Kubota Brand Oils & Fluids

[RobD70]

When I got my new L3800, the salesman reccomended using Kubota oil, hydraulic fluid, filters, etc. Is this necessary? I have awhile before I need to do any fluid changes, but wanted to ask what everybody else uses? This dealer sells several different brands of equipment, so I'm not sure if Kubota is best for the tractor or what. I dont know if there is a big price difference between the different brands either. Anyone go all synthetic?

 

[SteveF]

If you peruse the the various fluids threads here on OTT, you will see there are about as many opinions as there are brands, filters, etc.

That said, I guess I'm wondering why you would invest significant dollars in a Kubota then question their fluid recommendations. I use all Kubota stuff with my tractor. There are many equivalents to Kubota specifications and I have to think you would not go wrong using those, for example, Amsoil products.

Just stay away from the cheap stuff... there are no free lunches!

Others here may weigh in on the synthetics.

 

[skeets]

OHHHHGEEZZZZZZ you had to mention Amsoil,,,lol,, really the filters are made by someone other than the big K, I use hastings or another top brand, oils well I don't use Kubota oil in the motor, I think the last change was Motorcraft diesel ( ford) but the hydro is Kubota SUDT though I have heard that Amsoil works well, Don't cheap out ,that orange thing cost a bunch so do the best you can by it,, you wont go wrong

 

[dmanlyr]

Lots of good information to be found on search.

As to at least the hydraulic filter, it has been determined so far that NONE of the aftermarket filters are made to the Kubota specs for those with a built in magnet in the filter itself. Ya sure there are filters that will screw on and seal, but without the magnet they are NOT "oem equivalent" And if the filter maker could care less about the magnet, what other cost cutting moves are they going to make, IE less filtration media, paper end caps, etc. Stuff inside the filter you cannot see!

Yes, another company makes Kubota branded filters, but that in no way means that the same company that makes filters to "Kubota" specs is going to make another filter built to sell at a certain price point in a general discount store is going to build the "will fit" to the same specs as the oem Kubota.

So you save a few bucks on a filter, big deal, over the life of the machine if you save a few hundred in filters that are NOT the same as Kubota, what does that really mean when the cost to repair damage from some will fit filter can cost thousands. Penny wise and pound foolish comes to mind.

As to oil, there is a considerable amount of more information out there that allows you to compare the makeup of the oil to compare it with the oem Kubota specs. I would use a good quality motor oil meeting the specs, I prefer the SUDT though from Kubota for the tranny.

David

 

[bpowell]

used cheap filters and fluids in my b21 and caused lift issues. Machine didn't operate as smoothly either. Saved about 60 bucks on fluid. Spent 600 on trying to find problem with lift. Finally changed fluid and filters with kubota brand and no more lift problems. I know it don't figure, but as tight as I am, I will use Kubota brand from now on.

 

[kc8fbl]

As far as motor oil and filter, I'm using Rotella T6 5W-40 synthetic and a Bosch oil filter. You can find cross reference websites for the different filters. Just make sure you're using a "diesel" motor oil.

When it comes to the HST oil and filters, I would go with Kubota on them. I know one of the HST filters has a magnet in it and I'm not sure if other filter manufacturers have that in it. Kubota UDT and SUDT oil is very good stuff.

I definitely would NOT skimp on the HST oil. There have been many threads on here with issues using "cheaper" oil and controls not functioning properly and they end up spending more money to purchase the Kubota oil and filters and have to change it again and everything works properly the second time. Take care of your investment and it will take care of you.

 

[Tx Jim]

I removed the magnets from the OEM filters,cleaned them and put them in the Wix hyd filters with no problems. On my M7040 Kubota offers hyd filters with and without the magnets.

 

[Dan_R_42]

I removed the magnets from the OEM filters,cleaned them and put them in the Wix hyd filters with no problems. On my M7040 Kubota offers hyd filters with and without the magnets.

Are you willing to share the process to remove and re-install the magnets? Any photos?

 

[ItBmine]

This may not apply to all products, but I keep hearing this "someone else makes their filters and they are all the same."
The way I look at it......Mack rear axles.....they used to be made by Rockwell to Mack specs. Now they are made by Eaton. If you look at Rockwell/Meritor or Eaton products....they make nothing that resembles a Mack rear axle.
Just because someone else makes them, doesn't mean they are the same.
At least oil you can send samples in for analysis to see what you are getting, but kinda hard to compare filters unless you start cutting them apart.

I'll have to look.....just did the service on my B2620 and I didn't see any magnets in my Kubota filters.

 

[hiprollc]

I'll have to look.....just did the service on my B2620 and I didn't see any magnets in my Kubota filters.

From what I've seen, you don't have to look very hard for the magnets. Just look for the collection of metal shavings and the magnet is easy to find.