For those that have changed the fluid in their front axle is there any real advantage in using Kubota UDT2 fluid compared to 80w-90 fluid. I understand that in winter the 80w-90 is thicker but my tractor stays in a heated garage until I need it so that is not a concern.
Front axle fluid change
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TheOldHokie
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Equipment
L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
80W90 gear oil is perfect….not only in Kubota tractor front axles….but in zillions of auto and truck differentials…Year round in all kinds of climates. (I.E. your tractor does not care if gear oil is used in the front axle in cold weather.)
Thanks. That is what I was thinking and that the 80w-90 fluid is a lot cheaper.
Word is that Kubota uses one fluid in their tractors to prevent the possibility of a mix up during manufacturer.
Urban legend or wives tale? I don't know, but seems logical...
SUDT is faster to change than 80W90 especially when it's cold out.
Probably true. Why mess around with potential failure modes - Poka Yoke.
This will be my first change of fluid in the front axle. I plan on driving the tractor for a while so what ever fluid is in the axle will warm up some before I drain it.
Well you got me thinking. My 2002 Ford E350 van is 22 years old, and I never after 170,000 plus miles ever changed the rear differential lubricant.
And my B2910 is 22 years old, and I never changed the front axle lubricant.
My BX2200 is 21 years old and I never changed the front axle lubricant.
Feels good going to confession sometimes.
When I was a kid, I remember teaching my protestant friends how to go to confession, since I was the only Catholic in the group! Worked for them! Still can't believe we did that...LOL
And my B2910 is 22 years old, and I never changed the front axle lubricant.
My BX2200 is 21 years old and I never changed the front axle lubricant.
Feels good going to confession sometimes.
When I was a kid, I remember teaching my protestant friends how to go to confession, since I was the only Catholic in the group! Worked for them! Still can't believe we did that...LOL
gssixgun
Active member
Equipment
L3600, FEL, SnoBlower, Box Blade, Rear Blade, Forks, Cultivator, Plow
Not sure
I had a very few incidents of my front axle freezing on my L185 with the Gear Oil
When I bought the L3600 I dumped everything and replaced it with the SUDT rated fluid including the Front Axle I haven't had any issues
That is VERY weak evidence of their being a difference LOL
If I had a Heated Garage, I doubt it matters
I had a very few incidents of my front axle freezing on my L185 with the Gear Oil
When I bought the L3600 I dumped everything and replaced it with the SUDT rated fluid including the Front Axle I haven't had any issues
That is VERY weak evidence of their being a difference LOL
If I had a Heated Garage, I doubt it matters
Seeing what came out of a 3000 mile differential one time made me start changing 100% of the fluids at the first service.
I have wondered if the materials (Bearings and locations) are more suited and or designed to be to that of the UDT weight over the heavier 80w?
TheOldHokie
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L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
So much confusion and misinformation when it comes to oil specifications and viscosity grades.
Kubota SUDT2/UDT and other UTTOs from other blenders are all SAE Grade 80 GL4 gear oils.
Dan
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Awesome feedback!!! Having changed the UdT fluid in my 3560 twice now, both in the trans and the front end, I'm surprised to find out that it's the same weight as what regular 80wt oil is. Amazing.
TheOldHokie
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L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
The allowable viscosity range for SAE grade 80 gear oil is 7.0 cSt to <11.0 cSt @100C.
The viscosity specification of SUDT2 is >= 8.1 cSt @ 100C
The viscosity specification for UDT is >= 9.5 cSt @ 100cSt.
Both SUDT2 and UDT are grade 80 oils but the UDT is just a little higher in the allowable range.
Dan
Then the higher the cSt rating, based on what specific parts, or combination of parts are being lubricated, the more protective the higher rate oil may be for lubrication purposes?
TheOldHokie
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Equipment
L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
No. Viscosity is simply a measure of fluidity or the ease with which a fluid flows. You cannot use viscosity alone as a comparative measure of wear protection.
The wear protection provided by a lubricant (e.g. oil) involves many things in addition to viscosity - most notably additive chemistry. Thats why the industry has a wide array of performance tests for measuring the anti-wear properties of a finished oil.
Dan
Probably made it easier selecting which girl to take out to the lake on Friday nights….heh..?
