Front Axle Fluid?

[oldballs]

My BX2660 owners manual says it comes with Super UDT in the front axle. But it says that 80W-90 could also be used. That's confusing to me. Although the maintenance schedule didn't call for a check, I pulled that plug (boy is it hard to get out), and the fluid didn't even reach the stick. With a ruler, I measured one inch of fluid as it was received brand new from the dealer. The dealer says to use Super UDT to bring it up where it belongs. I hope no damage was done, because I ran it all summer mowing for about 50 hours in its OE condition. Should I stay with the Super UDT or change to 80W-90 when it is time for a change?

 

[ray66v]

All will work. The highest level of protection would be an 80w-90 gear lube with the "EP" (extreme pressure) designation. While this is considered overkill by some, so what. Even if you buy full synthetic, it is still not very much money.

 

[gwdixon]

This issue has been debated to death. Try a search and see many posts about opinions on the matter.

 

[RickB]

Kubota has reommended both oils for years. I know of another axle manufacturer that has supplied the same axle equipment to different tractor manufacturers and would up with the same differing lube recommendations. The most important thing is to maintain the proper drain intervals. After that, take your pick.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks, folks. I'll do the search also, just for all the info therein.

 

[Deano]

Oddballs,

Read this post:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/160317-bx25-50-hour-service.html

Deano

 

[actionaj]

My fluid level was low from the dealer to. I had ran it for two weeks before I had discovered it being low. I recently done the 300hr. service and changed to 75w-90 synthetic. I think the gear oil has a lot more protection then the thinner SUDT for gears.

 

[B2400]

For those that worry about the SUDT being too thin to properly lubricate the front axle, what lubricates the rear axle? SUDT!!

 

[bp fick]

For those that worry about the SUDT being too thin to properly lubricate the front axle, what lubricates the rear axle? SUDT!!

No choice with the rear. The front you have the option that's all.

 

[gwdixon]

Here is one thread on front axle oil that I was referring to:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/112486-50hr-front-axle-oil.html

 

[JJT]

My BX2660 owners manual says it comes with Super UDT in the front axle. But it says that 80W-90 could also be used. That's confusing to me. Although the maintenance schedule didn't call for a check, I pulled that plug (boy is it hard to get out), and the fluid didn't even reach the stick. With a ruler, I measured one inch of fluid as it was received brand new from the dealer. The dealer says to use Super UDT to bring it up where it belongs. I hope no damage was done, because I ran it all summer mowing for about 50 hours in its OE condition. Should I stay with the Super UDT or change to 80W-90 when it is time for a change?

When I did my first service on the Kubota I asked the dealer, he said use gear oil if you have it, otherwise use the UDT. I used the UDT. When I had a front seal problem last year, I switched to the heavier gear oil.

 

[rdsaustintx]

When I had a front seal problem last year, I switched to the heavier gear oil.

... and the gear oil helped

I use gear oil. I trust it, it's cheap and I can actually see it on the teeny dipstick.

 

[nh DRAGON]

All of them are shipped (low) from the factory. As low as they can be with out doing any damage- as long as you never have a leak you don't notice! The dealer is suppose to top off the fluid but they rarely due. Mine was low and I got it up to spec with 90 weight, I have mentioned this after congratulating new owners on their new rigs!

 

[RickB]

The dealer is suppose to top off the fluid but they rarely due.

Don't put all dealers in that box. Just because yours has a lousy predelivery program doesn't mean all do.

 

[Chilly807]

Mine was full when I got it, from the smell of it it's gear oil, unless UDT has the same aroma.

Chilly

 

[ray66v]

Don't put all dealers in that box. Just because yours has a lousy predelivery program doesn't mean all do.

The reputation dealers have for doing poor prep, is one they have earned as a whole.

I am sure that somewhere out there, people doing it right. They are just being overshadowed by the ones who are incompetent.

I do know that missed items on initial setup are more times the rule, than the exception, in the MF forum. Based on that, chances are many of the rest, have missed items they don't know about. Perhaps these get corrected during the 50hr. when they send it to the dealer, to "get it done right", rather than doing it themselves. So, they go unreported.

I was in the repair business, so I understand that you don't want to have your top mechanic doing prep work. I just can't understand why there are people doing it, who can't read a check list.

This is certainly something that could be changed; after many years I'm still waiting.

 

[Chilly807]

I was in the repair business, so I understand that you don't want to have your top mechanic doing prep work. I just can't understand why there are people doing it, who can't read a check list.

This is certainly something that could be changed; after many years I'm still waiting.

That hit the nail right on the head, Ray. Every time you take your vehicle or tractor in for an oil change, lube, etc, it's the "tire-busters" or at best an apprentice doing the work. If you're at all competent mechanically, understand the procedure and don't mind the work, you're much better off doing maintenance work yourself.

I've always said, "The only person that gives a sh** about your machinery is YOU !!"

Chilly

 

[RickB]

The reputation dealers have for doing poor prep, is one they have earned a whole.

I am sure that somewhere out there, people doing it right. They are just being overshadowed by the ones who are incompetent.

I do know that missed items on initial setup are more times the rule, than the exception, in the MF forum. Based on that, chances are many of the rest, have missed items they don't know about. Perhaps these get corrected during the 50hr. when they send it to the dealer, to "get it done right", rather than doing it themselves. So, they go unreported.

I was in the repair business, so I understand that you don't want to have your top mechanic doing prep work. I just can't understand why there are people doing it, who can't read a check list.

This is certainly something that could be changed; after many years I'm still waiting.

That hit the nail right on the head, Ray. Every time you take your vehicle or tractor in for an oil change, lube, etc, it's the "tire-busters" or at best an apprentice doing the work. If you're at all competent mechanically, understand the procedure and don't mind the work, you're much better off doing maintenance work yourself.

I've always said, "The only person that gives a sh** about your machinery is YOU !!"

Chilly

I still say there are plenty of dealerships out there that understand the value of proper predelivery. It doesn't take a master technician to do it right. Just someone with a reasonable work ethic and proper supervision. Many ( but not all) of the predelivery problems reported on these forums originate at the high volume, low margin dealerships that offer swinging deals on wholegoods and have to keep their overhead (read labor) costs at a minimum to remain profitable. Consumers don't often get it both ways. If you are going to shop price only, that's what you will get.

 

[oldballs]

As far as I know, I paid full bore for my whole set up. Since we are on the subject, the transmission was overfilled by about a quart on delivery. Thus there was a serious leak coming from over the battery somewhere. After cleaning up the mess a couple times, I checked the level and called the dealer who said to take some out. This stopped the leaking but along with some other tractor service problems has diminished my opinion of the dealer.

 

[Chilly807]

I was pretty happy with the way mine was on delivery. Being me, I checked all the fluid levels within the first day or so, to be sure. Everything was where it should be, I've had a good overall experience with the dealer so far, I'd recommend them to new buyers.

Chilly