Touch Control Fluid

[Sailor]

I have read all the threads on what fluids to use in the Touch Control. One of the areas of confusion is the different statements in the Owners Manual and the Operators Manual. In the Operators Manual, it says use 3 and 1/2 PTs of 10W. In the Service Manual, it says use 4 and 1/2 PTS of IH Hy-Tran.

(1) Why is there a difference in the quantities and is that 10W the weight of the hydraulic fluid or is that a motor oil?
(2) Is it alright to use any good quality hydraulic fluid as long as it complies with MS1209?

Thanks, Larry

[pickerandsinger]

Everybody has an opinion…I use TSC Hydraulic Fluid, (the one that says hy-tran compatible on the back) and comes in a 2 gallon container..Thats my 2 cents..Dave

[Eugene]

The 10W is non detergent motor oil. And is/was used in early hydraulic systems.

I use TSC Hydraulic Fluid, (the one that says hy-tran compatible on the back) and comes in a 2 gallon container.

Same here. To keep things simple, I buy in bulk and use the same hydraulic fluid and engine oil in all my machines.

[Scrivet]

The difference in 3-1/2 or 4-1/2 pints depends on where you're starting from. Just drained or completely dry.
From the 1949 operators manual on Rudi's Manuals: Top of right hand column
http://www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/Cub%20Owner's%20Manuals/McCormick%20Farmall%20Cub%20Operator's%20Manual%205-1-49/Page-62.jpg
Keep in mind the early Cubs didn't have the touch control and would have been added later. The pump, lines, and touch control would be shipped dry. Also IH had hydraulics using engine oil on many of their tractors for years. For instance the Farmall H introduced in 1939 had the option for the "lift all" hydraulic system (belly pump and reservoir all in one) that uses 30W nondetergent engine oil.
There's a thread somewhere on here that discusses the development of HyTran. If I remember it was about 1950 that it came into use and replaced the oil recommendation. Also if you look at the very last manuals from the 1970's HyTran is recommended for the transmission as well. Previous discussions on that are on here as well.

[Sailor]

Then Hy-Tran from TSC it is. Thanks for the advice.

[Buzzard Wing]

Surely any good hydraulic oil will work. There could be compatibility issues with what is left after draining. I prefer Hy Tran Ultra as it will take up some water (part of the spec). Later manuals specified it for the tranny and final drives too.