This is a question that we field several times a day. Customers want to know what type of hydraulic fluid their tractor takes, or what type of oil for the engine. We also get asked about types of fluid for the rear end and the transmission on various models of antique tractors. These questions aren’t very simple to answer correctly. Yes, there are some general guidelines, but we could get it wrong, particularly if you have an obscure tractor or if there is some sort of non-standard equipment on your tractor, or if our technician simply misunderstands the question they are being asked.
Steiner Tractor Parts is not the best place to get this information. The very best place is at the Service Department of your local dealership. Remember, if you have an Allis Chalmers, Avery, Cockshutt, Co-Op, Massey Harris, Massey Ferguson, Minneapolis Moline, Oliver or White your dealer is now AGCO. Also, if you have a Case, International, Farmall or Ford, your dealer is now Case New Holland. You can find your local dealer on their respective websites. John Deere also has a function on their site to find your local dealer.
If your local dealer can’t answer your fluid questions (and they should be able to, even for antique equipment!), then your next best bet is the owner/operator manual. Steiner Tractor Parts does offer many owner’s manuals. If you don’t find the one you are looking for, you can purchase many more through JenSales.
If you have any other suggestions on where to find information on fluids for your tractor, please share it in the comments. We could all use some education and information sharing on this issue.