Transmission and Hydraulic oil in TE20- (all versions) and TO20/T030 in
USA. FF30 series in France and FE35/TO35/MF35/MF835
We are always being asked what the correct grade of oil is for the Hydraulic System for
these tractors, bearing in mind that many of the tractors were manufactured over 60 years
ago and the oils that were available at that time were not as sophisticated as they are
now. ** The very light or thin hydraulic oils are not to be used in this system **
In the UK the correct grade of oil was SAE50, but to speed up lowering of trailers and
loaders etc. SAE30/40 was widely used, Multi-Grade was also used too.
In the USA it was quoted in the handbook as GL1 80 or 90-weight mineral oil,
SAE80 is used below 50°F or SAE90 is used above 50° F
The original specification for STRAIGHT MINERAL OIL would conform to the present-day API gear oil
designation of GL1. Although less normal today, this can still be had – it is still used in non-synchromesh
truck transmissions, for example, but it is outdated now and the Multi-grades are far better oils.
YOU CAN USE MULTI-GRADE 15W-30 OIL INSTEAD, THIS WILL HELP THOSE OF YOU
IN CLIMATES WHO CAN HAVE EXTREMELY COLD AIR TEMPERATURES AS IT WILL
FLOW MORE EASILY AND SHOULD ELIMINATE THE NEED TO CHANGE THE OIL TO
A LIGHTER GRADE FOR WINTER USE, LIKE SOME FIND NECESSARY
(information from Castrol Oil Co)
You may find that your local stockist does not have 15W/30 in warmer areas;
in that case they will have 15W/40 oil which is quite safe to use
The dealers always stock the oil appropriate for your climate
In UK the transmission holds 5 imperial gallons, from completely empty
In USA the transmission holds 6 US gallons, from completely empty.
All TE20/TO20/TO30/FF30 tractors have three drain plugs for Gearbox, Hydraulics and Rear axle
It is recommended in the handbook that the oil should be changed every 12 months
(condensation is the biggest problem). But the oil deteriorates even when just standing not in use
To drain the system completely, it should be done while the oil is still hot after working and
preferably left to drain overnight. Make sure that the cover or rubber boot (depends on tractor
model) around the bottom of the gear lever is in good condition and not allowing water into the
system. You should also check the seal* on the push rod on the Draft Control Spring at the back
of the seat is in good condition, if not, it should be replaced. (* can be rubber or felt, depends on model)
(See below for 35 types)
It has been found that GL5 or GEAR type oils attack and “corrode” the “yellow” metals used as
shims or bushes and bearings in the transmission and hydraulics, and should NOT be used.
You can distinguish this type of oil by the strong smell of Sulphur.
For the FE35 / TO 35 / MF35 / MF65 it is the same oil but 6.5 imp gallons capacity or 8 US galls.
But there are only TWO drain plugs, one under the gearbox and the other directly below the seat
position both on the lower left side
It is advisable that you clean out the hydraulic housing before changing to Multi-grade oil as this
contains some detergents that will clean up the internal parts and break up any sludge that has
formed due to the oil not being changed regularly. Failure to do this will allow the broken-up
sludge to pass through the Pump and valves and maybe cause damage.
Email:- [email protected]
© John (UK) July 2009. Not to be published in whole or in part without the express permission, in writing, of
the Author
