Biodegradable Universal Tractor Fluid

[Urp]

I have compact utility tractor with a hydrostatic transmission. The manufacturer does not reference a spec for UTF but Shell Donax TD or TM is mentioned in the manual along with Mobil Fluid 350 and a few others.

I am interested in changing over to a biodegradable universal tractor fluid the next time I change the transmission oil. Before I do this, I has a few questions:

1. Am I setting myself up for increased transmission wear ?
2. Is there increased risk of seal failure or leaks ?
3. What products are most suitable ? [Bio-HyGUARD is the only one I have been able to find locally]

Any other guidance or advice would be much appreciated (change intervals ?, cold weather ?). I have talked to a bunch of local tractor folks and although some of them are aware of the existence of biodegradable products, none have have been able to provide any info.

 

[Urp]

Sorry to bump this but I am really desperate for any info on biodegradable UTF.

Surely there must be someone out there who has some experience with biodegradable fluid in heavy equipment ? I have been told that this is pretty common for equipment used in wetlands and on golf courses.

Any info, even as simple as: "I used product X and my equipment did not explode" would be very helpful to me.

 

[roadrunner1]

Deere offers a Bio Hy-Gard for multi functional systems including transmissions,hydralics,wet brakes,clutches,and final drives. Its recommended for enviromentally sensitive areas.

 

[Urp]

Thanks roadrunner1

Bio Hy-Gard is available from a John Deere dealer near me; however, they were not able to tell me much about the product.

Anyone have any experience using Bio Hy-Gard ? I assume that I am giving up some wear protection and stability vs. the mineral oil equivalent (and, of course, the cost is much higher). I guess the question is how much ?

 

[roadrunner1]

I don't think you will be giving up any wear protection or stability, although it probably cost more than the hygard equilivent. You can go to the deere web site and read all thats available. The viscosity appears to be in between hygard and low-vis, on the light side of iso 48/ heavy side of iso 32