cold weather hydraulic fluid-need advice

[breese]

I need to run my logsplitter all winter in upstate NY.  Usually outside working in temps as low as zero.  It seems like it takes about 1/2 an hour to warm things up before the splitter starts working.  Is there a specific hydraulic fluid recommended for cold temps?
Running a 9hp honda on a Lafont splitter.
Thanks. 

[Burlkraft]

I run AW32 in mine...seems ta work fine.   ;D

[Kevin]

Heat the fluid, that's what we do for our bucket trucks during the winter months.

[submarinesailor]

I would find an AMSOIL dealer in your area and get some of their synthetic hydraulic oil.   Their "AWG" with an ISO 22 rating is the one I recommend.  It has a "Pour Point" of -76 F degrees was tested per ASTM D-97.

Bruce

[pep]

I would use a 0W30 motor oil.  I know of a Pipeline Contractor that uses 0W30 as hydraulic oil in all their Cat Equipment  in the winter.  Also use it in the engines.  Any temp over -30 the machines run all night. 

Cheers  Pep

[KENROD]

  You can also "cut" the hydrolic fluid with ATF, or even use staight
ATF. But that can get $$$.

[breese]

Thanks for the help.

[Tom]

more and more of the small engine/hydraulic systems are recommending Dextron III.  I get it from Sam's Wholesale club for no more than the Hydraulic oil.  For some reason the quart containers, by the case, are cheaper than a 5 gal. bucket for equal quantities.