Oil question for front axle

[toxicjeeper]

Hoping there might be an oil expert that can answer this but if kioti factory filled my front axle with hydrolic oil could I not use this ATF when I do thee 50 hour service? I was always under the impression that ATF was superior to hydraulic fluid and wasn't used simply cause of cost. I have 3 crates of thiss ATF and no use for it. I also have a crate of synthetic 80-90 but feel that the viscosity of ATF would flow better and lubricate the axle turning spindles better as they are integral to the axle.

 

[Rock Crawler]

At 50 hours on my last 3 tractors, I drain that out and replace with 80/90 gear oil. On a Kubota the manual states that you can use the Super UDT2 or gear oil. I feel that the thicker gear oil is better for the job, and it makes me feel better.

 

[grsthegreat]

I think ATF is too light for axle gearing, but i think you can call your service dealer and ask them. On new tractor you dont want to mess with a future warranty question.

when i replaced front seals, my dealer told me to use 90 weight.

 

[Username Taken]

Hoping there might be an oil expert that can answer this but if kioti factory filled my front axle with hydrolic oil could I not use this ATF when I do thee 50 hour service? I was always under the impression that ATF was superior to hydraulic fluid and wasn't used simply cause of cost. I have 3 crates of thiss ATF and no use for it. I also have a crate of synthetic 80-90 but feel that the viscosity of ATF would flowView attachment 782846View attachment 782847 better and lubricate the axle turning spindles better as they are integral to the axle.

An automatic Transmission is just one, big, Hydraulic mechanism that sees more stress in 5 minutes than your LS front end will see in its lifetime.

But there's always the question of "What's in the front end and will the ATF play well with those metals?". In a Tractor front end? I can't think of any reason not to use it

But don't take my word for it --

Mobile hydraulic fluids: 5 critical things your father never told

Josh Cosford, contributing editor to Fluid Power World, presents five critical things your father never told you about mobile hydraulic fluids.

www.mobilehydraulictips.com

ATF makes a fantastic hydraulic oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid is used in everything from a Fiat 500 to a Ford F-150, and because of the astounding service life required by vehicle transmissions, the fluid used is some of the most high-quality lubrication available. ATF experiences such extremes in temperature, humidity and viscosity, yet can last 30,000-60,000 miles or more.

ATF is formulated for high viscosity index (the ability to maintain test viscosity over a wide temperature range), and has excellent water control properties, allowing the fluid to hold more water in saturation before being released to create corrosion. Also, the additives in ATF are formulated to improve lubricity, anti-foaming, shear stability and resistance to oxidation.

ATF is a premium hydraulic fluid, but also comes at a premium price, which is its major downside.

 

[Beeenvenue]

Many mechanics have touted 80w90 as having superior properties for the front axle. The viscosity can tend to allow the fluid film to persist even if the level is below the moving parts. It also resists breakdown better from whatever combination of thermal and mechanical pressure forces exist. (I ain’t no mechanic so don’t ask me why but no mechanic or mech Engr they I can find has ever said hydraulic fluid is BETTER than 80w90 for this application, but there are tons who say the reverse is true)

 

[Username Taken]

Many mechanics have touted 80w90 as having superior properties for the front axle. The viscosity can tend to allow the fluid film to persist even if the level is below the moving parts. It also resists breakdown better from whatever combination of thermal and mechanical pressure forces exist. (I ain’t no mechanic so don’t ask me why but no mechanic or mech Engr they I can find has ever said hydraulic fluid is BETTER than 80w90 for this application, but there are tons who say the reverse is true)

Kioti Factory-Fills the front diff with Hydraulic fluid, so...............

I dunno. Could be you're right.

Wonder what factory fill is on the OP's tractor?

 

[toxicjeeper]

My kioti NS 5310 I am assuming it is filled with hydraulic fluid

 

[Billrog]

It is not filled with hydraulic fluid , It's Trans Hydraulic fluid.

 

[toxicjeeper]

So it is ATF automatic transmission fluid in there but prolly not as good as automotive ATF? So confused about all these tractor specific fluids..in the old days I would 100 percent just throw some gear oil in that front axle...

 

[Username Taken]

It is not filled with hydraulic fluid , It's Trans Hydraulic fluid.

So it's Non Binary?