G2160 mower - Alright to use AW ISO32 hydraulic oil instead of Kubota's UDT?.. top up or change out?

[Rober88]

I've never maintained a riding mower before and haven’t changed any fluids. Two years ago, my brother-in-law added AW ISO32 hydraulic oil to the transmission, but Kubota recommends UDT. I just checked the transmission dipstick after running the engine, and it’s dry.


Can I top it off with the same AW ISO32 (there’s still plenty left, though it’s been sitting in a barn for 2 years)? Also, the drain plug is apparently seized or stripped, according to my brother-in-law.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I've never maintained a riding mower before and haven’t changed any fluids. Two years ago, my brother-in-law added AW ISO32 hydraulic oil to the transmission, but Kubota recommends UDT. I just checked the transmission dipstick after running the engine, and it’s dry.


Can I top it off with the same AW ISO32 (there’s still plenty left, though it’s been sitting in a barn for 2 years)? Also, the drain plug is apparently seized or stripped, according to my brother-in-law.

View attachment 153134

NO, NO, NO!!!!

The tractor needs a tractor transmission fluid. AW hydraulic oil is a different animal!!!

 

[RCW]

NO, NO, NO!!!!

The tractor needs a tractor transmission fluid. AW hydraulic oil is a different animal!!!

Dan - I was hoping you’d chime in.

I don’t know what the other stuff is but figured you would. …..

 

[TheOldHokie]

Dan - I was hoping you’d chime in.

I don’t know what the other stuff is but figured you would. …..

AW32 is a conventional hydraulic oil used in industrial applications. It lacks the application specific addirives used in tractor transmission oils (e g UDT or generics)

Dan

 

[Rober88]

Just went through a bunch of threads on the internet —looks like AW32 isn't ideal for transmissions and can damage seals. Pretty upset right now. I’ve noticed a fair amount of oily residue around the transmission, and I’ve attached a photo showing a rubber string near the back of the transmission case.

Turns out my in-law added about 2.5 liters of AW32 roughly two years ago. I estimate it's been running that way for 100–150 hours since my in-law put in the incorrect oil.

 

[Rober88]

NO, NO, NO!!!!

The tractor needs a tractor transmission fluid. AW hydraulic oil is a different animal!!!

I'm guessing there was a 50/50 mix of old UDT and AW32 for the past 2 years. I'll be draining that oil and putting in UDT tomorrow.

Do you think there's been a lot of damage? Any advice?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Just went through a bunch of threads on the internet —looks like AW32 isn't ideal for transmissions and can damage seals. Pretty upset right now. I’ve noticed a fair amount of oily residue around the transmission, and I’ve attached a photo showing a rubber string near the back of the transmission case.

Turns out my in-law added about 2.5 liters of AW32 roughly two years ago. I estimate it's been running that way for 100–150 hours since then.

View attachment 153159

My G2160 has never seen anything but SUDT2 and still leaks. Your issue is most likely age not oil. Drain and refill with a good UTTO if you are concerned about cost.

Dan

 

[Rober88]

Thanks.. I'll get Kubota's SUDT2.