4-post lift hydraulic fluid

[Lin]

I am installing a four post lift in the garage. The manufacturer requires EITHER standard 10 weight, non foaming, non detergent hydraulic oil, OR Dexron-III ATF Fluid.

For those who have lifts or knowledge of this issue, is there any reason to prefer one fluid over the other?

Thanks,
Lin

 

[TimK]

Lin, I think you are overthinking this. If the manufacturer says you can use either, use either. I doubt you will be testing the limits of this equipment any where near to what they do in a professional shop. I'd go with the easiest available, which is probably Dexron-III ATF fluid.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Interesting, BOTH of my lifts, and all others I've ever been associated with, have all used hydraulic jack oil.

Essentially, all you're looking for is a non-compressible liquid; if it didn't cause everything to rust, we'd all use water! Note: calibrating instrumentation transmitters in municipal water treatment plants, I actually DID use water in my hydraulic pumps/gauges, etc., as adding "oil" (however minute an amount) is frowned upon in city-water systems!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Go to the nearest farm implement/tractor store and you'll find the best bargain.

 

[3798j]

Hydraulic oil labeled "AW32" is 10W. The "AW" stands for anti-wear. As Trevor Jessie suggested, Tractor Supply sells it in 2 and 5 gal. containers.

 

[Lin]

Thanks, everyone! Jay, you seem to favor red as much as I do.
Lin