Is it better to use gear oil or trans fluid in front axle of FWA Kubotas?

[sandyc]

My manual for my 3350 says to use super udt2 or sae 80 or 90 gear lube. Guess I would go with the Kubota fluid. Why not?

 

[Oldpath05]

Here's a search for some of those people. It's not terribly common but is common enough to be an issue. Pick and choose.

Search Results - TractorByNet.com

Thanks for the rabbit trail, I have know idea how you found all those post, now back to the hunt.

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks for the rabbit trail, I have know idea how you found all those post, now back to the hunt.

Type it in the "Google Custom Search" box at the top of the TBN page. It easy. In fact, look close and you'll see I even mis-typed my search question and it corrected it.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks for the rabbit trail, I have know idea how you found all those post, now back to the hunt.

For a breather on frt axle housing of a L3400 look at 080 parts key

 

[5030]

I think (personally speaking) that 90 weight would be better in the front axles on a FWA tractor so thats what I use, Shell Spirax to be exact.

 

[LividTaco]

Has anyone tried using royal purple gear oil? I run royal purple in my truck for engine oil and after my second oil change at 3k miles using it I've gone up to 15k miles before oil starts to dirty

 

[buickanddeere]

Motor oil that is GL-5 rated

 

[bdhsfz6]

My manual for my 3350 says to use super udt2 or sae 80 or 90 gear lube. Guess I would go with the Kubota fluid. Why not?

Kubota Super UDT2 oil isn't much thicker than water at high temps. When the front gear housing seals began leaking on my L3430, I switched to 80-90 gear oil. The leaking stopped and it reduced the gear noise as well.

 

[repete]

I have only used GL5 rated 80-90 gear lube in my little 2550. The only issues I have had with it are due to seals being damaged by I assume gravel in the turning areas. Less so with the newer designed seals that have the metal edge at the top. I have also replaced two cracked beveled gear cases due I assume to having reversed the front wheel and loaded the cases with more on the outside bearing than the inner bearing. After that I always leave them in the narrow position. Yes it is a little less stable but for the cost of the castings I will slow down a tad and respect the slight decrease in stability due to being narrow.

I doubt there are many users here who come close to the hard use I have put this tractor through. I now have over 5600 hours of farm use on 80 acres. For many years, till I got a larger tractor, this 2550 was it. Tough little guy and I treat him to an oil and filter change every 100 hours without fail and change the hydraulic fluid and filter as well as front dif on a scheduled basis. No fancy oils just clean oils.

 

[LD1]

After that I always leave them in the narrow position. Yes it is a little less stable but for the cost of the castings I will slow down a tad and respect the slight decrease in stability due to being narrow.

The front axle is mounted on a pivot. So you dont loose any stability keeping them narrow. At least not under normal circumstances. IF the tractor is tipped far enough to to hit the front axles mechanical stops.....only then does wider gain stability. But under normal circumstances, by the time the front axle has hit a stop....its too late