OEM vs. universal hydraulic fluid?

[Alan]

Been looking at hydraulic fluids, like the ones from the manufacturer and the all-purpose kinds. What do you all use for the long haul? Have you noticed any actual changes in how long seals last, how pumps wear down and how things start up when it's cold?

 

[reidenbach03]

I’ve used MasterGold in my T5 for years and never had problems with seals. I tried a general fluid once and the lift was slower on cold mornings. Do you work in freezing weather or just chilly fall days?

 

[Alan]

It's been mostly chilly fall days around here, but I've also noticed that non-specific fluids can cause similar cold-start delays.

 

[Axel]

We only run OEM oil in our T7s

 

[Alan]

Yeah, that makes sense. OEM's usually reliable, especially when it's cold. I've noticed some of the generic brands get slow and thick when the weather gets chilly.