400 hr. Hydro Oil Change Advice???

[nickmags]

To say again: Spend around $30 for an analysis by a reputable lab. (I use Blackstone, have no relationship other than paying their fee). Follow their advice for long fluid (and equipment) life and for peace of mind. See https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/kubota-l45-hydraulic-fluid-maintenance.419912/

Thanks for that link. Do you happen to have one for blackstone? Seriously looking at doing oil analysis.

 

[mjonesnh]

Just looked at Messicks, SUDT2 in 5 gallon buckets is 140.00. Not sure what shipping would be. Maybe price it again at another Kubota dealer. Is it possible price you were given was for the whole 10 gallon and not per bucket?

 

[nybirdman]

My dealer changed just the filter at 50hrs,after that follow the book.
I also add JD hydraulic dye,makes it easier to see.Make sure you tell anyone servicing your unit that you added the dye.

 

[Captain Dirty]

Do you happen to have one [link] for blackstone?

Blackstone Laboratories, LLC www.blackstone-labs.com
I edited my post to include "Labs" so others do not have to read Google pages of investment companies, towns, etc.

 

[dodge man]

I think mine calls for 200 hour changes but it’s a hydrostat. Mine also looked really clean on the dipstick but when I drained it there was some wear particles in it and the fluid looked like it needed changed.

 

[5030]

My manual only calls for 50 hour hydro change on HST models. DT shuttle shift first change is at 400 hrs. My thought was change the filter at 400, then filter and oil at 800 or sooner if I noticed oil getting dark. Again I don't want to do damage, but nearly $600 for an oil change is excessively hard on my budget.

The oil will NEVER get dark in a hydrostat or in a gear drive unit either. What causes oil to get dark is the byproducts of combustion which only applies to an internal combustion engine, not a transmission. Again, what goes 'bye bye' is the additive package. If you really want to know if the fluid is shot or not, send a sample of it into an outfit that does spectro analysis. They will tell you right away with a data sheet.

Only other shot fluid scenario would be contaminated with water and then it will be milky.

600 bucks for a fluid change for me is chump change. I have 2 large Kubota's and each one takes 15 gallons each.

 

[RjCorazza]

My manual only calls for 50 hour hydro change on HST models. DT shuttle shift first change is at 400 hrs. My thought was change the filter at 400, then filter and oil at 800 or sooner if I noticed oil getting dark. Again I don't want to do damage, but nearly $600 for an oil change is excessively hard on my budget.

My point was that the first oil change interval is important, as there will be more wear material in the oil. Whether 50 or 400 hours I would not consider extending the first one !

 

[number two]

Get a better price on SUDT2,like about $150/pail.and change per the guidelines!
Good Luck!

 

[TMGT]

Just priced SUDT2 at my dealer today, $128 for 5gal, we are not in the lowest cost area either.

 

[nickmags]

My point was that the first oil change interval is important, as there will be more wear material in the oil. Whether 50 or 400 hours I would not consider extending the first one !

Good point! Had not looked at it from that angle. I also like the idea of oil sample testing, thanks guys. There is another Kubota dealer in the area, will price oil and filter from them, with any luck, they will be cheaper. They are a little further away, but not too far to go get parts/oil.