Case TCH Fluid Equivalent(For All Brands)

Case TCH fluid has been a trusted hydraulic and transmission oil for vintage Case tractors and equipment. Although it is still referenced in many operator manuals, the original formulation can be difficult to find today.

This guide explains what Case TCH fluid is, what to use instead, and provides a full table of equivalent fluids from major brands.

Case TCH Fluid Equivalent

BrandEquivalent Product NameTypeNotes
Case IHHy-Tran Premium / Hy-Tran UltractionHydraulic/TransmissionOfficial Case replacement for TCH; modern upgrade
MobilMobilfluid 424Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF)Meets many OEM specs for TCH-type fluids
MobilMobil DTE 15MHydraulic Oil ISO 46High-performance anti-wear hydraulic oil
ShellShell Tellus S2 M 46Hydraulic OilExcellent anti-wear and oxidation control
ShellSpirax S4 TXMTractor Transmission/Hydraulic FluidSuitable for older Case equipment
Chevron1000 THFTractor Hydraulic FluidAll-season universal tractor fluid equivalent
ChevronRykon 46AWHydraulic OilISO 46 anti-wear match
Phillips 66PowerTran FluidTHFCompatible with TCH applications
Phillips 66Triton 10W Hydraulic Oil10W HydraulicGood cold-flow performance
ValvolineValvoline Tractor Hydraulic FluidTHFFits a wide range of farm equipment
ValvolineVV935 46 Hydraulic OilISO 46Anti-wear hydraulic match
John DeereJ20C Hy-GardTractor Hydraulic/TransmissionClosest JD equivalent to TCH
John DeereLow Viscosity Hy-Gard (J20D)Low-viscosity THFCold-weather alternative
KubotaSuper UDT2Tractor Hydraulic FluidHighly refined THF alternative
CNHMAT 3540/MAT 3505 FluidsMulti-use THFMeets Case TCH performance range
Petro-CanadaDuratranTHFPremium long-life tractor fluid
Petro-CanadaHydrex AW 46Hydraulic OilISO 46 anti-wear formulation
MystikJT-5 Tractor Hydraulic FluidTHFSuitable for Case TCH applications
MystikJT-9 AW 46 Hydraulic FluidISO 46Anti-wear hydraulic
Tractor SupplyTraveller Universal Tractor FluidTHFCommon farm-store equivalent
O’ReillyO’Reilly Premium Tractor FluidTHFMeets most THF/TCH requirements
NAPANAPA 85-405 Tractor Hydraulic FluidTHFSuitable match for TCH
NAPANAPA AW 46 Hydraulic OilHydraulic OilISO 46 anti-wear fluid
CitgoCitgo TransGard Tractor FluidTHFDesigned for older tractors
CitgoCitgo AW 46 Hydraulic FluidISO 46Hydraulic equivalent
WarrenWarren Universal Tractor FluidTHFBudget-friendly TCH replacement
Lucas OilLucas Universal Tractor FluidTHFGood anti-wear and seal compatibility
AmsoilAmsoil Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission FluidPremium THFHigh-performance alternative
GulfGulf Harmony HVI 46Hydraulic OilISO 46 match
KendallHyken 052Hydraulic OilAnti-wear ISO 46 hydraulic oil
SchaefferSchaeffer 315 Simplex SupremeHydraulic OilKnown for high film strength

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Best Case TCH Fluid Equivalent

1. John Deere Hy-Gard Transmission & Hydraulic Oil

  • Multi-purpose fluid for hydraulics, transmissions, final drives, and wet brakes
  • Excellent anti-wear and corrosion protection
  • Smooth operation of wet brakes and clutches
  • Widely used as a dependable substitute for older tractor hydraulic oils

2. Shell Spirax S4 TXM Tractor Hydraulic & Transmission Fluid

  • Designed for hydraulic systems, transmissions, PTOs, and wet brakes
  • Strong oxidation resistance for longer service life
  • Helps reduce brake chatter and transmission noise
  • Suitable for mixed-fleet and older tractor applications

3. Mobilfluid 424 Tractor Hydraulic & Transmission Oil

  • Universal tractor fluid for hydraulic and power-shift systems
  • Good thermal stability under heavy working conditions
  • Protects gears, pumps, and bearings from wear
  • Commonly used where Case TCH-type fluids are specified

4. Chevron THF 1000 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid

  • All-purpose tractor hydraulic/transmission fluid
  • Reliable lubrication for wet brakes and clutches
  • Helps maintain a consistent hydraulic response
  • Suitable replacement for legacy Case hydraulic fluids

5. MAG 1 Universal Tractor Hydraulic & Transmission Fluid

  • Designed for hydraulics, transmissions, and wet brake systems
  • Provides solid pump and gear protection
  • Budget-friendly option for older tractors
  • Works well in general farm and utility equipment

Choosing the Right Case TCH Equivalent

1. For Older Tractors (1970s–1990s)

Use a universal tractor hydraulic fluid (UTHF) like:

  • Mobilfluid 424
  • Chevron 1000 THF
  • Hy-Gard

These give good transmission and hydraulic protection.

2. For Pure Hydraulic Systems Only

Use ISO 46 hydraulic oil like:

  • Shell Tellus S2 M 46
  • Mobil DTE 15M

These are excellent for loaders, pumps, and cylinders.

3. For Cold Weather

Choose a low-viscosity THF:

  • John Deere Low-Viscosity Hy-Gard
  • Kubota Super UDT2

They improve winter startup and pump lubrication.

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Case TCH vs Hy-Tran: What’s the Difference?

FeatureCase TCHHy-Tran
Intended UseOlder tractors/hydraulicsModern Case IH equipment
Viscosity~10W / ISO 32–46Multi-vis, high-performance
Friction ModifierBasicAdvanced, wet brake optimized
Moisture HandlingStandardSuperior water-handling
ReplacementMostly outdatedCurrent Case standard

What is Case TCH Fluid?

Case TCH fluid is a hydraulic transmission oil originally designed for older Case tractors, construction equipment, and power systems. It was formulated as a mid-viscosity, anti-wear lubricant suitable for:

  • Hydraulic systems
  • Power steering
  • Wet brakes
  • Torque converters
  • Power-shift transmissions

Case TCH fluid is not to be confused with Hy-Tran, although they are used in similar equipment. TCH is typically equivalent to a SAE 10W or ISO 32-46 hydraulic oil with enhanced anti-wear additives.

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Case TCH Fluid Specifications

Most Case TCH fluid substitutes meet or exceed:

  • ISO VG 32–46 viscosity range
  • SAE 10W / 10W-20
  • Anti-wear additive package (AW)
  • Rust & oxidation inhibitors
  • Good low-temperature flow
  • Compatible with older seals and pump materials

How to Replace Case TCH Fluid

  1. Warm the equipment so the fluid drains easily.
  2. Open the drain plug and drain completely.
  3. Remove and replace any hydraulic or suction filters.
  4. Flush with a small amount of new fluid (optional but helpful for dirty systems).
  5. Refill with your chosen TCH equivalent.
  6. Run the equipment, check for leaks, and top up.

FAQs

What does TCH fluid stand for?

TCH stands for Tractor, Crane, and Hydraulic fluid. It is a multi-purpose fluid designed by Case for older tractors and equipment to provide hydraulic, transmission, and wet brake lubrication in a single product.

Is the transfer case oil the same as transmission fluid?

Not always. While some tractors and equipment use the same fluid for both, transfer case oil often has different friction and viscosity properties than standard transmission fluid. Always check the manufacturer’s specification before using a substitute.

What is Case ETHB fluid?

Case ETHB is a high-performance hydraulic and transmission fluid designed for modern Case tractors and construction equipment. It is an updated alternative to TCH and Hy-Tran, offering better anti-wear properties, oxidation resistance, and protection for wet brakes.

What is the alternative to ISO 46?

ISO 46 hydraulic oil can be replaced by equivalent anti-wear tractor hydraulic fluids (THF) or other ISO 46 AW hydraulic oils from brands like Mobil, Shell, Chevron, or Valvoline. These provide similar viscosity and lubrication performance.

What kind of hydraulic fluid does a Case tractor use?

Older Case tractors originally used TCH fluid, while modern Case tractors often require Hy-Tran, ETHB, or other ISO 46 THF equivalents. The exact fluid depends on the tractor’s year, model, and whether it has wet brakes, power steering, or a power shift transmission.