JD 855 backend oil

At what a new trans would cost....don't take a chance.

My 955 uses low vis Hy Guard.

They sold me Hi vis once...idk why....our climate is hot and I don;t use my tractor in the winter.

Never heard of a substitute...I'm sure there is one but I'm not gonna be the guy to try it till jd quits selling what is recommended

I used the recommended low viscosity HyGard in my 855 for all the years I had it. I think it was changed three or four times in 14 years. I also used it in the front axle. I never had any problems with it so I never switched oils and use it in my new JD. Just about any rated hydraulic oil would work I think, but the cost difference is not worth the wondering. The TTWT code gets you free shipping from the Green Parts Store where you can get a five gallon bucket for about $90. It may be cheaper elsewhere.

Thanks for the replies guys, nice to be on the forum...
I'm in Ireland so availability is a bit of a problem, I'm really stuck with what I can get from my local tractor suppliers. I think I've found the specs of the Low Vis stuff (known as J20D) from an equivalent supplier (sounds like they've done their homework at least).


SAE is 5W20 so probably the hydraulic oil "for diggers" was probably closer to what I need. I'll take these specs along to my local supplier and see how close what they have matches.

I'm a bit unsure when folks say they us the same in the front axle though.. my 855 is 4WD and shop manual says JD GL-5 which is a 80w90 gear oil, which is what I've always used.

JDman855 said:

Thanks for the replies guys, nice to be on the forum...
I'm in Ireland so availability is a bit of a problem, I'm really stuck with what I can get from my local tractor suppliers. I think I've found the specs of the Low Vis stuff (known as J20D) from an equivalent supplier (sounds like they've done their homework at least).

http://www.smittysinc.net/userfiles/productLiterature/HYDRAULICS/Super%20S%20Premium%20Universal%20J20D.pdf

SAE is 5W20 so probably the hydraulic oil "for diggers" was probably closer to what I need. I'll take these specs along to my local supplier and see how close what they have matches.

I'm a bit unsure when folks say they us the same in the front axle though.. my 855 is 4WD and shop manual says JD GL-5 which is a 80w90 gear oil, which is what I've always used.

Click to expand...

Always follow the manual on such matters, as long as it is the correct manual for YOUR specific machine. Some of the small tractors use the Low Viscosity Hydro FLuid in the front axle, some use gear oil. There are even some models which depending upon it's "version", it may have used one fluid and now newer versions use a different fluid.

There is a HUGE difference in the weight viscosity (thick thickness and fluid flow rate) between 80w 90 gear oil and even the regular Hydro Fluid, let alone the Low Viscosity fluid. If your manual calls for 80w90 in the front axle, that is what you should always use.

I agree with the Super S Premium Fluid being a suitable replacement for the Deere Hydro Fluid, based upon the product and compatibility sheet you posted. You should be fine with that fluid in your tractor's hydro unit if you can't get the actual Deere HyGard Hydro Fluid..

Welcome to GTT, by the way.............

Hey JDman855
I have a 955 the manual does not say anything about 15w30.
I would use HY Gard but JD gives more options.
Check out the list above.
Good luck

JDman855 said:

Thanks for the replies guys, nice to be on the forum...
I'm in Ireland so availability is a bit of a problem, I'm really stuck with what I can get from my local tractor suppliers. I think I've found the specs of the Low Vis stuff (known as J20D) from an equivalent supplier (sounds like they've done their homework at least).

http://www.smittysinc.net/userfiles/productLiterature/HYDRAULICS/Super%20S%20Premium%20Universal%20J20D.pdf

SAE is 5W20 so probably the hydraulic oil "for diggers" was probably closer to what I need. I'll take these specs along to my local supplier and see how close what they have matches.

I'm a bit unsure when folks say they us the same in the front axle though.. my 855 is 4WD and shop manual says JD GL-5 which is a 80w90 gear oil, which is what I've always used.

Click to expand...

Jd20d is a 30 weight, but it’s on the hydraulic scale not the motor oil scale.

Then there is the additive packages which aren’t really related.

The hy-gard can function with 1.5% water which is only matched By hy-Tran (case?).

Ams-oil is another one I’d use, but it’s a better oil for lubricity and heat tolerance, not better at tractoring contamination.

I’ve tried other j20d equivalent, or meets specs but hasn’t been ‘approved by’ in garden tractors. On blew a Welch plug, the other started making noise. They both got Hygard and the alternative went up in smoke.

I ran engineering measurement equipment for years. I could produce any result you want, only integrity kept bad product from passing any given test. Our company had integrity, so when I said no the bosses didn’t complain. I don’t think universal 101 feels the same way. The more specs we can ‘meet’ the better our sales are.

The difference in viscosity at room temperature is apparent as soon as you pour it.

Peter Pi said:

View attachment 803099
Hey JDman855
I have a 955 the manual does not say anything about 15w30.
I would use HY Gard but JD gives more options.
Check out the list above.
Good luck

Click to expand...

The good old days. A 110 was a multi fuel tractor the first few years, nothing changed but the manual, well that and whale oil being frowned on made the hydraulic fluid NLA.

rydplrs said:

The good old days. A 110 was a multi fuel tractor the first few years, nothing changed but the manual, well that and whale oil being frowned on made the hydraulic fluid NLA.

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Had it not been for South Park, who knows, Whale Oil might still be an option......