Many John Deere equipment owners consider John Deere Hy Gard oil as the go-to hydraulic oil for their machinery.
Without a shred of a doubt, John Deere Hy Gard is an excellent choice, but why limit yourself to only one option?
Is there a John Deere Hy Gard oil equivalent or alternative that is cheaper but can match its effectiveness? Let’s find out.
John Deere Hydraulic Oil Substitute: The Best Picks
The best John Deere Hy Gard alternatives tick almost all the same boxes as the John Deere Hy Gard oil.
I have compiled a list of products that are compatible with all John Deere equipment and offer the same level of protection, more or less, as the original hydraulic and transmission oil.
So, there’s no need to stick to John Deere Hy Gard Oil if you feel hesitant to pay the hefty prices. Go for any of these products I mentioned below:
1. Chevron 1000 THF
Heavy-duty equipment demands the best, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Chevron 1000 THF (Tractor Hydraulic Fluid).
This hydraulic transmission fluid is engineered to provide superior wear protection, oxidation stability, and shear stability, making it the perfect choice for your equipment.
Why I Like This Product:
- Highly refined base stock formulation for superior performance and reliability.
- Viscosity index improver for maintaining lubrication property across a vast range of temperatures.
- Oxidation and corrosion inhibitors to prevent rusting in the machinery.
- Antiwear and film strength additives for improved friction resistance and load-carrying capacity.
- Antifoaming agent for preventing foam formation.
- A pour point depressant for improved low-temperature performance.
2. Mobil Fluid 424
[amazon box =”B0761G51JS”]
Mobil Fluid 424 is a product that I can personally vouch for.
I have been using it on my John Deere 8R 250 for a few months, and I did not notice any drop in performance since moving away from John Deere Hy Gard.
It works seamlessly with seals and other rubber components, thanks to its advanced formulation.
Why I Like This Product:
- Advanced frictional properties for maximizing clutch and PTO performance.
- High viscosity index and shear stability for a reliable operating response.
- Excellent low-temperature properties for improved cold weather performance.
- Fully compatible with the latest clutch materials and elastomers for extended clutch life.
3. Stens 770-730 Universal Tractor Fluid
Looking for an all-in-one hydraulic and transmission fluid that’s easy to find and meets all the necessary requirements for your John Deere machinery?
The Stens 770-730 Universal Tractor Fluid can be a pretty good option for you, then. You can use it for tractors, industrial, agricultural, and off-the-road equipment.
Why I Like This Product:
- Formulated for smooth clutch engagement, drive control, and PTO connection.
- All-weather 10W-30 formula for excellent performance throughout the year.
- Premium additives for protection against oxidation, wear, and rust.
- Better than generic Universal Transmission Fluid (UTF) formulas.
- Specially formulated for squawk reduction.
4. Shell Rotella Heavy Duty Tractor Fluid
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Many fellow John Deere equipment owners recommended the Shell Rotella to me, and even though I chose to go for Mobi Fluid instead, I have to say that it’s an excellent John Deere Hy Gard alternative.
It has been expertly formulated to provide superior wear protection, ensuring your engine stays in top condition for years to come.
Why I Like This Product:
- Friction modifier for noise-free wet brakes.
- Provides good response at low temperatures because of its excellent low-temperature fluidity formula.
- Compatible with most tractor models.
5. TRIAX Agra UTTO XL Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
[amazon box =”B071NHJXTH”]
TRIAX Agra UTTO XL is another great alternative to JD Hy Gard for farm and construction machinery.
This fluid is specifically designed for hydraulic systems, transmissions, differentials, wet brakes, and final drives.
That said, I must tell you that it’s slightly thicker than JD Hy Gard, but it works pretty well with different equipment.
Why I Like This Product:
- Full compatibility with John Deere and other mainstream agricultural equipment.
- Can be used in place of almost any OEM fluid.
- More than 6,000 hours of oil life in hydraulic systems.
- Ensures smooth performance in brakes, transmissions, and hydraulic systems even in temperatures as low as -35°F.
John Deere Hydraulic Oil Specifications
What specifications should you look for in an ideal John Deere hydraulic oil option? Here are the factors you should take into consideration when you are choosing hydraulic oil for any John Deere equipment.
Compatibility
You wouldn’t pour soda into a gas tank, would you? The same goes for picking the right oil for your John Deere equipment.
Make sure you get the right one that’s compatible with your machine. Check your owner’s manual or reach out to a John Deere dealer to confirm the correct oil viscosity and type for your specific model.
Viscosity
Since you are looking for a John Deere Hy Gard alternative, it’s safe to choose a product that has the same level of viscosity as Hy Gard’s.
If you have used Hy Gard on your machine and have got good results, then why walk away from a winning formula? Going for a different viscosity might lead to performance issues.
The viscosity of John Deere Hy Gard has been measured at 59 cSt at 40°C/104°F. At 100°C/212°F, the viscosity drops to 9.4 CST.
For low-viscosity Hy Gard, these numbers are 33cSt and 7.1 cSt, respectively. The viscosity index is 140 for regular Hy Gard and 195 for low viscosity Hy Gard.
Keep these numbers in mind when you are shopping for an alternative.
Pour Point
At its pour point, the oil loses its ability to flow under gravity, meaning it can no longer be used as a lubricant.
It’s crucial to know this temperature to ensure that you’re using oil that’s suitable for your equipment.
If a petroleum product’s temperature drops below its pour point, it can become too thick and viscous to be transported or stored effectively.
Regular Hy Gard oil‘s pour point is -40˚C/-40˚F, while the low-viscosity Hy Gard’s pour point is -51˚C/-59.8 ˚F.
Below these temperatures, the oil will lose its effectiveness. So, if you are looking for replacement fuels, make sure their pour point numbers are the same or around the same ballpark.
It will be even better if the pour point is lower.
Additives
Additives are another important factor to consider when you are thinking about switching to a different oil brand.
You need to ensure that the new oil contains the same additives that improve its performance, like anti-wear agents, anti-foaming agents, and rust inhibitors.
Low Viscosity Hy Gard Equivalent: My Top Choices
John Deere Hy Gard oil comes in both high and low-viscosity variants.
John Deere Hy Gard J20C transmission and hydraulic oil is the high-viscosity one and the John Deere low-viscosity Hy Gard J20D transmission and hydraulic oil is the low-viscosity fuel.
Here are three alternatives to the J20D, which I found to be largely effective.
1. Mobil Fluid 424
I already talked about the Mobil Fluid 424 above, but I would like to bring it up once again to tell you that you can use it as a replacement for the John Deere low-viscosity Hy Gard J20D.
It seamlessly flows into the hydraulic system to boost the performance of your tractor. Mobil Fluid 424 also works wonders in delaying thermal degradation and corrosion.
Why I Like This Product:
- Advanced frictional properties for maximizing clutch and PTO performance.
- High viscosity index and shear stability for a reliable operating response.
- Excellent low-temperature properties for improved cold weather performance.
- Fully compatible with the latest clutch materials and elastomers for extended clutch life.
2. TRIAX Agra UTTO XL Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
Like the Mobil Fluid 424, I must revisit the TRIAX Agra UTTO XL. You can use this and the Mobil Fluid 424 as replacements for both the J20C and the J20D.
It boasts full compatibility with all John Deere transmission and hydraulic systems, so you can purchase it for your John Deere machinery without raising any eyebrows.
Why I Like This Product:
- Full compatibility with John Deere and other mainstream agricultural equipment.
- Can be used in place of almost any OEM fluid.
- More than 6,000 hours of oil life in hydraulic systems.
- Ensures smooth performance in brakes, transmissions, and hydraulic systems even in temperatures as low as -35°F.
3. Amsoil Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil
Amsoil Synthetic Oil is the only entry to the J20D alternative list that I did not discuss before.
Even though it’s considered a substitute product for both the J20C and the J20D, I found it to be more effective as the low-viscosity replacement.
It comes with an all-weather rating, so you can expect it to exhibit considerable tolerance to temperature fluctuations.
Why I Like This Product:
- Vast viscosity range for uninterrupted performance throughout the year.
- Anti-foam additives for superior break performance and hydraulic response.
- Oxidation inhibitors for corrosion resistance.
Final Words
All of the products I talked about in this piece can be excellent John Deere Hy Gard oil equivalent or alternative picks. So, feel free to choose one of them for your John Deere equipment.
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