Mitsubishi MT161–MT241 engine oil & fluids: which oil and how much?
Which engine oil should go into a Mitsubishi MT161, MT181, MT201, MT221, MT241 or MTZ? And how many liters go into the gearbox? This is by far the most frequently asked question about this series — and for good reason, since it's especially the transmission oil that often goes wrong. Below you'll find all fluids and fill quantities straight from the factory manual.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MT161, MT161S, MT181, MT201, MT221, MT241, MT241S, MTZ18, MTZ20, MTZ200, MTZ21 and MTZ23.
Mitsubishi MT161–MT241 fluids table
| System | Specification | Light group (S3L)* | Heavy group (S3L2)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil (crankcase) | Diesel engine oil API CD or higher, SAE 10W-30 | 3.8 liters | 3.8 liters |
| Transmission / hydraulics | Gear oil API GL-4, SAE 80W — suitable for wet brakes (or a multifunctional STOU oil) | 18 liters | 20 liters |
| Front axle | Gear oil API GL-4, SAE 80W | 2.5 liters | 2.5 liters |
| Cooling system | Water + antifreeze (replace annually) | 4.0 liters | 4.2 liters |
| Fuel tank | Diesel | 18 liters | 20 liters |
| Lubrication points (pedals, tie rod ends) | Universal grease | As needed, every 50 hours | |
* Light group: MT161, MT161S, MT181, MTZ18, MTZ200, MTZ20. Heavy group: MT201, MTZ21, MT221, MTZ23, MT241, MT241S. Cooling system exception: the MTZ200 and MTZ20 hold 4.2 liters.
Mitsubishi MT series engine oil: viscosity per season
The manual recommends adjusting the viscosity to the outside temperature: SAE 10W-30 below -10 °C and as an all-rounder, SAE 20 between -10 and +20 °C, and SAE 30 above 20 °C. For Dutch conditions, a 10W-30 (or a modern 15W-40, which comfortably covers these ranges) works fine year-round, as long as the oil meets at least API CD quality. Change the oil for the first time after 50 hours, then every 100 hours thereafter — and check the level before every workday.
Mitsubishi MT series transmission oil: the critical point
In this series, the transmission, hydraulics, rear axle, and wet brakes all share a single oil reservoir. That's why the specification matters so much: use a GL-4 80W oil that is explicitly suitable for wet brakes, or a universal STOU oil (Super Tractor Oil Universal) that combines transmission, hydraulic, and brake functions. Ordinary GL-5 automotive gear oil or plain hydraulic oil is not recommended: incorrect friction properties can cause the wet brakes to judder ("brake judder") or slip. Change the oil for the first time after 100 hours, then every 200 hours thereafter, and replace the hydraulic filterevery second service as well.
Mitsubishi MT series coolant
The cooling system is small (4.0–4.2 liters) and therefore sensitive: a bit of contamination or a sagging radiator screen can quickly lead to overheating. Use a mixture of water and antifreeze, replace it annually, and flush the system if in doubt. When changing the coolant, also check the thermostat (SKU-45004, opens at 82 °C) and the condition of the water pump (SKU-323) — a leaking water pump is often signaled by rust traces underneath the pump.
Mitsubishi MT series fuel
Regular diesel oil is sufficient. The manual specifies winter diesel below -10 °C — in the Netherlands, the pump automatically adjusts for this during the heating season. More important: keep the tank as full as possible in winter (less condensation) and replace the fuel filter element every 200 operating hours. After running the tank empty, the fuel system needs to be bled; you can read how to do that in the troubleshooting blog.
💡 Product tip: Order engine oil and filter in one go with the engine oil filter + 5 liter 15W-40 set (SKU-15W402/5). Just double-check the filter thread for your specific version (feel free to send us your engine number), and don't forget the copper drain plug ring (SKU-410052) .
