The Complete Guide to Hydraulic Oil at Tractor Supply (2024)

Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Hydraulic Fluid

As a proud owner of various tractors, implements, and other farm equipment, I know firsthand how important using the right hydraulic oil is for optimal performance and longevity. After all, hydraulics are the lifeblood that power so many components on agricultural and construction machinery. That’s why I rely onTractor Supplyas my go-to source for quality hydraulic fluids for all my needs.

In this post, I’ll give you the complete lowdown on the wide range of hydraulic oils available at Tractor Supply. Whether you need a standard mineral oil or a high-tech fully synthetic, TSC has you covered. I’ll also share some tips on selecting the right hydraulic fluid for your specific equipment, proper maintenance, and more. Let’s dive in!

An Impressive Selection of Hydraulic Oil Grades and Types

One of the great things about Tractor Supply is the huge variety of hydraulic fluid options on their shelves. They carry all the major types and grades you could need:

• Mineral-based oils:These conventional hydraulic oils use a petroleum oil base stock. You’ll find everything from basic general purpose types to anti-wear and high viscosity index mineral hydraulic fluids.
• Biodegradable oils:For environmentally friendly options, TSC has hydraulic oils made from plant-based stocks like canola or soybean oil.
• Synthetic hydraulic fluids:For the ultimate in performance, I rely on Tractor Supply’s full synthetic hydraulic oils made from synthesized hydrocarbons. They provide superb protection across a wide temperature range.
• ISO grades:Tractor Supply stocks hydraulic fluids adhering to the ISO viscosity grading system. Common grades are ISO 32, 46, and 68.
• AW grades:You can also find hydraulic oils following the older AW classification which denotes properties like anti-wear performance. AW32 and AW46 are typical grades.

So whether I need an all-purpose mineral oil for my log splitter or a synthetic gear/hydraulic oil for my tractor transmission, Tractor Supply has me covered.

Hydraulic Oil Pricing: Value Options to Heavy Duty Formulas

The prices for hydraulic oil at Tractor Supply are very reasonable, especially considering the quality you get. Of course, pricing depends on the specific type and size of container.

On the value end, you can get a gallon of standard ISO 46 mineral-based hydraulic oil for around $10-15 in the TSC store brand. The premium synthetics can range from $20-50+ per gallon depending on extreme temperature performance requirements.

Tractor Supply really shines when you buy in bulk. I can get a 5-gallon pail of hydraulic fluid for close to $50-60, saving me a ton per gallon compared to individual quarts. For a 55-gallon drum of hydraulic oil, pricing is extremely affordable in the $300-500 range.

Some other great deals are:

• Multi-quart packs of ISO 68 hydraulic oil for under $25
• Sales around holidays where hydraulic fluid is 10-20% off
• Special buys on high-quality name brand hydraulic oils

So if you’re looking for an affordable reliable source for hydraulic oil, it’s hard to beat Tractor Supply’s combination of selection, bulk pricing, and frequent sales.

Helpful Product Information for Choosing the Right Hydraulic Fluid

With so many types of hydraulic oil to choose from, it can get confusing selecting the right fluid for your equipment. Thankfully, Tractor Supply makes the process easier by providing helpful product descriptions and specifications right on the bottle or container.

Here are some of the key details to look for when choosing hydraulic oil at Tractor Supply:

• Viscosity grade– This indicates the oil’s resistance to flow, with higher numbers meaning thicker oil. ISO, AW, and SAE grades are used.
• VI or viscosity index– The higher this number, the more stable the oil viscosity across temperature changes. Look for 100+ if operating in wide temperature swings.
• Pour point– The lowest temperature the oil will flow before thickening. Check your climate and operating temps.
• Flash point– The temperature when the oil gives off flammable vapors. Look for 400°F or more for safety.
• Additives– Detergents, anti-wear agents, corrosion inhibitors, and more that enhance performance.
• Manufacturer approvals– OEM certifications like John Deere, Caterpillar, Case IH indicate oil has been tested for a brand’s equipment.

By carefully matching Tractor Supply hydraulic fluid specs like these to your specific machine, you can be confident you’re choosing the optimal product.

Helpful Hints for Hydraulic Oil Selection

Beyond just looking at specifications, here are some other handy tips for selecting hydraulic oil:

• For heavy equipment like excavators and backhoes, I recommend a viscosity grade one step higher than the OEM specifies, for a little extra protection during demanding work.
• If your manual just says “use tractor hydraulic fluid”, an ISO 46 or 68 multi-purpose oil will do for light-duty applications.
• For really cold climates, using ISO 15W or 10W oils helps avoid thickening up in frigid temps.
• Change intervals can typically be extended with premium synthetics, but follow OEM guidelines to be safe.
• Don’t mix mineral and synthetic oils, as they aren’t compatible. Stick with one type.
• Consider biodegradable fluids for equipment used near waterways and environmentally sensitive areas.

And as always, the experts at Tractor Supply can guide you if you have any questions! Their hydraulic oil knowledge is second to none.

Handling Hydraulic Oil Safely

While incredibly useful, hydraulic oil can be hazardous if mishandled. Tractor Supply stocks a range of accessories to help you handle hydraulic fluids safely:

• Funnelswith long flexible spouts make pouring easier with less spills. Look for wideset legs for stability.
• Pumps and extractorslet you vacuum used fluid from reservoirs neatly and cleanly.
• Drum pumpsmake transferring bulk hydraulic oil from 55-gallon drums quick and easy.
• Spill containmentlike drain pans, absorption pads and spill pillows help contain any leaks or drips.
• Transfer containers and fluid caddiessimplify carrying hydraulic oil from place to place on the farm.
• Gloves and eye protectionshould always be worn when handling hydraulic fluid.
• Oil filtersshould be changed regularly as they collect damaging contaminates.

Following basic safety practices like these is crucial when dealing with hydraulic systems. Tractor Supply has all the right gear to help you work safely.

Maintaining Your Hydraulic Equipment

To get the longest service life from hydraulic components, proper maintenance is a must. Here are some of my best tips:

• Stick to OEM fluid recommendations– Don’t try to save a few bucks on cheap oil. It will cost you more in repairs down the road.
• Regular oil analysiscan detect contamination and fluid breakdown. Annual tests let you spot issues before equipment fails.
• Change filters per the schedule– Clogged filters starve components of clean oil. Sticking to filter change intervals is cheap insurance.
• Address leaks quickly– Small drips can quickly turn into major failures. Fix any leaks the moment you spot them.
• Fluid evacuation systemslike Vacu-extractors can pull used oil out easily for fluid changes. No mess!
• Clean reservoirs thoroughlywhen changing fluid to avoid contaminating new oil.
• Double gasketson reservoir caps help avoid leaks. Replace worn gaskets during oil changes.

Do proper maintenance like this, and your hydraulic equipment will deliver years of trouble-free service.

Get Expert Hydraulic Oil Advice

One reason I love Tractor Supply is the outstanding expertise their employees offer. Whenever I have any questions about selecting or maintaining hydraulic systems, their staff is ready with helpful advice.

Some examples of the great guidance I’ve received:

• Diagnosing the source of contamination when oil samples showed excessive particle counts
• Recommending the ideal viscosity grade for my track loader that experiences wide temperature swings
• Suggesting the optimal change interval for the hydraulic oil in my log splitter based on hours of use
• Explaining the benefits of switching to synthetic fluid for longer service life
• Walking me through the entire fluid evacuation and refill process the first time I changed hydraulic oil myself

Whether you’re an experienced equipment operator or new to hydraulics, the team at Tractor Supply has the answers. Their years of hands-on experience are invaluable.

Convenience and Savings of Online Ordering

One last thing I love about Tractor Supply is the ability to order hydraulic fluids online for free in-store pickup.

After browsing the huge selection on TractorSupply.com, I can reserve exactly the oil I need and pick it up at my local store. No wandering the aisles or hoping they have enough inventory in stock.

Even better, online prices are often discounted 5-10% compared to the shelf price. And TSC runs online-only promotions on hydraulic oil regularly.

Ordering online and picking up in-store is easier than ever with Tractor Supply’s app. I simply open the app, select my store, purchase hydraulic oil, and get instant status updates. Then I head to the store when I get the “Ready for Pickup” notification. Quick and convenient!

Tractor Supply Has the Hydraulic Oil You Need

Whether I’m servicing a giant combine in the fields or changing the fluid on my log splitter in the driveway, Tractor Supply provides the right hydraulic oil for the job at a great price.

With their unmatched selection, maintenance products, safety gear, and expert advice, they truly are a one-stop-shop for all my hydraulic fluid needs. I hope this guide gives you the information you need to choose the ideal hydraulic oil for your own equipment.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my tractor hydraulic reservoir is almost bone dry. Time for a trip to my local Tractor Supply store to stock up on some good quality hydraulic oil before hay season gets into full swing!