meets minimum sae specs for that application... same as everybody else.
a premium oil may be 'better' , and will cost more... but the basic oil meets the minimums.
for a small sump like a cutter.. and a guy had no other gear oil needs.. I'd likely chip on a quart of 75w90s but for something i use dalot of.. bulk gear oil from a bulk packager just makes for easier stocking.
I've got mowrrs form the 60's that probably had the same oil in them when they were new. ditto on some steering boxes fileld with 50w engine oil.
any lube is better than no lube. a lube meeting mim=nimum specs will be fine. a lube meeting mor ethan the minimum will be fine and cost more.. and may last longer? on a sump with no filter.. i like to chnge oil out to get rid of debris and metal and moisture.. ths no extended change interval bonus. probably no cold pour point issue either on a mower gearbox. most peole don't mow inthe snow..
for something changes 300-600 hrs or ever 2ys.. cheapest gear oil you can buy that meets sae spcs can't be too bad.
ran walymart gear oil in my dodge front and rear rear ends for over a decade. before I sold the dodge a few monts ago I had both open.. for a looksee and a seal in front and gaskets. gears were fine? walmart oil must be bad then right?
no uoa needed. it's a common sense thing.
besides I know this argument you are trying to have with me is a carry-over from another post. I see thru that..
