chart that says to use SAE 80W UTTO. There isn't anything that's available locally that shows those specs. They might have it on the jugs, but not on the online specs.

Specs for the axle aren't confusing. It says to use API GL5 in the text and SAE 80W90EP or 80W140EP for my temperature range. A search for GL5 80w90 comes back with all kinds of available choices within those specs.

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For your tranny you could use this stuff Traveller Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid, 5 gal. - For Life Out Here or I think this stuff Shell Rotella Universal Hydraulic Fluid, 5 gal. Pail - For Life Out Here. I got the Traveller as it was cheaper had better reviews and it had Mahindra listed on the label as meeting manufacture specs. I think my manual listed the Shell Rotella. What ever UTF you get just be sure it's formulated for use in later model tractors.

I guess our manuals differ on the front axle but I've also learned not to trust Mahindra's documentation very far, very shoddy pieces of work.

dickfoster said:

I think my manual listed the Shell Rotella. What ever UTF you get just be sure it's formulated for use in later model tractors.

I guess our manuals differ on the front axle but I've also learned not to trust Mahindra's documentation very far, very shoddy pieces of work.

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My manual doesn't list Shell Rotella UHF. It lists Shell Donax TD, which is obsolete, though the 3550 is a new model and should have a fairly updated list. Spirax has replaced it, but there are several varieties. Also, most of the Donax/Spirax I've seen show it as 10w30, where the manual says to use SAE 80w. Maybe Shell Spirax GX 80? Problem is, nobody here carries it. I found it on a British website. :confused3: :mur:

tbzep said:

My manual doesn't list Shell Rotella UHF. It lists Shell Donax TD, which is obsolete, though the 3550 is a new model and should have a fairly updated list. Spirax has replaced it, but there are several varieties. Also, most of the Donax/Spirax I've seen show it as 10w30, where the manual says to use SAE 80w. Maybe Shell Spirax GX 80? Problem is, nobody here carries it. I found it on a British website. :confused3: :mur:

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I think the stuff I found at TSC will work for your tranny and hydraulics.

10W30 sounds like an engine oil. I used Valvoline Premium Blue 5W40 full synthetic heavy duty diesel engine oil in my engine. I always either meet or exceed their specs. I don't mind paying a little more for better grades of lubricating fluids.

tbzep said:

My manual doesn't list Shell Rotella UHF. It lists Shell Donax TD, which is obsolete, though the 3550 is a new model and should have a fairly updated list. Spirax has replaced it, but there are several varieties. Also, most of the Donax/Spirax I've seen show it as 10w30, where the manual says to use SAE 80w. Maybe Shell Spirax GX 80? Problem is, nobody here carries it. I found it on a British website. :confused3: :mur:

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Hi tbzep - I have a 3540 PST and about to do my 50 hour service. Curious as to what route you took and any feedback you have. My manual states the same as yours. I was told JD Hy-Guard was compatible to top off hydro fluid when changing the filter and cleaning the suction filter.

OLV1071571 said:

Hi tbzep - I have a 3540 PST and about to do my 50 hour service. Curious as to what route you took and any feedback you have. My manual states the same as yours. I was told JD Hy-Guard was compatible to top off hydro fluid when changing the filter and cleaning the suction filter.

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I went with TSC. Traveller Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid - For Life Out Here