Same gear box oil for all?

PNWBXer

Member

Equipment
BX2380
Feb 24, 2020
134
13
18
Washington
Have a BX2816 blower, 60 inch MMM deck, and a front axel case in my BX2380 waiting for oil other than Hyd fluid. Can I just use a good quality full synthetic 80w90 oil for all?

BX2816 and BX2380 call for 80w90...

the MMM deck calls for SAE 90 API GL5 gear oil. Is that the same as 80w90?
 

arto98607

Member

Equipment
Kubota F3060, Grasshopper 721D, Ford 1310, JD 440 ICD, JD 300
Aug 24, 2014
64
4
8
Southwest WA State
1. I don't see the point in switching to synthetic oil in a 4x4 compact tractor front axle.
2. No, SAE 90API GL5 oil is not the same as 80W 90 oil.
You are comparing single viscosity vs. 80W 90 viscosity oils. Straight 90W oil is pretty thick in cold winter temperatures which is probably why they do not recommend it.

Why not use what the Kubota manual recommends?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

PNWBXer

Member

Equipment
BX2380
Feb 24, 2020
134
13
18
Washington
1. I don't see the point in switching to synthetic oil in a 4x4 compact tractor front axle.
2. No, SAE 90API GL5 oil is not the same as 80W 90 oil.
You are comparing single viscosity vs. 80W 90 viscosity oils. Straight 90W oil is pretty thick in cold winter temperatures which is probably why they do not recommend it.

Why not use what the Kubota manual recommends?

Easy answer? I don't want to have to buy more than one gear box/axle oil. Also thought some extra knowledge would be gained here vice the manual.
 

imnukensc

Well-known member

Equipment
BX2380
Sep 10, 2015
688
591
93
Midlands of SC
Yes, you can use the 80w90 in all the gear boxes. The 80w90 will act like 80w at colder temps (ie, it will flow better), but when it warms up it will act like 90w.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

OlFerguson

Member

Equipment
4440, 1120D
Jun 1, 2017
189
11
18
Canada
I use Kubota udt or coop thf fluid in both my trans /pump and axle . I think it’s wise as mentioned to stick with one type of fluid and not to be mixing them as that would cause issues down the road. I’ve heard of people using the 80/90 in axles but I’ve never tried it myself . When in doubt , refer to the owners manual or WSM.
 

PNWBXer

Member

Equipment
BX2380
Feb 24, 2020
134
13
18
Washington
I use Kubota udt or coop thf fluid in both my trans /pump and axle . I think it’s wise as mentioned to stick with one type of fluid and not to be mixing them as that would cause issues down the road. I’ve heard of people using the 80/90 in axles but I’ve never tried it myself . When in doubt , refer to the owners manual or WSM.
Manual says either/or for the front axle in the BX80 series so that's what I'll do.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Old_Paint

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
LX2610SU, LA535 FEL w/54" bucket, LandPride BB1248, Woodland Mills WC-68
Dec 5, 2020
1,733
1,730
113
AL
Pretty sure my LX front axle came filled with Super UDT2, so that's what Ima gonna stay with. Simplifies what I need to keep around for top-ups and changes. 15W40 CJ4 for the engine, Super UDT2 for the rest. I like simplicity.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user