450C Lubricants

[kedorland]

I am the proud new owner of a 1975 JD 450C Loader. Have read the overhaul manuals 10 times and feel somewhat (slightly?) better about understanding the operation of the machine. Have one major issue I need wise JD people to help me with (I grew up on Red Equipment). I fail to undersatnd what lube the transmission requires.

Thank you all in advance.

Kevin from Iowa

[77 Ford]

You just need a Transmission and Hydraulic Oil that meets the spec's listed in the books. Most any farm supply store (cheapest), auto parts ( more) or JD themselves (most) will have it. Just look on the back and make sure it meets the specs of either J14C, and or J20A. The oil I purchased at my local farm supply store meet both those and about 30 other specs. Ran about $40 per 5 gallon pail.

This is also the same oil that will go in the hydraulics, finial drives and steering clutches. I used right at 35 gallons to replace all of this type of fluid in my 450c.

Just a little tip I learned the hard way. Before you pull the drain plugs on the steering clutches remove the fill plugs to relieve the pressure. I did not do this and it burped out a pretty big amount of oil all over me.

[JWB Contracting]

Most places call it THG Fluid (Transmission, Hydrualic, Gear). We mainly purchase THG fluid at Walmart as our Skidder uses it as well and often has leaks.

[Tigerhaze]

Many supply stores in the Midwest call it Universal Tractor Fluid (UTF).

It should be noted that even those universal fluids call out that they meet minimum specifications for JD 14C/20A/303 that they may sacrifice a little performance to also meet other manufacturer's specifications.

This usually isn't an issue with fluid for the loader or blade hydraulic systems on these crawlers, but the transmissions can perform a little better using JD fluid (Hy-Gard). Others have mentioned its use for HLR transmissions like found on the 2010s and 450 models, and I have noticed my 2010 HLR seems a little smoother using that over a UTF.

http://www.jdcrawlers.com/messageboard/ ... ght=hygard

It's pricey fluid but cheap insurance if it allows the HLR to last longer.

[kedorland]

Thank you. I grew up using the the word "HyTran" and just learned "TorquGaurd" from a friend who knows Ag Deere. Have been using UTF in my IH stuff...thought it was good for Deere hyd fluid too, however, sure didn't want to dump the incorrect fluid in the tranny without consultation.

Have been reading this forum for some time now (joined last night) and am impressed with the knowledge shown here.

Our 450C has a tree shear mounted to it in place of the bucket. Will post pictures as time allows.

Kevin D.