Comparable oil to ATF

[DeeGee]

What other oil would work ok and be acceptable in a torque converter instead of ATF if a substitute were needed?

 

[GeorgeK]

Our Manitou transmission got filled with hydraulic oil instead of ATF, made the torque converter slip a lot. I'd imagine it would be damaged if it was used like that for long. Drained it and replaced with ATF, no harm done

 

[mengeleguru]

Why would you use a substitute when oil technicians have spent years getting something right for the job. It’s not as though it’s expensive !

 

[7610 super q]

Maybe an alternative is needed in an emergency to get going? Maybe local stockist hasn't got any ?
Can't believe this forum sometimes.

 

[deleted user 837354]

You can often buy ATF in some car garages but most motor factors will have some in stock I am sure.

I would not just put anything in a T/C transmission as I can see it being expensive if any harm is done.

 

[ACEngineering]

What other oil would work ok and be acceptable in a torque converter instead of ATF if a substitute were needed?

Jcb special trans oil 10w which is a CAT T0-4 spec which is a Morris lubricants CT10

Theres quite a few oils you could probably use imo In a pinch!

John deere handers spec was hygaurd tractor back end oil so you could use Morris JDF!
JD hander is same trany as later matbro and matbro spec ATF D2
I didnt like using back end oil in them so always used ATF. Back end oil was too thick and they were sluggish till warmed up in winter.

I use ATF D3 in all manitous and matbros etc and some jcb. But if it's a jcb with 90 deg gearbox I only use the 10w.

 

[GeorgeK]

I think torque converters use friction plates to lock up so the oil needs to be about the right lubricity or it will slip. Tractor back end oil is made to work with wet clutches and brakes so might work in an emergency

 

[traineefarmer]

ATFs of different grades have additives to protect and clean the clutch and brake linings in automatic transmission and also to control the slip to make ratio changes smoother. Not so essential in an agricultural transmission, but the wrong spec will shorten its life significantly.

A non-locking torque converter has no friction parts but does generate a lot of heat so the oil's viscosity change with temperature will determine its suitability.

Short answer : Don't mess about - use the right oil.

 

[JCB_JCR]

In my ignorance I've been using a 10w30 engine oil in my terex handler transmission for maybe 2000hrs, as it just said 10W in the manual. It still works fine however have a drum of ATF ready for its next change.

 

[DeeGee]

Thanks for all replies.