The John Deere Hy-Gard hydraulic fluid, available in J20C and J20D variants, is a trusted OEM formulation. However, when availability or pricing becomes a concern, several equivalent hydraulic fluids from leading brands meet or exceed John Deere’s performance specifications.
This post provides a comprehensive chart of John Deere hydraulic fluid equivalents, along with detailed explanations to help you choose the best match for your machine.
John Deere Hydraulic Fluid Equivalent Chart
| John Deere Fluid | Equivalent Brand | Product Name | Specification Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hy-Gard J20C | Mobil | Mobilfluid 424 | JDM J20C, Allison C-4 |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Shell | Spirax S4 TXM | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Chevron | THF 1000 | JDM J20C, Ford M2C134-D |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Valvoline | Unitrac Hydraulic Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Amsoil | Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Phillips 66 | PowerTran Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Traveller | Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Lucas Oil | Universal Hydraulic Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | NAPA | Premium UTF | JDM J20C, Case MS1209 |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Citgo | TransGard THF | JDM J20C, Massey Ferguson CMS M1141 |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Gulf Western | Universal Tractor Transmission Oil | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Texaco | TDH Premium Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Mystik | JT-5 Universal Trans-Hydraulic Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Petro-Canada | DURATRAN XL Synthetic Blend | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Wolf’s Head | Universal Tractor Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Kendall | Hyken 052 | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Conoco | PowerTran Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | New Holland (CNH) | Ambra Multi-G 134 | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | Fuchs | Agrifarm UTTO MP | JDM J20C |
| Hy-Gard J20C | ENEOS | Super Hydraulic Fluid | JDM J20C |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Mobil | Mobilfluid LT | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Shell | Spirax S4 TXM Arctic | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Amsoil | Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic Fluid | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Chevron | Synthetic All-Weather THF | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Valvoline | Ultra Low Temp THF | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Petro-Canada | DURATRAN Synthetic Arctic | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Mystik | JT-7 Multi-Purpose THF | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Phillips 66 | PowerTran LV | JDM J20D |
| Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D | Fuchs | Agrifarm UTTO S Synthetic | JDM J20D |
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Best John Deere Hydraulic Fluid Equivalents
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- Meets John Deere JDM J20C
- Superior wear protection and oxidation stability
- Ideal for both transmissions and hydraulics
- Meets JDM J20C
- Prevents brake chatter and clutch slippage
- Ensures smooth gear and hydraulic operation
3. Amsoil Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
- Meets J20C & J20D
- Exceptional cold-temperature performance
- Resists foaming and oxidation for longer drain intervals
4. Valvoline Unitrac Hydraulic Fluid
- Meets J20C
- Excellent frictional stability
- Reliable performance in wet brake systems
- Meets JDM J20C and Ford M2C134D
- Ensures quiet operation of wet brakes
- Great for heavy-duty farm and industrial applications
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Equipment Using Hy-Gard Fluid
| Equipment Type | Example Models | Recommended Fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Tractors | John Deere X300, X500, X700 | J20C / J20D (climate dependent) |
| Compact Tractors | John Deere 1025R, 2025R | J20C |
| Utility Tractors | John Deere 3032E, 5055E, 5075E | J20C |
| Skid Steers | John Deere 317G, 325G, 333G | J20D (cold) / J20C (normal) |
| Excavators | John Deere 35G, 50G, 85G | J20C |
| Combines | John Deere S670, S770 | J20C |
| Backhoes | John Deere 310L, 410L | J20C / J20D |
J20C vs. J20D – What’s the Difference
| Type | Description | Ideal Climate | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| J20C | Standard Hy-Gard, thicker viscosity | Normal to hot climates | Above -10°C (14°F) |
| J20D | Low-viscosity for cold flow | Cold to sub-zero conditions | Below -10°C (14°F) |
Related Bobcat Hydraulic Oil Equivalent Chart(Complete Guide)
Hydraulic Fluid Maintenance Tips
- Always clean the system before refilling.
- Replace both the filter and fluid during service.
- Do not mix J20C and J20D types.
- Regularly check for leaks and contamination.
- Warm up the machine before checking the fluid level accuracy.
FAQs
What hydraulic fluid is compatible with a John Deere tractor?
John Deere tractors are compatible with fluids that meet JDM J20C or JDM J20D specifications. Popular compatible brands include Mobilfluid 424, Shell Spirax S4 TXM, Valvoline Unitrac, and Chevron THF 1000. Always match the viscosity grade (J20C for regular, J20D for cold climates) to your tractor’s operating environment.
What is John Deere Hy-Gard equivalent to?
John Deere Hy-Gard is equivalent to several high-quality tractor hydraulic fluids, such as Mobilfluid 424, Shell Spirax S4 TXM, Amsoil Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic Fluid, and Valvoline Unitrac. These meet or exceed the JDM J20C/J20D standards used by John Deere.
What oil is compatible with John Deere oil?
Oils that meet the JDM J20C or JDM J20D performance standards are compatible with John Deere oil. Brands like Chevron, Phillips 66, Texaco, Mystik, and Wolf’s Head produce tractor hydraulic fluids that can safely replace John Deere Hy-Gard without affecting performance.
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Can you use ISO 46 hydraulic fluid in a tractor?
ISO 46 hydraulic oil can be used only if it meets the OEM’s viscosity and performance requirements, but it is not ideal for most John Deere tractors. John Deere’s Hy-Gard fluids (J20C/J20D) are multi-functional, serving both hydraulic and transmission systems, while ISO 46 is typically a straight hydraulic oil with no friction modifiers for wet brakes or clutches.
Can you mix 32 and 46 hydraulic oil for a tractor?
Mixing ISO 32 and ISO 46 hydraulic oils is not recommended unless they are the same brand and formulation. Mixing different grades changes the viscosity and can cause inconsistent hydraulic performance, especially in cold or hot temperatures. Always drain and refill with the correct grade to maintain optimal system performance.
What weight is John Deere hydraulic oil?
John Deere Hy-Gard J20C is roughly equivalent to an SAE 10W-30 oil in viscosity, while Low-Vis Hy-Gard J20D is closer to SAE 5W-20. The J20C grade is suited for warm conditions, and the J20D grade is designed for cold-weather operation where low-temperature flow is critical.
Final Thoughts
The John Deere Hydraulic Fluid Equivalent Chart provides many reliable options beyond the OEM Hy-Gard fluid. Whether you operate in cold, moderate, or high-temperature conditions, the right equivalent, such as Mobilfluid 424, Shell Spirax, or Amsoil Synthetic THF, ensures your machinery runs efficiently and lasts longer.
Proper fluid choice, maintenance, and adherence to JDM J20C/J20D specifications are key to maintaining smooth hydraulics and transmission systems across all John Deere equipment.
