Looking for recommendations on HST fluid for my Kioti DK40 SE HST tractor

[IXLR8]

I use this in my 2012 DK45 SE HST.

View attachment 535877

I put this in at my 400 hour service. It works perfect for me. Some tractor owners complain of HST whine with different fluids but this is fine by my standards even in cold weather. I don't think these model tractors are noted for having much of a whine.

If you do change it save yourself some $$ and just buy two cans, (10 gal). The specs say 11 gallons but you will not get a full 10 in it.
I have over 500 hrs. now and the fluid is as clear now as when new.

I can't tell from the picture what you are using. The whine I had was not typical HST whine, it was more a metal on metal scrapping whine that came from the engine compartment not from the HST area.

 

[GMIslander]

I can't tell from the picture what you are using. The whine I had was not typical HST whine, it was more a metal on metal scrapping whine that came from the engine compartment not from the HST area.

http://tdc.ge/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/5_SPIRAX_S4_TXM.pdf

 

[crazyal]

My first question is do other Kioti owners have this problem. I'm guessing no. I run synthetic in both my engine and transmission just because I feel it's worth it. If the dealer has to replace the hydro pump again then I would ask for synthetic oil and just pay the extra cost. I also try not to use my Kubota in temps below zero but have. I don't know if the transmission oil ever gets up to operating temps when it's that cold but it doesn't need to. After a few minutes of the engine idling and I'm off. The hydro works just fine. Kioti (in my opinion) isn't some junk brand and should perform just as well as any other brand. I believe that there's something still wrong with your tractor causing the erratic pedal operation. Most likely your dealer hasn't seen it before and unfortunately might struggle to solve it.

 

[IXLR8]

http://tdc.ge/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/5_SPIRAX_S4_TXM.pdf

Thank you.

 

[IXLR8]

My first question is do other Kioti owners have this problem. I'm guessing no. I run synthetic in both my engine and transmission just because I feel it's worth it. If the dealer has to replace the hydro pump again then I would ask for synthetic oil and just pay the extra cost. I also try not to use my Kubota in temps below zero but have. I don't know if the transmission oil ever gets up to operating temps when it's that cold but it doesn't need to. After a few minutes of the engine idling and I'm off. The hydro works just fine. Kioti (in my opinion) isn't some junk brand and should perform just as well as any other brand. I believe that there's something still wrong with your tractor causing the erratic pedal operation. Most likely your dealer hasn't seen it before and unfortunately might struggle to solve it.

At temps above freezing, it works fine. It is just when temps get below 15dF that things start getting wonky. When they get below 0dF, then they get bad. On my CK30, the pedal directly controlled the HST valving and that was very responsive and I never had any issues with that. On the DK40, the pedals control an intermediate valving arrangement that then controls the HST. I suspect it is this intermediate valving that contributes to this cold issue. When I had the HST unit replaced, the mechanic said he has seen issues with the intermediate valving and he was going to pull that and check it out. But Kioti HQ had him replace the entire HST unit including the intermediate valving unit. Right now I am trying to sort out what the squealing was and why it now doesn't drive right. I don't have a way to get the tractor to the dealer, he is 3 hrs away, so I am putting together a list of parts so I can at least run some pressure checks to see if the pumps are still working properly.

 

[AWSubie]

Let us know what the dealer says. I am sorry you are having this issue.

 

[sugarloafguy]

IXLR8,

Using SUD2 will make a big improvement in your Kioti. One of the guys I work with @ the Maine Turnpike has a new NX4510 HST and the hydraulics are noisy and sluggish lately and he is headed in that direction as well. A couple weeks ago it took me an an entire morning to get my company tractor running in the tree line at mile 74SB with the extreme cold and slow starters on the Deere 5083/5 E series. December was a rough month I know all about oil that won't flow and noisy hydraulics. Contact your Kioti dealer and see if they make a cold weather variant of the HYD filter. The New Holland TC 24DA and 29DA I have both have that option and with SUD2 it makes a world of difference in the amount of oil that flows through it since the holes are oval and twice as big. CNH Industrial gets about double the price over the standard filter and I won't run them without it.

When we have to leave the Deere outside we have one of the magnetic NAPA block heaters now that helps along with the new Optima battery getting it running. I think this would work well if Kioti does not offer a filter upgrade to warm that tranny housing a few hours prior to use. In the past I have used a store brand HYD fluid and the experience with it was one of increased whine and other noises. Don't use non OEM filters. The SUD2 also helps with whine which is a Kubota characteristic. I would say the performance in my Boomers is roughly 30% in terms of speed with significant improvement in pedal feel-response. Not much noise in the NH/Shibaura transmissions as a general rule. The additive for the whine would tip me toward Kubota fluid vs Amsoil but Amsoil is excellent. Both of my blue machines have engine block heaters. Install one if you have not done so already and put Rotella T6 5-40 full synthetic in the motor. Seems like I paid about $100.00/ 5 gallon pail for SUD2. I also prefer it over the Deere fluids we use in our green units.

Brian