Are you struggling with a Bobcat hydraulic equivalent? Many Bobcat owners want to save on maintenance costs by shifting to a hydraulic fluid equivalent. This guide will walk you through the Bobcat hydraulic oil equivalent chart and how to choose the right fluid for your Bobcat hydraulic systems.
What Is Bobcat Hydraulic/Hydraustatic Fluid?
The orange Bobcat Premium hydraulic/hydraustatic fluid is a unique custom-blended fluid from the finest base oils and additives to meet Bobcat Engineering’s high-performance requirements, long life and extreme conditions as well as reliability specifications for compact equipment. This type of hydraulic fluid provides optimum flow and excellent stability during periods of subzero temperature or high-temperature use. Bobcat hydraulic/hydraustatic fluid comes in four convenient sizes: 1-gallon jug, 2.5-gallon jug, 5-gallon pails, and 55-gallon drums. They are popular among heavy equipment owners for the following:
- Excellent rust prevention capabilities
- Special anti-foaming agent
- Extreme amounts of anti-wear additives
Bobcat Hydraulic Oil Equivalent Chart
| Bobcat Fluid Name | Viscosity (ISO VG) | Equivalent Brand | Equivalent Product | Oil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat Max Performance Warm Climate | ISO 46 | Mobil | DTE 20 Ultra 46 | Mineral |
| Bobcat Max Performance Warm Climate | ISO 46 | Chevron | Rando HD 46 | Mineral |
| Bobcat Max Performance Warm Climate | ISO 46 | Shell | Tellus S2 MX 46 | Mineral |
| Bobcat Max Performance Cool Climate | ISO 32 | Chevron | Rando HDZ 32 | Mineral |
| Bobcat Max Performance Cool Climate | ISO 32 | Shell | Tellus S2 VX 32 | Mineral |
| Bobcat Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Fluid | ISO 46 | Amsoil | Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (ATH) | Synthetic |
| Bobcat Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Fluid | ISO 46 | Mobil | DTE 10 Excel 46 | Synthetic |
| Bobcat Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid | ISO 46 | Renewable Lubricants | Bio-Hydraulic 46 | Biodegradable |
| Bobcat AW32 Hydraulic Oil (Legacy) | ISO 32 | Mobil | DTE 20 Ultra 32 | Mineral |
| Bobcat AW68 Hydraulic Oil (Legacy) | ISO 68 | Shell | Tellus S2 MX 68 | Mineral |
How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Fluid for Your Bobcat?
When selecting the hydraulic fluid for your Bobcat equipment, you must consider the following factors:
- Match the ISO viscosity
- Consider the temperature range
- Synthetic or Mineral
- 10W30 or ISO 46
- Tractor hydraulic fluid or regular hydraulic oil
- Consult the machine manual for OEM specs
Hydraulic Oil Viscosity Explained
Viscosity refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. For most Bobcat machines, ISO VG 46 is the right option. It is a mid-weight hydraulic oil suitable for most climates. Using the wrong viscosity of hydraulic fluid can damage your pumps and other hydraulic components.
Bobcat Hydraulic Oil Temperature Chart
The picture below shows the hydraulic oil temperature chart. Its main purpose is to instruct the operator to choose the proper hydraulic oil type according to the actual temperature.
*Sourced from Bobcat Equipment
- If you often work during spring, summer and autumn or in a warmer southern area, choose warm climate hydraulic oil (Usually ISO VG 46 or 68).
- If you live in cold climates, choose to use cold climate hydraulic oil (Usually ISO VG 32 or 46).
- If you live in a state where the temperature stays between the overlapping -9°C to 32°C, you can use both types of fluid.
- It’s recommended to choose the hydraulic oil that best meets the temperature range where you most often work and shift to cold climate fluid in winter.
Why Use Max Performance Hydraulic Fluid?
The Bobcat Max Performance Hydraulic Fluid is built for most advanced equipment working in the toughest conditions. Featuring the properties of superior flow, fast startup protection, and wear resistance, it can handle extreme temperatures, heavy workloads and dirty job sites, ensuring the extended life of your hydraulic system. For better protection, reduced downtime and reliable performance, please choose from quality fluid engineered specifically for your Bobcat equipment.
Top Factors to Consider Before Replacing Oil
- Machine Age: Older units may benefit from synthetic oil
- Usage Frequency: Heavily used machines need high-resistance oil
- Weather Conditions: Use low pour point oil in freezing temperatures
- Brand Compatibility: Always use fluids that meet or exceed Bobcat specs.
Tips for Hydraulic Oil Maintenance
- Check oil levels weekly
- Inspect for leaks regularly
- Replace filters on the schedule
- Avoid mixing brands unless confirmed compatible
- Store oil in a dry, clean area
See Related: How To Check Bobcat Hydraulic Fluid Level?
Final Words
Choosing the right hydraulic fluid needs to consider the factors listed in this blog. Using the wrong hydraulic fluid could bring many unexpected problems. Before changing the hydraulic fluid for your Bobcat equipment, always consult your owner’s manual for hydraulic fluid specifications. If you’re servicing your Bobcat skid steer, we carry a vast lineup of quality skid steer parts and other replacement parts for your Bobcat equipment. Explore now and enjoy your new rig sooner.
FAQs
What hydraulic fluid does Bobcat equipment use?
Bobcat machines usually use ISO VG46 hydraulic oil. It is also known as AW46 or ISO 46.
Can you use AW46 in a Bobcat?
Yes. You can use AW46 hydraulic oil in your Bobcat equipment if it meets the viscosity and performance requirements of the OEM fluid. Always check your machine’s operator manual for the recommended oil type.
What is ISO46 equivalent to hydraulic oil?
ISO 46 is a viscosity grade for hydraulic oil defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO). It’s equivalent to AW46 hydraulic oil (common North American label). This is a mid-range thickness oil suitable for temperatures between -20°F to 120°F and ideal for loaders, excavators and backhoes.
Can I use AW-32 hydraulic oil in a Bobcat?
Yes. You can choose AW32 hydraulic oil for your Bobcat if it’s the correct viscosity grade specified for your model’s operating temperature.
Is ATF compatible with hydraulic fluid?
No. ATF is not a recommended replacement for hydraulic oil for Bobcat, as ATF has different additive packages, viscosity levels and detergents.
