I have a printing press in my art studio that uses some Boston Gear hydraulics for the pressure system. The problem is I've never used the system because its extremely low on fluid, and I don't know how I might go about figuring out what the fluid is. I'm under the impression I could ruin all my seals if I fill it with the wrong stuff. I was able to get a small sample and the fluid is PINK. Any ideas? THANKS ALL

ATF, Automatic Transmission Fluid, can appear red/pink from some oil company's....that is the only red/pink fluid I can think of....

Mil H-5606, 6083, 83282, they are red oil too. Used in some aircraft hydraulic systems. I haven't researched their properties yet... Maybe some can...

I'd vote for ATF. It is the only red/pink fluid that I have seen and aircraft oil is much more expensive. If the system has been sitting for a long time you should probably replace all of the fluid anyway. The additives in the oil degrade over time plus it absorbs water. cheap insurance.

ISZ

Some manufacturer's add pink die in the oil to detect the hydraulic leaks on the machines such as wheel tractor scrapers. The oil in your machine could be a standard hydraulic oil with die added to it.

I'm not sure if such kind of leak detection techniques are being used on the printing equipment.

MIL-H-5606 and MIL-PRF-6083F are mineral based fluids, while MIL-PRF-83282, is a synthetic Hydrocarbon hydraulic fluid. All are compatible with each and are dyed red. However, when they get a lot of air in the fluid, the fluid turns pink. As for price, it is comparable to ATF. It is the phosphate ester hydraulic fluids used in aircraft that are expensive.

http://www-static.shell.com/st...lhydraulicfluids.pdf

I believe the OP should contact Boston Gear hydraulics regarding the correct fluid.