Has anyone used gear oil in front axle (instead of the hydraulic oil that the manufacturer recommends) AND had an issue?

[disney]

Florida rodent (resident) so not likely to have any issues with gear oil being to thick when below freezing... Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

You won't get any issues using either. Gear oil is preferred for some high speed applications, but I wouldn't be concerned with it in a tractor. At the low speed of most tractors (8 to 25 mph range) hydraulic oil does just fine.

 

[TractorTech]

As a dealer in Southern California, we used gear oil in the front end to minimize weeping of thinner hydraulic oil in the hot weather

 

[Hoobie]

My manual recommends either Kubota Super UDT or 80/90 gear oil. I use gear oil. 1500 hours no issue.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

As a dealer in Southern California, we used gear oil in the front end to minimize weeping of thinner hydraulic oil in the hot weather

Like this, it’s hot in the barn

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I worked at Kubota and used gear oil every time. Stayed in better.

 

[Hay Dude]

I used Super UDT 2 and developed problems when hot. The stuff pours like water! Switched to gear oil and the leaks became less noticeable.

 

[big bubba]

if concerned being "too thick" (not an issue at all given your location) you can also use 75/90wt. full synthetic is pricier, i use this product in my truck. it's conventional.
few $ cheaper on Amazon

https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/gear-oil/p/valvoline-high-performance-75w-90-gear-oil-limited-slip-1-quart/373222_0_0

 

[milkman636]

Florida rodent (resident) so not likely to have any issues with gear oil being to thick when below freezing... Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Been using gear oil in the front end of my 35hp tractor for over a decade now. Like your tractor the manual says use either. So far no issues.

I also have hydraulic/trans fluid in the front end of my 23 hp tractor. So far I’ve had no issues with that one either. I opted to go this route on the small one because I had plenty on hand, and it seems to be good enough for the gears in the rear end. I am also conscious of what I have in there and probably over-cautious of not putting my front axle in any kind of overload or binding situation. I tend to use the larger tractor for the abusive stuff.

 

[Patches]

I've used Mobil 1 75/90 synthetic in the front axel of my Kioti since new;2005 and no issues during Maine winters

 

[LD1]

Gear oil is actually made for lubricating things exactly like the front end. And even what my dealer recommends.

They only use UDT from the factory so they can fill a every tractor with only 2 oils.....engine and whatever goes in the trans (UDT or SUDT). And less of a chance of someone putting gear oil in the trans/rear

So basically....UDT/SUDT in the front is not because its better. Its only a convenience/cost thing for the MFG

 

[FERLING]

My manual recommends either Kubota Super UDT or 80/90 gear oil. I use gear oil. 1500 hours no issue.

Some recommend hydraulic or if seeping problem then use gear oil. My New Holland Workmaster 50 (2015 model) looks like gear oil. I am guessing past dealership problems of seeping with hydraulic just had gear oil to start with so maybe zvoiding seeping problem?

 

[bdhsfz6]

I've owned 7, 4WD Kubota tractors over the years and have used 80W/90 gear oil in the front axles on all of them without issue. In every case, the SUDT2 oil began to weep past the seals after around 200 hours. It was particularly noticeable during hot weather when the SUDT2 has the viscosity of water. It became routine for me to switch to 80W/90 at the first scheduled maintenance.

It could be my imagination but I don't notice as much gear clatter in the front end with the 80W/90.

It remains to be seen if using gear oil will have any effect on warranty repairs should they become necessary.

 

[ohiogar]

I restored a 4400 JD tractor ...tractor #2 off the assembly line
with barely any hours on it but had sat outside for many years
and I used 80/90 weight gear oil in the front axle. I figured it
would protect better and not seep through the original seals.

 

[5030]

I use 85-140 GL5 myself. Always have, always will. Shell Spirax to be exact.

 

[Hay Dude]

Gear oil is actually made for lubricating things exactly like the front end. And even what my dealer recommends.

They only use UDT from the factory so they can fill a every tractor with only 2 oils.....engine and whatever goes in the trans (UDT or SUDT). And less of a chance of someone putting gear oil in the trans/rear

So basically....UDT/SUDT in the front is not because its better. Its only a convenience/cost thing for the MFG

Even my Kubota dealer recommends gear oil in front axles over Super UDT2

 

[crhunts]

Even my Kubota dealer recommends gear oil in front axles over Super UDT2

Can you mix the two oils?

 

[joeyd]

Been using gear oil since I bought my tractor, the manual recommends it.

 

[ljjhouser]

I asked my Kubota dealer what came in the tractor when they delivered. I was told gear oil. It is also much cheaper than udt2.

 

[Sid Post]

I asked my Kubota dealer what came in the tractor when they delivered. I was told gear oil. It is also much cheaper than udt2.

That stuff is REALLY REALLY expensive.

Glad I read this thread as I will be using gear oil next time I service it.