Polaris Demand Drive Fluid
 

What is the "generic" or auto/farm fluids comparable fluid? Seems like I read its JD.....something.

From what I remember years ago the hub fluid could be substituted with ATF(polaris told me that, probably 15 years ago, maybe things have changed, doubt it, but maybe) Anyway john deere's equivalent to ATF was low viscosity hy gard. Used it all the time back in the day. Never had any problems.

Years ago you could use ATF with the old hub-activated 4x4 system. But when they switched to the centralized 4x4 they came out with a different fluid. I think it was called Demand Drive fluid. Then they had Demand Drive Plus that was supposed to be good for both systems. Then they dropped the Plus from the name so it's Demand Drive fluid again, and it's still good for both systems. I think that's how it went but I'm just as confused as anyone else. A couple of people said they used something else like ATF instead, but IIRC Old Polaris Tech said this was one fluid he would use the Polaris brand instead of cheaping out on. It's not like you need barrels full of it and the little bit you save by substituting something else isn't worth it IMO. But it's always up to the individual where they want to spend their money. I'd rather put it in fluid now than possibly something else later, just because I didn't.

https://lubricants.polaris.com/en-us...d-drive-fluid/

I never read the post you are talking about from OPT but the hub and centralized Hilliard are basically the same thing, only different sizes. To this date we still dont use demand drive hub oil, and have never had an issue, even with the centralized Hilliard. Been using different oil for about 15 or 16 years now.

I will say this, and it would be nice to see the post you are talking about, but the oil in a Polaris you dont want to use anything but Polaris' recommendation is the gearcase/transmission oil AGL. If you substitute it with a heavier oil, the top shaft doesnt get lubed due to the way its built and causes issues from no lubrication.

thanks

OPT has stated this about Demand Drive fluid numerous times. This is from the first page of 25 of 392 results when I searched for demand drive fluid. I didn't even look at the other 15 pages.

Don't use transmission fluid in the hubs if you can get the Polaris fluid. Demand Drive Plus replaced Type F years ago and lubricates better.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...n-removal.html

Always use Polaris Demand Drive hub fluid for the awd.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...man-400-a.html

Leave the car oil for the cars. Same for the type f transmission fluid that Polaris used in the hubs in the early days.Demand Drive Plus is a better lubricant than type f.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...rail-boss.html

Polaris quit using Atf years ago when they went to Demand Drive hub fluid,but the older manuals still call for it. It was better than Atf and so is the newer Demand Drive Plus.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...ng-solved.html

Plus yes Demand Drive Plus hub fluid took the place of the older demand drive fluid along with the type F that the earlier models called for. If you still have the older Demand Drive fluid,use it up first.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...questions.html

The main Polaris oils I'd stay with are the AGL gear case lube and Demand Drive Plus hub fluid for use in centralized and hub awd systems.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...num-425-a.html
Demand Drive Hub fluid is better than plain old Type F that the early models used...
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...-thread-6.html

You can use ATF but the Demand Drive Plus is a better fluid for the hubs. Polaris quit using ATF years ago,but some of the old manuals still list it.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...r-400-3wd.html

Even type f would work if you have everything right in the hubs although Demand Drive Plus hub fluid is much better.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...rage-bear.html

The front diff did have a couple different fluids at one time but they changed that to where Demand Drive Plus is good for all diffs.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...ance-tips.html

Front diff Polaris Demand Drive Plus or equivalent from Amsoil or other suitable suppliers. Here's Polaris basic lube chart.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...irst-time.html

That may possibly work in place of Agl for the gear case(still thicker than Agl)) but for the centralized front diffs I wouldn't use it. Demand Drive Plus is thinner than Atf. Sticking fluid equivalent to 10w-30,10w-40 motor oil in the front diff will just mess things up.
Plus here's a good demonstration on the difference in viscosity between Demand Drive fluid versus Polaris Angle Drive fluid which is the same as most 75/80 gear oils and used only in rear diffs and non centralized front diffs. Like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.Just don't want to see someone use the wrong fluid and cause any damage.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...ricants-2.html

Use Demand drive hub fluid...
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...man-335-a.html

Front diff takes Demand Drive Plus fluid.
https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...-issues-3.html

I see you did your research. Reason I never saw any of them is because I didnt stop in here for years. When I finally did stop by again, I read he had passed. Also, I never said anything was better, just threw options out there for him.

You missed a lot when you were gone.

Not really. I've been doing this for 30 years, guess I was too busy working, rather than talking.