Is this the typical BX front axle leak?

[sixdogs]

The general thinking for the front axle is that the 80W90 gear oil is preferred on the reasoning it is less likely to leak because of thicker viscosity. Plus, it would give better protection in hotter operating temperatures. I don't recall many people going with the UDT/SUDT, etc but the question comes up frequently.

 

[dragoneggs]

The general thinking for the front axle is that the 80W90 gear oil is preferred on the reasoning it is less likely to leak because of thicker viscosity. Plus, it would give better protection in hotter operating temperatures. I don't recall many people going with the UDT/SUDT, etc but the question comes up frequently.

Exactly the two reasons to use 80W90 IMO. Why would someone not want to use that if that is what the manual calls out?

 

[BXPete]

Exactly the two reasons to use 80W90 IMO. Why would someone not want to use that if that is what the manual calls out?

This is the very reason for my query!! Both the Operator's Manual and Workshop Manual specify the Front Axle Case lubricant as "KUBOTA SUPER UDT Fluid or SAE 80-90 gear oil". Generally my understanding and past experience with specifications is that when something is listed as A or B then although they may be being referred to as equivalent or equal options the option listed first (A in this case) is the primary or preferred option.

Don't get me wrong I agree with the thought that gear oil is more suited for this application... as others here have pointed out it's basically just a gearbox/differential lubrication job.

As for why anyone would use anything else... don't KUBOTA ship these things with UDT/SUDT in the front axle?

 

[dragoneggs]

This is the very reason for my query!! Both the Operator's Manual and Workshop Manual specify the Front Axle Case lubricant as "KUBOTA SUPER UDT Fluid or SAE 80-90 gear oil". Generally my understanding and past experience with specifications is that when something is listed as A or B then although they may be being referred to as equivalent or equal options the option listed first (A in this case) is the primary or preferred option.

Don't get me wrong I agree with the thought that gear oil is more suited for this application... as others here have pointed out it's basically just a gearbox/differential lubrication job.

As for why anyone would use anything else... don't KUBOTA ship these things with UDT/SUDT in the front axle?

Aha! I didn't realize (or forgot) that UDT was indeed specified. Sorry about that. In that case... never mind. Personally I would go with the thicker if 80W90 is so. I suppose some that are in very cold climates might choose otherwise but if these BX's have some propensity to leak the thicker is better I would think.

 

[BXPete]

:thumbsup:

 

[GolfAddict]

I assumed (though i don't know) that they came with SUDT, so I've continued to use that. No leaks so far with close to 900 hours.... knock wood.

 

[davesl708]

Typically heavy load gears wear better with heavier lub. I would go with the 80-90w. My BX is 11 yrs old with 1290hrs. just now needing to replace the pivot seals. UDT will most likely seep from the seal.

 

[sixdogs]

This is the very reason for my query!! Both the Operator's Manual and Workshop Manual specify the Front Axle Case lubricant as "KUBOTA SUPER UDT Fluid or SAE 80-90 gear oil". Generally my understanding and past experience with specifications is that when something is listed as A or B then although they may be being referred to as equivalent or equal options the option listed first (A in this case) is the primary or preferred option.

Don't get me wrong I agree with the thought that gear oil is more suited for this application... as others here have pointed out it's basically just a gearbox/differential lubrication job.

As for why anyone would use anything else... don't KUBOTA ship these things with UDT/SUDT in the front axle?

New Kubotas do indeed ship with UDT. I would think it allows the gears to mesh and wear-in quicker but that's just me. Kubota has no idea if their products are going to Iceland or New York and given a choice of lube for new and tight fitting gears I would think that thinner lube poses fewer problems. As well, I wouldn't presume that choice A or B indicates a preference one way or the other. I'm pretty sure they don't think that deep.

 

[Bluegill2]

Super cold Climates use UDT, everywhere else use 80/90w...

 

[dieselbeef]

so those of you that have done this job..how do you get the wear ring that slips over the spindle part to go back on. the 25$ seal on mine didnt go on very easy and looks like itll probly leak again. the seal into the bevel hsg is no problem.but the part the seal rides on..the sleeve part is encased in rubber and what a pita