All you Kioti GEAR owners-

[slantram]

I have a CK20 gear and later this Fall I will be changing the hydralic fluid. I'd like to use a synthetic but I'm wondering if I'll have trouble with the Synchros in the trany. I know in the past guys who had 4-speed cars had problems shifting because the synthetic lube would NOT let the synchros work properly.Anyone know if this is still a problem? And anyone have any recommendations as to a brand that WILL work? Thanks to all responders.

[7mmrum]

Slantram,

I wanted to use Synthetic too but it is too much on my wallet after I found out how much it was going to cost. I ended up going with "CASE IH HyTran Ultra Tractor Fluid" (MS-1209). Still too much but, it is better then the Tractor Supply brand I think. In any event I have 150hrs on my Kioti and I have changed the fluid twice in that time frame. Both times I have used this product, and I have yet to experience any problems with my gear shifting. I buy this product at a very big Kubota dealer since they are the closest dealer to me.

My trans if I remeber says it take 7.5 gallons, I usually pick up two 5 gallon buckets of the stuff. I want to say the run about $40 something per 5 gallon, but not too sure on the price. I'm actually I'm glad I didn't go with a more expense product such as Amsoil, because when you drain that fluid at the 50hr service, there is quite a bit of metal dust stuck to those drain plugs. I eneded up changing my fluid again at 100hrs, just to be sure that most of those metal bits are out of there. That's too costly to drain again at 50 hrs with top dollar fluid. Now, after I feel comfortable that the dust is mostly gone, I will follow the recommended drain and replace.

I'm sure there are other fluids available; this one worked for me with out driving all over the state trying to find a brand specific fluid.

http://www.viscosityoil.com/hy-tran.htm

Note: I own a CK25 not a CK20

Good Luck