mtd49 0 #1 Posted December 4, 2013 I went to change the filter in my 1988 31-20oe01 Eaton trans. Fluid in the filter came out reddish color. I called the company on the sticker side of hood. He said some had ATF type A. This is 360 from all I have read about them, everyone says 10 40 motor oil. I hope someone has seen this before. Wow! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meadowfield 2,595 #2 Posted December 4, 2013 You can use ATF or a good quality multigrade oil. Many early hydros used dextron ATF, but changed over to 10w40. I think most hydro owners now prefer to use 10w40. You just need to do a good job of flushing the old and change the filter. Mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtd49 0 #3 Posted December 9, 2013 Thanks I found some ATF type A At Oreillys auto parts store. I hope they continue to make this, not too much on shelves out there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,891 #4 Posted December 9, 2013 Thanks I found some ATF type A At Oreillys auto parts store. I hope they continue to make this, not too much on shelves out there. Type A was the original name for what is now Dexron. Back then Ford used Mercron GM used Dexron. Now they make a universal ATF which works just fine in the older hydros Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 487 #5 Posted December 9, 2013 I believe the manual calls for 10 – W 30 oil. Many use them synthetic versions of this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtd49 0 #6 Posted December 10, 2013 Thanks. This has helped me a lot. Parts for these older wheelhorse tractors can be pricey, & I don't want to make that kind of mistake. Joining on here was the best thing I could have done. Dexron or universal ATF will make things a lot easier. My 520H is in pretty good shape (to a rookie) and want to keep it that way. I had help to ID my snow blade from Garry and it was made in 1969! buy something like that new today and see what you have 43 years later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #7 Posted December 10, 2013 I personally have never seen a Eaton 1100 with ATF in it, I own 6 520's right now, and have had about 10 others, I run Mobil 1 10w30 in my keeper tractors Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bubbacola 8 #8 Posted December 10, 2013 I use Mobil 1 10w30. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cheesegrader 433 #9 Posted December 11, 2013 I hate to admit that I don't change hydro oil every year. I use Amsoil 10-30 synthetic. It will be -18 outside tonight. I like to think the synthetic gives me some advantage over conventional oil in the extreme cold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtd49 0 #10 Posted December 11, 2013 I was surprised when I pulled the filter. I had checked the fluid but didn't need topped off. Guess I expecting 10w30 also. Fellow at the shop who had sold it or serviced it at sometime said some older ones had ATF A. I would flush it and use what you all use but, I've read it is tough to get all the ATF out. Not a thoroughfull flush would be catastrophic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie 98 #11 Posted December 11, 2013 +1 for Mobil 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtd49 0 #12 Posted December 11, 2013 Aussi It must be going into warm weather where you are! It is cold here in the midwest and our first snow was Dec. 8th. Legend has it we will have 8 more snows this winter. Shame I don't have that synthetic 10W30 because it takes a few secs longer for the hydraulic lift. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oaktown1987 82 #13 Posted December 25, 2013 I use the ATF multi vehicle formula Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #14 Posted December 25, 2013 Sunstrand trans can have either in them, but like I said never seen ATF in a Eaton, I just sold a 84 tractor with a eaton and it had Motor oil in it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtd49 0 #15 Posted December 25, 2013 Thanks for all the interest. I bought 2 qt. type A, but will use dexron or multi formula if it gets difficult to bu type A. I learn lots from these forums don't feel like a rookie anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #16 Posted December 25, 2013 Are you changing the oil ?? if so with a filter you will need 5 qts most times I only get a little over 4 in but calls for 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtd49 0 #17 Posted December 26, 2013 Not the fluid, changed the filter and had to top fluid level I found it was a rare deal with typeA instead of 10W30 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites