CC 3165 Hydraulic oil info

[pepperpikker]

Guys, I have a CC 3165 (1998-1999 model year) that I picked up second hand. From what I understand, it is BDU-21L transmission. I need to fix a slow leak in the transmission so, I am going to wind up draining it, fixing it and then I will want to refill it with fresh. So, I am not paying $20 plus per quart for the recommended CC stuff. It is 25 years old and has 430 hours on it. I don't want to do something that will trash it, but I am not paying $100 to refill it with CC fluid either. I am looking at mostly summer time (Wisconsin) use at this point. When I picked up the mower, the original owner actually had to add fluid just to get it to move since it had mostly leaked out. He put in a quart of regular ATF oil and said "it is the same thing". I think he had been using that for a while.
So, I have asked some on other forums and gotten responses like Shell Rotella 15W40 diesel oil to 10W30 regular automotive oil, to ATF fluid and others.
This is for the Hydrostatic transmission in the 3165 which also runs the power steering and deck lift from what I understand. This is not for the motor.
So, are these all valid replacements for the factory recommended CC fluid?

Unless I am told otherwise, I will probably go with the Shell Rotella 15W40 Synthetic diesel oil.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shell-Rot...sRedirect=true

Is this also an option?
https://www.farmandfleet.com/product...lic-fluid.html

What about just regular ATF:
https://www.farmandfleet.com/product...ion-fluid.html

What do you guys think of those three options? Am I making a mistake with either one? Do you have a preference?

Thanks for you help.
Bruce

[finsruskw]

Hy-Tran for all my Cubs, Period.
About $135 for 5 Gallons.
About the same as any premium engine oil.

[pepperpikker]

OK, How about the second product that I posted above? It says: "Meets Case / IH (HYTRAN B-6) requirements".

https://www.farmandfleet.com/product...lic-fluid.html

Or can you post a link to a source for the stuff you use?

[ol'George]

From the service manual:
https://www.hydro-gear.com/wp-conten...N-50327_P6.pdf


Fluids
The fluids used in HYDRO-GEAR products have been
carefully selected, and only equivalent, or better products
should be substituted.
Typically, an engine oil with a minimum rating of 9.0 cSt
(55 SUS) at 230°F (110°C) and an API classification of SJ/
CD is recommended. A 20W-50 engine oil has been
selected for use by the factory and is recommended for
normal operating temperatures. For colder climate operation (see chart), a change to a 10w-40 engine oil may be
necessary. Another alternative that will provide excellent
all climate performance and extended time between oil
changes is a 15W-50 synthetic engine oil

[Ozcub]

Originally Posted by ol'George

From the service manual:
https://www.hydro-gear.com/wp-conten...N-50327_P6.pdf


Fluids
The fluids used in HYDRO-GEAR products have been
carefully selected, and only equivalent, or better products
should be substituted.
Typically, an engine oil with a minimum rating of 9.0 cSt
(55 SUS) at 230°F (110°C) and an API classification of SJ/
CD is recommended. A 20W-50 engine oil has been
selected for use by the factory and is recommended for
normal operating temperatures. For colder climate operation (see chart), a change to a 10w-40 engine oil may be
necessary. Another alternative that will provide excellent
all climate performance and extended time between oil
changes is a 15W-50 synthetic engine oil

The last sentence is the best way to go , it doubles the change time
I use a synthetic in my hydro never had a problem
Oz

[Oak]

Do not use Hy-Tran in the 3k series.

Rotella is what a lot of people use. I've used it in a bunch of my 3k machines and never had an issue.

What's leaking on your machine?

The bad....
I'm a big 3k fan but these machines always leak oil! O rings & axle seals are always an issue.

The good....
Depending on which deck you have, no other Cub Cadet will give as good of a cut as these machines do.

[pepperpikker]

Geez, with all my research, I keep changing my mind. Now, I guess I am back to the Rotella.

Are you saying I should go with the 15W-50 vs the 10W-40 or 15W40 Rotella? Should I make sure it is a synthetic?
I plan to use this as a utility tractor hauling a yard trailer. It is probably a bit big to use to mow my grass for my yard size. I have an LT1045 for that.

Can you provide a link to the specific product that you recommend and hopefully a source that I will have access to. amazon, Home Depot, Menards, Walmart, Blains Farm and Fleet, Tractor Supply, Mills Fleet Farm, etc....

[Oak]

This is from the service manual of your hydro pump. Any of these are fine.

Screenshot 2023-12-29 at 08-30-26 untitled - BLN-50327_P6.pdf.jpg

[pepperpikker]

Thanks, I have pretty much decided I will be going to the 10W-40 route. Would 15W-40 be acceptable?

[ol'George]

Just look at the chart and pick your operating range it's pretty simple