The Dirt on Maintenance Pro Tip #3: Hydraulic Fluid 101 - What Every Equipment Owner Should Know
Hydraulic Fluid 101: What Every Equipment Owner Should Know
Hydraulic fluid is essential to the performance and longevity of your Bobcat equipment. From powering lift arms to keeping components cool and protected, it plays a bigger role than most operators realize.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain the basics, why fluid choice matters, and which two Bobcat hydraulic fluids are ideal for machines working in South Florida.
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What Is Hydraulic Fluid?
Hydraulic fluid (or hydraulic oil) is a specially formulated liquid used in hydraulic systems to transmit power. When the fluid is pressurized, it moves components such as cylinders and motors, enabling your equipment to lift, dig, push, and move.
But it’s more than just a power transmitter. Hydraulic fluid also:
- Lubricates moving parts to reduce wear
- Cools the system by carrying heat away
- Seals components to prevent leaks
- Protects against rust and corrosion
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⚠️ Why Using the Right Fluid Matters
Using the wrong hydraulic fluid — or neglecting to change it — can result in:
- Poor system performance
- Increased wear and tear
- Overheating
- Component failure
Over time, contaminated or degraded fluid loses its ability to lubricate and cool properly. This puts your system at risk for breakdowns and costly repairs.
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Bobcat Hydraulic Fluids: Built for Your Machine
Bobcat offers a premium lineup of hydraulic fluids specifically engineered for Bobcat equipment. Designed by Bobcat engineers and fluid manufacturers, these fluids provide unmatched protection, performance, and uptime — no matter the climate.
To suit the demands of South Florida’s warm climate, we offer and recommend:
• Bobcat Max Performance – Warm Climate (Red) – Ideal for high-heat environments, this fluid maximizes protection and flow in current models, including R-Series machines.
• Bobcat Proven Performance (Orange) – A value-focused option for older, non-current models used in lighter applications.
Always refer to your equipment manual to find the correct hydraulic fluid type and grade recommended by the manufacturer.
✅ Using non-approved hydraulic fluid can result in poor performance and may void your warranty.
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When Should You Check or Change Hydraulic Fluid?
Here are some general best practices:
- Check fluid levels daily before operation (as part of your walkaround inspection).
- Change hydraulic fluid as recommended in your service manual — typically every 1,000 hours or annually, depending on usage and conditions.
- Replace hydraulic filters regularly to keep the system clean.
- Watch for signs of trouble, like slow operation, strange noises, or dark/discolored fluid.
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Pro Tips to Maintain Your Hydraulic System
- Use only approved fluids that meet your equipment’s specifications.
- Keep your hydraulic fluid clean — contamination is the #1 cause of hydraulic system failure.
- Store fluid properly — sealed, upright, and away from extreme temperatures or moisture.
- Bleed the system if air gets in after service — air bubbles can damage components and reduce efficiency.
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Bobcat Owners: We’ve Got You Covered
We carry Bobcat-approved hydraulic fluids and filters to ensure your machine gets exactly what it needs. Not sure when your last service was? Stop by or give us a call — we’ll help you stay ahead of downtime.
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Final Thoughts
Hydraulic fluid might not be the flashiest part of your machine, but it’s one of the most important. Take care of it, and it will take care of you — delivering smooth, powerful performance every day on the job.
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Need help finding the right hydraulic fluid? Contact our parts team or schedule a service today!