D17 series IV

Am i correct in thinking that all hydraulic and rear end compartments except the outboard final drives use 821 fluid. Just got this tractor so I dont have any books for it yet and I havent been around a D17 in 45 years

The original factory series IV operation manual calls for sae 80 ep gear oil in transmission, finals, and steering support (manual steering). I believe most folks use universal tractor hydraulic and transmission fluid (UTF) in the hydraulic and power director compartments. I’ve heard some use UTF in transmission too, but i opted for 80w-90. Power steering models take ATF in the front support.

You can confidently use modern day trans/hydraulic fluid in EVERY compartment on that tractor with no problems, including the power steering and final drives. That type of oil is good enough for 600 HP tractors of today, why wouldn't it be good enough for a 53 HP tractor from 60 years ago?? Some seem to forget ( or just don't know) that the early 170 tractors (same tranny as a series 4) used 80/90 weight gear oil in the transmission and in about 1970 factory fill became 821/821XL oil. Not one single change to the transmission. Just an upgrade in the oil they used.

Edited by DrAllis - 08 Mar 2024 at 6:14am