My Hydro Seal Saga

[RoseHillFarmIHCC125]

Another thing that’s aggravating is that they promote their filters and fluids as superior. Their OE filter part number crosses to the same WIX we use. Out of curiosity I reached out to Dan Foss (Sundstrand) about fluid in their units and they said ATF is acceptable. TuffTorq and HydroGear said the same. A friend of mine has an old Simplicity garden tractor with a Sundstrand 15 and he’s ran Mercon ATF in it and WIX filters for years. Still quiet and runs strong. It’s just all about money in my opinion.

[mrfred54]

Have had same issue with parts marked up from JD. Needed a couple bearings for front wheel assist timken bearings with there numbers stamped on them. Just shy of a hundred bucks. Thought that was crazy, they look like trailer wheel bearings. Checked with local auto parts store and he had the timken bearings in stock for less that twenty bucks. Think this happens all the time with any brand

[1711Cub]

Originally Posted by RoseHillFarmIHCC125

Another thing that’s aggravating is that they promote their filters and fluids as superior. Their OE filter part number crosses to the same WIX we use. Out of curiosity I reached out to Dan Foss (Sundstrand) about fluid in their units and they said ATF is acceptable. TuffTorq and HydroGear said the same. A friend of mine has an old Simplicity garden tractor with a Sundstrand 15 and he’s ran Mercon ATF in it and WIX filters for years. Still quiet and runs strong. It’s just all about money in my opinion.

The original formula Hytran has a proprietary formulation with additives to absorb 1% of it's volume in moisture, and allow it to harmlessly collect in the bottom of the transaxle, instead of staying in the Sunstrand. If you service your unit often, or reside in a warmer climate, this is not important. If you use your unit in the cold, or don't bother to service the unit, this could make a difference.

As for the filters, there are a few critical specs for proper operation such as filtration efficiency, and if it has a drainback valve or not that are not evident by looking at them. It's just easier to buy the OEM filter and know it's the right one. You can't always trust some of the cross-references!

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by 1711Cub

The original formula Hytran has a proprietary formulation with additives to absorb 1% of it's volume in moisture, and allow it to harmlessly collect in the bottom of the transaxle, instead of staying in the Sunstrand. If you service your unit often, or reside in a warmer climate, this is not important. If you use your unit in the cold, or don't bother to service the unit, this could make a difference.

As for the filters, there are a few critical specs for proper operation such as filtration efficiency, and if it has a drainback valve or not that are not evident by looking at them. It's just easier to buy the OEM filter and know it's the right one. You can't always trust some of the cross-references!

I'm not scared to use the Wix filter, but still try to stock up on the OEM ones when they're on sale.

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by RoseHillFarmIHCC125

Another thing that’s aggravating is that they promote their filters and fluids as superior. Their OE filter part number crosses to the same WIX we use. Out of curiosity I reached out to Dan Foss (Sundstrand) about fluid in their units and they said ATF is acceptable. TuffTorq and HydroGear said the same. A friend of mine has an old Simplicity garden tractor with a Sundstrand 15 and he’s ran Mercon ATF in it and WIX filters for years. Still quiet and runs strong. It’s just all about money in my opinion.

CCC doesn't make filters. Someone is the OEM.