Have just had a 10,000 lb 2 post lift installed, the manual calls for Dexron III Atf. Would there be any benefit to use synthetic ATF such as Amsoil in this application? Area lift is located is currently unheated with temps down to 0*F though I will be running a salamander to warm things up a bit in the winter if I need to be out there. Hopefully in the next couple years will have IR tube heaters but for now making do with what I have.
Synthetic ATF in 2 post auto lift?
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I would not waste my money on Synthetic ATF for that purpose.
Look for a Multi-Vehicle ATF in a jug. Honestly, nothing wrong with 'ol Supertech.
The only reason I can think of to spec ATF instead of a conventional hydraulic fluid is so the red dye makes a leak more noticeable.
Your 0° operation is questionable. I would get any syn ATF for this, the cheapest I could find, and still be very wary of motor overload or other problems in that cold. I'd run it empty before making a lift to get some warmth into the system.
I'd buy Schaeffer before I'd buy Amsoil. Amsoil is good, but so is Schaeffer (I like Schaeffer better), and Amsoil is too pricey for me.
Your 0° operation is questionable. I would get any syn ATF for this, the cheapest I could find, and still be very wary of motor overload or other problems in that cold. I'd run it empty before making a lift to get some warmth into the system.
I'd buy Schaeffer before I'd buy Amsoil. Amsoil is good, but so is Schaeffer (I like Schaeffer better), and Amsoil is too pricey for me.
How much fluid do you need? If it's a bunch
I'd just go to a industrial/farm supply and buy 5 gallon pails of a quality 10w hydraulic oil, which I believe is grade 32. Probably cheaper too. If you're realy going to run at 0F, look for a low temp 32 hydro oil.
Drew
I'd just go to a industrial/farm supply and buy 5 gallon pails of a quality 10w hydraulic oil, which I believe is grade 32. Probably cheaper too. If you're realy going to run at 0F, look for a low temp 32 hydro oil.
Drew
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There was one time where I ran synthetic ATF in a car lift. The hydraulic ram was leaking, but there was a car that needed to be lifted right then, and there wasn't enough generic ATF around. I couldn't tell you if it improved anything or not.
Since it doesn't get to 0F in Florida, I don't know if synthetic ATF does any good in a hydraulic lift in 0F weather.
Since it doesn't get to 0F in Florida, I don't know if synthetic ATF does any good in a hydraulic lift in 0F weather.
Yeah, if it's cold run the equipment unloaded once or even twice before loading it with a vehicle.
Takes 10 qts so would be rather pricey to use amsoil if it is to be changed out every year as the manual calls for. Don't know if using it in a home environment would be harder on the fluid than in a shop due to sitting around more or if the extended drain capability would even come into play in such a application. Ken2, the reasons they give for specing it in the manual is superior cold flow and that every shop has it. Running it up & down empty a couple times when it's real cold should be easy enough & if I have to be out there the salamander will be running so maybe set it so that it blows toward the lift & compressor to warm things up a bit before hand. All planned maintenance will be done before it turns real cold so about the only reason for needing to run it during the real frigid part of the year is if something breaks & needs immediate attention.
If you put the AMSOIL ATF in there, you should not have to change it every year.
Were it mine, I wouldn't hesitate.
Were it mine, I wouldn't hesitate.
I have worked in multiple auto repair shops, and the typical procedure was to fill the hydraulic lift with the cheapest hydraulic oil, and never change it until something breaks.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I have worked in multiple auto repair shops, and the typical procedure was to fill the hydraulic lift with the cheapest hydraulic oil, and never change it until something breaks.
Given the amount of money spent on the lift, the length of time I have wanted one, the chances of talking the wife into another one, I want to make sure this one lasts. Main reason for using synthetic would be for when it is really cold & something absolutely has to be worked on. What is harder on the fluid.. using it hard or only using it maybe 5x/mo?
I have worked in multiple auto repair shops, and the typical procedure was to fill the hydraulic lift with the cheapest hydraulic oil, and never change it until something breaks.
Given the amount of money spent on the lift, the length of time I have wanted one, the chances of talking the wife into another one, I want to make sure this one lasts. Main reason for using synthetic would be for when it is really cold & something absolutely has to be worked on. What is harder on the fluid.. using it hard or only using it maybe 5x/mo?
Amsoil already prepared for that by stating that their fluid is excellent for any piece of hydraulic equipment that needs ATF. http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx
Amsoil said to use the universal atf but also said to change it annually as the manual states. I'm kinda thinking of putting it in but going every few years on the changes considering a lift in a busy dealership goes up & down 10-30x / day & mine will maybe do that in a month.
Take a sample out every year and have it checked. Probably good for at least 2-3 years, but if not you'll find out. Then make a cost evaluation.
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