Hydraulic fluid type on 3CX (1999)

[Al_1977]

Just wondered if there was a consensus on the use of HP32 or 46 in my 3CX?

Reason I ask is the manual says sub 38deg should be 32.... but all I can find for sale on JCB website (and ebay for that matter) is 46?

 

[charlie2]

we used 32 in the 3cx machines but 46 will be ok it will be maybe a bit sluggish when really low temps from start but once warm should be fine, we never had problems getting 32 could be a shortage i guess.

 

[Al_1977]

Jesus... is anything not in short supply.

 

[craig]

Jesus... is anything not in short supply.

Yes, price increases are plentiful

 

[Gecko]

The "best" grade is a balance between how the machine is expected to be used and how it is really used.
A newish machine that is used in cold weather or short runs will perform better on the lighter end of the recommended range while a machine with some wear, hot climate or working hard will benefit from the heavier end of the range.

For the UK, 32 is probably the best compromise.

 

[Al_1977]

For the UK, 32 is probably the best compromise.

I can't find any JCB 32 in stock anywhere.

It's a 23yr old machine, have no idea what's in it at present. Would it be better to go with (available) random brand 32 like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hydraulic-...098PNMNGX/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

.... or use genuine JCB 46?

Thoughts?

 

[Bri963]

32 wt hydraulic is approximately the same as SAE 10 which is perfectly okay for most applications. You put 46 in and you’ll find it slows things a bit, especially on really cold mornings. Get some Shell Tellus 32 and you won’t go far wrong, there’s probably more older machines running it than any other brand.

 

[Gecko]

Ignoring the wt/viscosity for a moment, the higher priced hydraulic oils (within a brand range) have more additives. These include: anti-wear, anti-foaming, anti-oxidant etc. Some will be relevant to you and some not, but (as an example) there is the choice between 'zinc' and zinc-free anti-wear additives. Your P12 won't have anything incompatible with zinc, so apart from environmental considerations, an oil with zinc would be my choice.
Take the price into consideration - sure, but don't forget the oil will be in there a long time.

Some light reading:

Zinc-Based Additives Benefits for Hydraulic Systems

Flash back about 40 years. Vane pumps in hydraulic systems were operating at or below 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Do you know what the preferred hydraulic fluid was during that time? It was...

www.machinerylubrication.com