Isn’t it daunting to choose the right hydraulic oil when you have a myriad of options at your disposal? And not to forget the information minefield.
Here, we will be talking about things you should know about buying the best oil for your machine.
Specifically, you will also learn about “what kind of hydraulic oil does a Bad Boy mower take?”
Let’s dig deeper starting with the basics.
Hydraulic Oil – An Introduction
It’s a non-compressible fluid that carries power inside hydraulic equipment and machinery. Also referred to as hydraulic fluid, it can be mineral- or synthetic-based.
In addition to the power transfer application, this fluid also serves as a coolant, lubricant, and sealant within the machine.
How do hydraulic systems work?
Hydraulic oil plays a primary role in transferring power within a hydraulic system from one to the other end across components.
It starts working when an external force is applied to the hydraulic fluid such as from a piston in the cylinder. Being non-compressible, the oil gets a push.
This push exerts a force on the desired part when the oil goes through the hydraulic system.
Although, force normally causes compression. And that’s what defines the key property of hydraulic oil, which is non-compressibility.
While liquids are also compressible to some extent, it is negligible in terms of hydraulic oils.
What is hydraulic oil used for?
Hydraulic fluids find several applications in different industries. Here are some examples where hydraulic oils are used in machines and equipment.
- Log splitters: Log splitter uses hydraulic fluid to offer immense power to the ram mechanism for splitting wood logs.
- Wright standers: It’s a type of stand-on mower used in cemeteries and restrictive grassy locations. These machines use the oil for their hydraulic part.
- Forklift trucks: The hydraulic system in forklift stackers and trucks powers the powerful forks for lifting heavy goods.
- Automotive lifts: The car lift needs hydraulic jack oil to work with the great power range. The performance and safety of this machinery depend a lot on the oil.
- Snow plows: Hydraulic oil is important for plowing equipment that supports the powerful tilt, lift, and blade angle operations. However, you should use a fluid that comes with antifreeze additives considering the cold weather situations of their use.
- Aircraft: In the aviation sector, hydraulic oil is utilized in the aviation control system, aircraft jacks, aircraft controls, and aircraft hangar doors.
- Skid steers: Skid steer machines are versatile and so is the hydraulic oil used in them. The oil supports a myriad of operations this machine can efficiently complete.
- Tractors: Hydraulic oil is an essential component of the functioning of hydraulic brakes and agricultural vehicles. For tractors, use oil from a reputed supplier to ensure proper care and protection of the machine.
- Air tools: Air compressors and air tools need hydraulic oil with high pressure that features anti-wear additives for some protection.
- Marine industry: Hydraulic oil is utilized in marine vessels for stabilizers. Besides, many other marine vessel applications need hydraulic oil to operate.
How to Select the Right Hydraulic Oil?
Do you own a Bad Boy mower? Want to know what kind of hydraulic oil does a Bad Boy mower take?
Let’s explore factors that help identify the best hydraulic oil for your machine.
Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to change in temperature. It is closely related to the temperature range of the oil.
As the temperature increases, the viscosity of oil plummets and vice versa. Thus, assessing the viscosity index of hydraulic oil is important.
For a fluid with a low viscosity index, a change in temperature will impact it more as compared to a highly viscous oil.
Density
The density of the hydraulic oil is the ratio of the mass to the volume of the area it takes. It is the oil’s core property that impacts an equipment’s performance.
A highly dense hydraulic fluid enables containment removal and suspension. In this way, it helps increase the contamination control of the hydraulic system.
Anti-wear properties
There are 2 kinds of anti-wear additives – Zinc-free and Zinc-based. The former is an eco-friendly option but the latter is more popular.
Also, investing in rust inhibitor-equipped fluids is important. They reduce corrosion by making a thin layer on the metal surface.
Heavy-duty oils feature anti-wear additives with high performance to bear extreme temperatures. And, you can use them in various industries.
Know What the OEM Recommends
Every manufacturer provides specifications for the machine and oil to use with it. You might need to follow instructions to avoid a warranty void.
However, for some applications or conditions like extreme temperature, you should use another oil than recommended.
Doing this helps enhance the performance and reliability of the hydraulic system.
What Kind of Hydraulic Oil does a Bad Boy Mower Take?
Yes, we know. You are looking for an answer to “what kind of hydraulic oil does a Bad Boy mower take?”
Bad Boy recommends using hydrostatic oil for their mowers. For these machines, you can use synthetic or conventional 20W-50 engine oil.
However, not all mowers are the same. So, it’s advised to get suggestions from suppliers or check with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
FAQ’s
Is there a difference between hydraulic oil and hydraulic fluid?
Yes. They are different. Hydraulic fluid is responsible for the transfer of energy in systems like hydraulic brakes, garbage trucks, backhoes, and excavators.
However, a flammable fluid that helps transfer energy inside the hydraulic system is hydraulic oil.
How do you change the hydrostatic fluid on a Bad Boy mower?
Generally, changing the hydrostatic fluid is not essential. However, if the drive system needs some internal repair or service, you would need to change the fluid.
And, to change it, you can follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Or you can let a professional do the job.
How much hydraulic fluid does a Bad Boy mower take?
The gas engine range of Bad Boy uses 10w30 oil with a capacity of 2 quarts. And, It is recommended to change the filter and oil after using it for 50 hours.