Yanmar F195–FX265 engine oil and fluids: the overview
Which engine oil for your Yanmar F195 — and how many liters actually go into the transmission of an FX235? This overview provides all the fluids, capacities, and change procedures for the New Super Forte series, straight from the factory manual.
Suitable for the entire series: F195(D), FX195(D), F215(D), FX215(D), F235(D), FX235(D), F255(D), FX255(D), F265(D) and FX265(D).
Yanmar F195–FX265 fill capacities
| Fluid | F195(D) | FX195(D) | F/FX215 through F/FX265 | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | 25 L | 25 L | 25 L | diesel |
| Engine oil | 4.0 L | 4.0 L | 4.0 L | see below |
| Coolant (radiator) | 4.5 L | 4.5 L | 4.5 L | water + antifreeze |
| Coolant (expansion tank) | 0.75 L | 0.75 L | 0.75 L | water + antifreeze |
| Transmission/hydraulic oil | 15.5 L | 14.5 L | 24 L | transmission fluid (type TF-500) |
| Front axle oil (4WD only) | 3.2 L | 3.2 L | 6 L | 195: transmission fluid / 215+: gear oil #90 |
| Power steering (P version) | — | — | 2.4 L | transmission fluid |
Yanmar F195–FX265 engine oil: which specification?
The manual specifies a diesel engine oil of API grade CC, with the viscosity matched to the season. For modern use, a universal 15W-40 diesel engine oil is the practical choice: it comfortably covers the original specification and suits the Dutch climate. Change the engine oil every 100 hours (first change after 50 hours) and replace the oil filter every 300 hours. Always check the oil level before starting or when the engine is cold.
Changing is done via the drain plug at the bottom of the engine block — drain while the oil is still warm to the touch, as this carries away dirt most effectively. The plug is located in a different spot on the F/FX195 compared to the larger models; both are easy to find on the underside of the block.
Yanmar F195–FX265 transmission oil: your hydraulics run on it too
Important to know: in this series, the transmission oil doubles as the hydraulic oil — the lift, the powershift (FX), and any power steering all run on the same oil from the transmission housing. The factory specifies Yanmar TF-500 transmission fluid; a modern universal transmission/hydraulic oil (UTTO) of that specification is the standard replacement. Precisely because the hydraulics run on it too, clean oil is extra important here: a whining hydraulic pump or slow lift often starts with old oil or a full filter.
Check the level using the dipstick under the driver's seat (do not screw it in when measuring). Change: first time after 50 hours, then every 300 hours, together with the hydraulic filter. There are multiple drain points: at the bottom of the transmission housing, and on the left and right at the bottom of the rear axle housing.
Yanmar F195D–FX265D front axle oil (4WD)
The 4WD models have their own oil system in the front axle. Note the difference: the F/FX195D uses transmission fluid (3.2 liters), while the F/FX215D through FX265D use gear oil #90 (SAE 90, 6 liters). Change every 300 hours via the drain plugs on the left, right, and center underneath the front axle; check the level every 50 hours via the fill opening at the top right of the axle (remove the vent plug first).
Yanmar F195–FX265 coolant and antifreeze
Change the coolant annually and flush the radiator until the water runs clear. Mix antifreeze according to the table below and let the engine run for a while after filling so everything mixes properly:
| Outside temperature down to | −5 °C | −10 °C | −15 °C | −20 °C | −25 °C | −30 °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antifreeze proportion | 18% | 27% | 34% | 39% | 45% | 51% |
Never open the radiator cap when the engine is warm. In between, only top up the expansion tank with clean water; if the level has suddenly dropped significantly, look for a leak first.
Yanmar F195–FX265 fuel
Regular diesel is sufficient. If temperatures drop below −10 °C, use winter diesel to prevent paraffin formation. Use a filter funnel when refueling and keep the tank full during storage periods — an empty tank causes condensation and rusts from the inside out.
💡 Product tip: the 15W-40 engine oil + oil filter value set is exactly what you need for the 100-hour service. You can find individual filters in the filter overview for this series.
