BX23: Front TRX axle oil/did I mess it up?

[jhb]

I had my BX23 serviced last week. I decided to check all the fluids in the tractor when I got it back. Most fluids were 1/2 between the high and low mark. Seemed a little cheap that they were not topped off. I checked the fluid in the rear under the seat, and the engine oil.

However, when I checked the fluid in the front axle, It would not touch the stick. Very low. I would assume they would have looked at this, seeing as the service cost me 300 bills plus 200 for transporting the tractor to the shop. I looked at the service receipt, but no mention of the front axle fluid. So maybe its not part of the 50 hour?

Anyway, it was Sunday, and I was concerned about operating the tractor with the fluid so low, so I went and looked it up in the Manual. It said I could use sae90, sae80, or super UDT fluid. Well, I do not have any super UDT fluid (soon to be remedied for top offs). There is a boat supply store near by so I went in and got a tube of SAE90 lower unit gear oil. Figured it's the same thing, right? Is this OK?

I filled it to the top of the level stick. I went to check it after an hour, and the fluid was under pressure and sprayed all over the place. Is THAT normal too?

Did I mess up by mixing fluids? Should the dealer be held accountable? TIA

 

[gsxr1100]

I would say it is not part of the normal service at 50 hours. I think it is not due till like 200 or 300 hours.

The BX23 comes with Super UDT in the front axle. So now you mixed the gear and UDT fluid. I personally would drain and install either fluid. I use 75w-90 in my diff but Super UDT is also fine. I know my gear fluid has the same poor point but a better KV at 100C.

Also yes the front diff does get some pressure and that is one reason why I dislike the UDT for a gear fluid. Also this pressure is why some people on the 22 and BX23 have front diff leaks.


This might help you:

old topic on UDT

 

[jhb]

How bad to leave them mixed for the time being. Wouldn't I just get a viscosity value between the two?

 

[gsxr1100]

not should not hurt anything I feel but I do not know if the two fluids are compatible either. The gear fluid you put it will not have the same pour point unless it is a synthetic fluid.

It it holds like 4 to 5 qts

 

[SCB]

My dealer adamantly said not to mix the oils. They are not compatible. I would drain completely and refill with new oil.

 

[jhb]

Maybe I'll get some Mobil 1 75w-90. I have some extra lying around from a transmission oil change I did on one of my cars. I suppose that should be OK.

 

[gsxr1100]

I kind of figured that. That is why I said I would drain and refill. Also I also guess it would not hurt anything major like it would in a hyd sys. It is only a front diff. Without knowing both oils, I would drain.

I also find it odd now that Kubota states on there webpage...(stated below)

FRONT AXLE CASE (4WD ONLY) -----GEAR Oil SAE 80 or SAE 90..no UDT listed....weird