BX2350 front axle fluid

[nh_bota]

Upon checking my front axle fluid last night, I noticed that there is no oil on the dipstick -- obviously I need to fill it some, but I only have 20 hours on it. I have a couple of questions:
1) I noticed that I can clearly see the axle shaft -- is this normal?
2) I assume the tractor was shipped with UDT or SUDT in the front axle -- can this be mixed with 80w90 if I choose to use it?

Thanks!

 

[Charliebrn]

Mine was low as well...way low when I brought her home. Remember to open both vents of the axle, one on each side when you fill it up. Don't know about mixing fluids though...it does have SUDT from the factory, and you should probably keep with that unless you're gonna drain it...

After you fill it, you might want to drive it around a bit to get out any air and recheck the levels...I had to add more after I drove it.

 

[Volfandt]

Your BX24 should have shipped w/SUDT in the front axle. But to be sure you should call the dealer to make sure. My dealer indicated that Kubota ships all BX's with SUDT.

The SUDT in my BX23's front axle is so clear that I couldn't tell if there was any fluid in it or not. Even w/185 hrs it's still so clear I can't see it on the dip stick.
How I check it is to screw the dipstick all the way down then unscrew it and pull it out. I then lay it on a clean piece of paper towel and roll it about a 3/4 turn, taking care not to slide it up or down. It will leave the SUDT stain on the paper towel with the exact amount of fluid thats on the stick. This makes it VERY easy to read and compare to the dip sticks measureing lines.
You might try similar to make sure theres fluid in the axle.

Good luck
Volfandt

 

[Buster57]

This is very common.
I noticed this immediately in my new BX-1850 and freaked out. I called my dealer and he said it was no big deal. In fact, he said use essentially any kind of trans fluid for the front axel then SUDT at 50 hours. No risk of damage. The front axel wears very differently then the hydrostatic transmission.
I used Castrol trans fluid form my German auto.

 

[escavader]

HI,
I would like to add to this that my bx 23 calls for udt or sae 80-sae 90 gear oil..I just happened to use gear oil because i buy it in a 5 gallon bucket,because i use alot on my stuff.I also wanted to add my book didnt call for a change until 300 hours.
ALAN

 

[taxman80]

I bought a new BX2350 yesterday. After reading TBN, I checked all the fluids before I used the tractor, all were full. I cut grass for 1 hour and everthing was still full exept the front axle. It wasn't touching the stick.

 

[proudestmonkey]

Same thing here with my 2230. Dealer said its because after you ride around on it, the fluid settles from side to side. He suggested I just top it off, and then check it again after about 20 minutes of use. I did. No problem.

 

[studway]

Yep, kind of a pain. My new 2350 with 6 hours on it needs fluid in the front axle.

 

[Musclford]

Yep, kind of a pain. My new 2350 with 6 hours on it needs fluid in the front axle.

Ya know, I see this is a way to cut costs. I may be being ****.. but, say 1 to 2 quarts savings per tractor, 10000 tractors ends up saving the oem quite a bit of cash..

Just a different angle.. but why else would they be consistently low?????

My 2350, yep,, it doesn't touch the dipstick either.. How sad...

 

[MOPAULY]

I think you are being a little to conspiracy theory with that one

One of the first things I did was check the fluids after reading about it on these forums. Front axle was low and needed a whole container of 80w-90.

 

[FishAlaska]

The reason they are full when you buy them and low later is that the tractor is being used and the fluid is moving to the ends of the axle with use. Top it off and you will be OK.

 

[sc-dave]

22 Hours on my BX2350, read this thread......nothing touching the dipstick either. Sort of rediculous. Took about 2 quarts of SUDT to make it right.

 

[fishpick]

I had this too - asked the dealer back after 5 hours on the new tractor he said exactly what FishAlaska said... gave me a quart of SUDT - I filled it... done.
Part of owning new I guess - and why they tell you to check fluids and general things all around in every preflight!

 

[escavader]

I had this too - asked the dealer back after 5 hours on the new tractor he said exactly what FishAlaska said... gave me a quart of SUDT - I filled it... done.
Part of owning new I guess - and why they tell you to check fluids and general things all around in every preflight!

I have seen alot of problems posted here on TBN ,that should have been caught on a preflight inspection.We all are eagar to jump on and go,but a preflight can save alot of trouble.Glad you mentioned it.
ALAN

 

[ozzie tractor]

i agree with escaveder, the pre flight is fairly important,there are so many things on machinery which can come loose or get damaged.
the low oil level issue is caused by air locks in the outer hubs, hence the vent bungs on the top, the drama is that it takes ages for the oil to work its way thought the king pin bearings and into the hubs, the only way i have found to get a reliable oil level in the front axle is to have the machine sitting on dead flat ground (very critical), take the vent bolts out, top up the oil and leave it for a good period of time, it is also a good idea to have some extra UDT, just in case you need to top something up, or you loose a bit in an incident (hose failure etc).
Volfandt is absolutely spot on with the method of checking the oil level, UDT is so **** clear it is very hard to see.kubota can make an excellent tractor, just wish they would design a dipstick we can read, the yellow plastic one on some models is a joke.