Traveller (TSC) 80W-90 gear oil

[dirtydeed]

My bad.

So just to be clear are you telling us the bevel gear failure was caused by the use of UDT and would not have occured with a conventional gear oil?

Dan

No sir. That's not what I'm saying at all.

I replaced bevel gear components on that machine (2006 BX23) because I had quite a bit of slop in the bevel gear parts and it was starting to leak some axle fluid. You could rock the wheel vertically (like checking ball joints) and feel the clunk/slop. I used that machine pretty hard (landscaping business).

My issue is with the UDT leaking after the surgery (new parts and all new seals). The leaks stopped after switching to gear oil for me.

If you take a look here and on another "tractorby..." forum, you'll find its been a pretty common problem (at least with BX machines). The consensus was that the UDT oil is simply too "thin".

I'm not telling anyone what to use, I'm only relaying my first hand experience with that issue. I'm not having a problem with my B2650. Changing the axle fluid was simply a maintenance item. The history with my BX is stuck in my head.

 

[N3BP]

Gear oil is an aquired taste. Requires a chaser.

Especially when it's burnt. I prefer kerosene as the chaser

 

[fried1765]

Especially when it's burnt. I prefer kerosene as the chaser

Lighter fluid can be more dramatic!

 

[Smokeydog]

Local Kubota dealer recommended changing to gear oil on new tractor service. Used gear oil when repairing leaky front axle seals on an older tractor.

It takes a while for new oil to work thru the hub bearings. Topped up several times over several days. Wasn’t using it. Finally reach the book fill amount. One reason switched to synthetic 80-90 gear lube. Do like the newer tractors that have a dipsticks.

 

[BAP]

Does anyone bother to read their Owner’s Manual? It says right in the chart for lubricants to use, Front Axle Super-UDT2 or SAE80-SAE90 gear oil. Does not specify a preferred option, just use one or the other.

 

[GeoHorn]

I have SUDT2 in the front axle of my BX. Intend to stay that way unless something starts to leak. I may then try 80-90 as others have done.

Similarly, recently saw something about SUDT2 versus 80-90 gear oil in the gearbox of the MMM.

I’ve honestly just changed with gear oil every year without thought, but SUDT2 may be the better choice. Some gear oils can be reactive to the brass gears in the box.

I’ll revisit in April 2025 when I get the MMM ready for next season. Nothing I’ll deal with until then.

I doubt there are Any ”brass gears” in the front axle of a Kubota. There might be some in a mechanical clock.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I doubt there are Any ”brass gears” in the front axle of a Kubota. There might be some in a mechanical clock.

Even if there were unless they are worm gears a modern GL-5 oil is not a danger to them. The only yellow metal parts of concern is/was synchronizer rings and with most current formulations even synchronizers are generally "safe,". Better living through better chemistry.

Dan

 

[RCW]

I doubt there are Any ”brass gears” in the front axle of a Kubota. There might be some in a mechanical clock.

True - if you read my post it was relative to brass gears in the mower and/or snowblower gearboxes.

Never said anything about brass gears in the front axle.

As Dan said GL-5 is good and gear oil is what’s called for in those applications.