CAT 420D - Alternatives to CAT transmission fluid?

[HandLogger]

Our old CAT 420D (FDPXXXXX) is well "broken in" now, so I'm looking for a good alternative to CAT transmission fluid when our next fluid/filter change is performed. CAT fluid has worked very well for us over the years, but, like anything else related to fluid now, it's proving to be cost prohibitive for us. Has anyone on the board found a good alternative to CAT transmission fluid that you would recommend?

Thank you kindly for your time...

 

[Nige]

Any oil from one of the major oil companies (Shell, Mobil, Conoco, etc) that meets Caterpillar TO-4 specification will work fine as a replacement for the Cat TDTO product.
Avoid anything with "tractor" in the name, either the product or the place that sells it.
Filters I prefer either OEM or Donaldson but others may have differing opinions.
It appears that Cat dealers often have promotions on oil/filters that aligns their pricing more with the competition. You need to look out for that. Obviously it depends from one dealer to another.

 

[HandLogger]

Thank you for the reply, Nigel.

Here's some information for the old CAT 420D owners out there. I did quite a bit of research and, in the end, I was surprised to find that our regional CAT dealer's parts department is competitive...and, no, I only wish that I had some affiliation with CAT.

If you need transmission fluid for your CAT 420D TLB, you should check into this ...you just might be surprised...

CAT P/N: 248-7521; NOMENCLATURE: TDTO 30 Transmission Fluid

By the way, the published fluid capacity for our transmission is 4.8 gallons, but there's no practical way to drain the torque converter during routine maintenance, so your mileage may vary.

 

[Bluox]

What have you been using?
Bob

 

[HandLogger]

What have you been using?
Bob

Hi, Bob. We're still below 4,000 hours, so the tranny has only been serviced a few times over the years. As we really used to worry about it, in particular, we had a local diesel mechanic take care of the transmission for us. I know that he used CAT fluid, but I never recorded the details. The guy I'm referring to is no longer around, so I wanted the 420D folks to know what I learned as we prepare to take care of this ourselves.

Do you own a 420D?

 

[Bluox]

Hi, Bob. We're still below 4,000 hours, so the tranny has only been serviced a few times over the years. As we really used to worry about it, in particular, we had a local diesel mechanic take care of the transmission for us. I know that he used CAT fluid, but I never recorded the details. The guy I'm referring to is no longer around, so I wanted the 420D folks to know what I learned as we prepare to take care of this ourselves.

Do you own a 420D?

No I just work on equipment.
You need to buy a O&M manual from Cat they are usually about 50 bucks.
You will have all the oil specs. and service info at your finger tips.
I don't know for sure which oil that tractor takes but I think it may be TDTO 10W.
But I bet if you call the Cat store and give them your serial number they can tell you and give you a price on a pail of oil and filters.
Bob

 

[HandLogger]

When I initially started the thread, I was convinced that CAT transmission fluid was out of our price range, but I was very surprised to find out that our CAT dealer was competitive, which is why I posted the information I got from our CAT dealer in Post No. 3. As I wrote, I just want the old CAT 420D owners on the DEF to know what my research turned up. Why use an alternative when the OEM fluid can be had at a competitive price?

 

[Queenslander]

Why use an alternative when the OEM fluid can be had at a competitive price?

And don’t forget to check their prices for filters, batteries and hydraulic hoses next time you need them.
Our dealer is very competitive on all those but I continually come across people who just assume the opposite without bothering to check.

 

[Clunky]

And don’t forget to check their prices for filters, batteries and hydraulic hoses next time you need them.
Our dealer is very competitive on all those but I continually come across people who just assume the opposite without bothering to check.

This is the truth. I went all over looking for a alternative to Cat's MPTF transmission fluid and when i finally checked CAT they were almost $30 LESS per 5 gallon pail than the run of the mill supply houses.