ATF in lift?

[David in VA]

Bought an Eagle two post lift and had their recommended installer put it in yesterday. They filled the reservoir with ATF, even showed me what to put in if needed. After they left, I read the instruction manual and of course it says in big bold letters "Use ISO-32 or AW-32, never use ATF in this lift". Does anybody know how big of an issue this is? I'm tempted to just replace the fluid, has any damage been done?

Thanks
David

 

[DARK AGE 53]

Before using the lift I would call the installer first and ask them why they didn't follow the instructions, also call Eagle and see what they say....do not give them your name...using the wrong fluid might void your warranty. Keep us updated.

 

[srmofo]

Every lift I have ever used gets atf. they might have a specialty fluid, but I'm guessing your fine.

 

[Professur]

Check the ATF bottle and see if either of those 2 names is also on it. There's lots of types of ****** fluid.

 

[hydramatic]

ATF is to acidic, according to the instructions on our lift at work..premature seal failure..

 

[pattenp]

I'm here in the Richmond area and got my 2 post lift through Myers Tire Supply but the installer was Automotive Shop Equipment here in Richmond. I was not too impressed with the two guys that did the install. I had to continually point out things they were doing wrong. They wouldn't even look at the instructions until after I commented that they needed to read the directions. One guy commented that he'd been installing lift for years and I said yeah.. apparently wrong. My comment didn't set to well with him.

Just don't let it slide, you really need to check with the installer and see what they say about the instructions saying not to use ATF.

 

[David in VA]

Well, I called Eagle and they said no harm done but do change it out for what's specified in the manual. Will be doing it myself this time. pattenp, this was not either of the names you mentioned, they came in from Fredericksburg.

 

[chris142]

Our lift recomends a few hydraulic oils by name. Then it says that ATF may be used is the preferred oils are not available and it cautions you not to mix the 2.

 

[pattenp]

I imagine that's going to be a pain to get the ATF out. Seems to me you'd have to run through several gals of Hydraulic fluid to flush out the ATF.

 

[Boiler]

We use ATF in some cylinder applications when certain customers require it. Some of these customers are very large, well respected outfits too.

Not saying its ok for that lift, but the use of ATF to extend cylinders doesn't automatically mean its a hack job.

 

[mmb617]

A quote from the installation manual for my Bendpak.

"Make sure the power unit reservoir is full with four (4) gallons of 10-WT hydraulic oil or Dextron-III automatic transmission fluid."

So ATF is obviously suitable at least to some lift manufacturers.

I used the hydraulic oil though.

 

[ptschram]

I have had ATF in my lift for going on five years.

Hasn't killed me yet.

 

[nehog]

My Rotary says either hydraulic oil or ATF... I used ATF.

 

[jethro29]

at work we have two forward lifts,one hunter rack and one challenger lift and we run atf in all four with no problems at all.at home i use atf in mychallenger also with no issues.

 

[Ign]

A quote from the installation manual for my Bendpak.

"Make sure the power unit reservoir is full with four (4) gallons of 10-WT hydraulic oil or Dextron-III automatic transmission fluid."

Did you catch where elsewhere in the manual it says 12 quarts? BP needs to proof their literature, or figure out how to convert quarts to gallons.

 

[Perryk]

I contacted my lift maker and they said AW32 is recommended.....and ATF will work if its the only thing available.

If you have a Sams club close, I think I paid $38 for the 5 gallon bucket.

 

[David in VA]

Looks like it's not terrible but I'd probably rather have the specified fluid, if anything for warranty purposes. Perryk, I do have a Sam's Club close, thanks for the tip. Thanks everyone for your input.

David

 

[SteveU]

ATF is what my Mohawk has in it & is the recommended fluid if I remember right. It sits in an unheated space & has been used from close to 0* to 100* with no problems. I will run a salamander to warm the space when working on something but the fluid is still plenty cold and has never gave a problem lifting anything I've had on it.

 

[mmb617]

Did you catch where elsewhere in the manual it says 12 quarts? BP needs to proof their literature, or figure out how to convert quarts to gallons.

I think I do remember seeing that. I went to Tractor Supply and they had 5 gallons buckets of hydraulic oil on sale so that's what I bought. It took most of it so I'd say 4 gallons is probably correct.

 

[dennis111]

Places like Advance Auto and Autozone also carry the 5 gallon buckets of AW32. Cheaper than ATF. I used about 3.5 gallons in my off shore made lift.