
Top 5 Substitutes for Hydraulic Fluid
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). This is undoubtedly the most popular hydraulic fluid substitute you can find. In...
- Brake fluid. If you have a motorcycle or car, brake fluid serves as a great substitute for hydraulic fluid. Brake fluid...
- Vegetable seed oils. Some of the vegetable seed oils in the market today can serve as good...
What makes petroleum oil suitable as a hydraulic fluid?
This chapter explores the mineral base oils. The largest class of hydraulic fluids today is composed of refined hydrocarbon base oils, i.e., petroleum oils, containing suitable additives to supplement the base oils' inherent properties. Petroleum base oils are manufactured by a variety of refining processes from carefully selected crude oils.
Is hydraulic fluid and hydraulic oil the same thing?
Hydraulic oil and hydraulic fluid are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same. While hydraulic oil is a fluid, hydraulic fluid can also consist of other fluids, including plain water, water-oil emulsions and salt solutions.
Is there a problem with hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic systems that run too hot or too cold can cause severe problems over time. Some of these challenges include the following symptoms. Fluid thinning: Heat can cause hydraulic fluids to thin, preventing lubrication and making the fluid more likely to leak. Fluid oxidization: Extreme heat can cause hydraulic fluid to oxidize and thicken.
What type of hydraulic fluid has the best natural lubricity?
- Higher Flash and fire point: The ASTM D92 Open Cup Flash point of vegetable oils is above 320 o C. ...
- Biodegradable and non-toxic: Mineral-based hydraulic fluid is about 25 – 35% biodegradable in standard 28-day tests. Vegetable based fluids are 90 – 98% biodegradable in these same tests. ...
- Higher lubricity of vegetable-based fluids. ...

What is the same as hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic oil is the most common form of hydraulic fluids. Therefore, many people tend to use these two terms interchangeably.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of hydraulic oil?
Vegetable oils have most of the required properties as potential candidates for hydraulic applications except that they have poor low temperature flow behavior and poor oxidation and hydrolytic stability.
Can I use regular oil instead of hydraulic oil?
Engine oil can work satisfactorily as a hydraulic fluid. However, if a multigrade engine oil is being used in the hydraulic system specifically for its high viscosity index (VI), then it's not the correct solution. The reason is the additives used to improve viscosity index.
Can you use brake fluid for hydraulic fluid?
3 Answers. Won't be good. Hydraulic oil could possibly damage the master cylinder or the slave. and it is not compatible with brake fluid.
Can olive oil be used as hydraulic oil?
This could encompass leaking seals, severe foaming, increased operating temperatures, plugged filters, and/or higher-than-normal wear on some components (such as the hydraulic pump). Soybean, corn, sunflower, rapeseed (canola), peanut, and olive oil are typical vegetable oils that translate to eco-friendly lubricants.
Can I use power steering fluid in my hydraulic jack?
To answer the original question- Yes, Power steering fluid can be used in a hydraulic jack.
Can I use motor oil in my hydraulic jack?
If you don't have access to hydraulic jack oil, you can use machine oil or 10/20W lightweight motor oil in a pinch. Automatic transmission fluid will also work if you don't have any other options.
Is motor oil the same as hydraulic oil?
Hydraulic oils are expected to have low compressibility, predictable friction and viscosity stability. Engine oils are intended to have high resistance to heat, resistance to absorption of fuels and chemical compounds produced during combustion.
Can I use synthetic motor oil for hydraulic fluid?
AMSOIL synthetic hydraulic oils can greatly reduce cold-weather problems. They also provide outstanding oxidation resistance for longer fluid life and significantly better resistance to harmful varnish that plagues many hydraulic systems operating in hot industrial environments.
Is power steering fluid the same as hydraulic fluid?
A lot of people ask, “Is power steering fluid the same as transmission fluid?” While ATF and power steering fluid are both hydraulic fluids, ATF features different modifiers and detergents that are specifically designed to remove dirt and grease from the transmission system.
Is DOT 3 the same as hydraulic fluid?
Mobil Brake Fluid DOT 3 is a high performance hydraulic brake fluid for use in automotive disc, drum and anti-skid brake systems and clutch systems.
What kind of oil do you use in a hydraulic jack?
ISO Grade 32, Mineral oil LUBRIPLATE Hydraulic Jack Oil is a heavy duty, high pressure, anti-wear, and non-corrosive hydraulic fluid recommended for hydraulic jacks and similar applications.
What can I use instead of jack oil?
Machine Oil or Lightweight motor oil with viscosity grades 10W, and 20W performs in the same way as the original jack oil. You can use it as a substitute. ATF or Automatic Transmission Fluid is another alternative to jack oil but its use is limited.
What oil do you put in a floor jack?
If you don't have access to hydraulic jack oil, you can use machine oil or 10/20W lightweight motor oil in a pinch. Automatic transmission fluid will also work if you don't have any other options.
What does UDT fluid stand for?
Universal Dynamic Tractor OilIt has developed a new dual-purpose transmission and hydraulic lubricating oil, Kubota Super UDT (Universal Dynamic Tractor Oil). It replaces conventional lubricating oil (Kubota UDT).
What is hydraulic fluid?
The term “hydraulic fluid” is a general term that would refer to any fluid used in a hydraulic system. There are many different hydraulic fluids. Depending on the use, they can be mineral, synthetic, or even water based.
Where does hydraulic oil sit?
Standard hydraulic oil is formulated to decant, or separate moisture to the bottom of a stationary tank where it can sit undisturbed or be drained.
What is ATF oil?
ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, for use in automobile auto transmisions does function as a hydraulic fluid in the car and can be used in other hydraulic systems. It is specified in some industrial applications. This is not to say that the heavier gear oil used in manual transmisions should be used. It is to thick.
What is the incompressible fluid?
A simple answer is any incompressible fluid. A gas would make it a pneumatic system. So, think of any liquid you like which is relatively incompressible and there is your answer. It could be anything from blood to mercury.
What type of oil do golf courses use?
Golf courses used to have hydraulic problems until, like John Deere, they began to use tractor transmission oil as the power medium. Transmission oils are designed to operate at higher temperatures and are an excellent alternative to ordinary hydraulic oils if temperature is a problem. Related Answer.
Can vegetable oils be used as hydraulic fluid?
I do not have direct experience with this but I believe that vegetable oils are used as hydraulic fluid in food proccessing applications where contamination is a concern.
Can hydraulic oil run at 55 degrees?
Generally speaking yes. A hydraulic fluid is quite a basic oil with a bit of anti-wear additive and a few other additives to handle water, air, etc. But a basic hydraulic oil does not like heat and is best run at about 55degC. The basic rule for a hydraulic oil is that at 30 degC it will last 30 years and for every 10 degC rise in temperature you half its life. Therefore a hydraulic oil running at 100 degC has a serviceable lifespan of just a couple of months. Golf courses used to have hydraulic problems until, like John Deere, they began to use tractor transmission oil as the power medium. Tr
About John Deere Hydraulic Oil
John Deere is a corporation that manufactures machinery regarding agriculture, forestry, heavy equipment, diesel engines, and lawn care equipment. They also manufacture drivetrains.
What is API Rating and Why it Matters?
The American Petroleum Institute or API conducts a service rating of commercial motor oils. They check the OEM requirements of the oil and certify it based on that. It even certifies the viscosity grade for the car’s engine.
Substitutes for John Deere Hydraulic Oil
Before choosing the substitute oil, keep in mind that John Deere uses oils of viscosity 10W-30.
Disadvantages of Using Substitute of Hy-Gard Transmissible Fluid
Although this blog is meant to give you an idea about substitutes for Hy-Gard, but one thing some people never do is to replace hydro fluids. This is because hydrostatic systems are extremely sensitive. And Hy-Gard is an exclusive premium oil, designed just for the hydrostatic system of John Deere.
Advantages of Using Substitute of Hy-Gard Transmissible Fluid
The probable advantage I can think of is that the affordability of substitutes. Hy-Gard oil alone can be a bit expensive for some. But if you mix some proportions (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), you may be able to save around $5-8.
Final Words
As Hy-Gard is costly, it is feasible to search for substitutes. The discussion above will surely help you make the right purchase for your John Deere hydro fluid.
What is hydraulic oil used for?
The primary use of hydraulic oil is to transfer power within hydraulic systems. When a force is applied to the non-compressible hydraulic fluid, usually from a piston within a cylinder, the oil is pushed through the hydraulic system and ultimately produces a force on another part of the system.
Why is anti-freeze used in hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic power is required in some of the coldest places on earth. In these cases, anti-freeze additives are used to prevent the fluid from freezing up or waxing. Low-temperature hydraulic oil is commonly used as a name for fluid which needs to be used in icy conditions.
What is the viscosity index of hydraulic oil?
Hydraulic oil viscosity index. To measure the change in viscosity of hydraulic oil when the temperature changes, we use the oil viscosity index (VI). If a hydraulic oil has a low viscosity index, a change in temperature will alter the viscosity more than if it has a high viscosity index.
What is additive pack?
When an additive company sells an additive pack, they will work alongside a particular manufacturer to create a product which works perfectly with that manufacturer’s application. This will be traceable by a hydraulic oil supplier who has used the additive in the fluid. Hydraulic oil ratings or approvals are stipulated by many end users of oil to ensure they’re using the correct fluid for their equipment.
What is biodegradable hydraulic oil?
Biodegradable hydraulic oil is used in applications where an oil spill or leak could potentially contaminate the environment. The typical base oil for biodegradable versions of hydraulic oil include rapeseed oil and some other vegetable oils.
What is heavy duty hydraulic oil?
Heavy-duty hydraulic oil is necessary for high-pressure environments where the fluid needs to be able to cope with large amounts of stress. The hydraulic oil additives used here will typically contain anti-wear properties. Anti-wear hydraulic oil is one of the most common blends used in industry and construction.
What type of oil is used for a car lift?
Hydraulic oil for a car lift tends to have a higher viscosity grade for high pressure. Hydraulic Oil for Wright Standers – A wright stander is a stand on mower which is usually well-suited to cemeteries and other restrictive grassy areas. The hydraulic part of these machines requires hydraulic oil for power.
