UTTO and STOU oils – what is their multifunctionality?

Among the oils designed for agricultural machinery, there are multifunctional oils in two categories: UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) and STOU (Super Tractor Oil Universal). They are characterized by different properties, but the purpose of using them is the same: one oil for several applications is to extend the life of moving parts of mechanisms to ensure productivity in the field. With a reduced amount of oil used.

What exactly are UTTO and STOU lubricants

UTTO and STOU multi-purpose oils improve the operation of almost any agricultural machine. The former are referred to as hydraulic-transmission oils, and the latter are called hydraulic-transmission-motor oils. A special feature of both types is that they allow the so-called wet brakes to work properly.

UTTO oil, often found in agricultural tractors, for example, is mainly adapted to provide all functions in the gearbox and hydraulic system. There are solutions in which it also lubricates the differentials or the portal gears.

On the other hand, a variety of the product with the designation STOU can also be used in the engine. This oil facilitates balanced lubricant management. It reduces the amount of lubricants needed for a machine to the maximum, and it is often even possible to use one product for multiple machines. Versatility is therefore its greatest advantage.

Basic difference between traditional and multifunctional oils

UTTO and STOU oils give all friction systems immersed in oil baths the ability to do their job, meaning both brakes and clutches. At the same time, they guarantee optimum strength of friction linings and proper heat dissipation. In addition, they eliminate unpleasant squeaks or crackles.

Unlike conventional gear or engine oils, some multifunctional agents have a lower tendency to foam, which is important in the context of use as a hydraulic oil.

On packages of UTTO and STOU oils, you can most often find SAE, API classifications and a whole range of manufacturers’ standards. Sometimes, in addition, they contain the note “universal”. You should be aware that these are products whose parameters were created to meet a variety of applications. Making such an oil is not easy.
The space on the lubricated surface is limited, so it is impossible to increase a certain additive indefinitely. It will simply take up space for the next one. Moreover, some additives can cancel each other’s effects. So the finished multifunctional product is a very complicated formulation.

Why choose multifunctional oils?

High-quality formulations of this type significantly improve the efficiency of daily and intensive operation of such systems and parts as hydraulic systems, engine, clutches and transmissions. A properly selected universal lubricant effectively protects all drive components in an agricultural machine with a common lubrication system. Thus, it extends their service life. And all this is possible with one STOU product instead of several: engine, transmission and hydraulic separately.

Returning to the formulation, it can be said that it is saturated with additives. Viscosifiers, antioxidants, anti-foaming and cleaning additives are just a few examples. All this is done to ensure proper operation and durability of the drivetrain.

When selecting a product, it is crucial to meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is worth choosing a high-end oil. This way we can be sure that the lubricant will work properly in extremely high temperatures, which are not lacking in the summer season. It is worth choosing a lubricant with a wide operating temperature range. Some agricultural machinery can be used for auxiliary work in late autumn or early spring. Some agricultural tractors are used as plows in winter. Better oil fluidity ensures easier starting and lower operating resistance.

Today, automatic modern transmissions are becoming increasingly popular. Multi-clutch designs, called “Powershift” or continuously variable called “CVT,” operate on a completely different principle. Within each group, more and more varieties are being developed. Hence, today the need for proper oil selection is much more important than it was a few decades ago.

Multifunctional oil – examples of recommended products

Which specific product to choose? It all depends on the customer’s specific needs and on the type of agricultural machine and the requirements of the particular drive train.

For example, in gearboxes and gear-hydraulic systems, AGRIFARM UTTO MP oil is ideal. The special bases and additives in this lubricant guarantee optimum operation of wet brakes and reduce noise. The refined formulation also prevents the formation of sludge and deposits. The product’s parameters are selected so as to find application in a huge number of agricultural machines.

On the other hand, AGRIFARM STOU MC SAE 10W-40 and its improved variant AGRIFARM STOU MC PRO SAE 10W-40 are dedicated to engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems and wet brakes. They can be used in engines regardless of mileage and without the need to flush the system.

The letters “MC” in the name mean that the composition includes third group base oils, much more durable than typical mineral oils. They guarantee reliable starting, causing rapid circulation in the oil system. They are year-round products, performing well in all operating conditions, even under heavy load in the summer heat. Their most important feature is that they maintain high parameters during the entire life of the agricultural machine, between oil changes. In addition to versatility, the PRO version matches the parameters of typically good-class engine oils.

More about agrifarm agricultural oils

We also recommend the rest of the range of FUCHS multifunctional oils from the AGRIFARM series.