Chevron Synthetic THF vs. Amsoil Hydraulic Oil?

_RaT_ · Mar 1, 2005

I just changed my Kubotas hydraulic oil 2 days ago. Went from UDT to Chevron All Weather THF full Synthetic. It's orange so is a little easier to see on the dip stick. It was $65 per 5 gallons, no delivery fee. I checked into Kubota Super UDT but the shipping from TractorSmart was very expensive so I just settled on filters from them. Chevrons met the requirements of Kubotas Super UDT. Its only available in 5 gallon increments or larger.

gsxr1100 · Mar 2, 2005

yup, nothing new. THey re-do there oils from time to time.

cowboydoc · Mar 2, 2005

Greg,

If you really want to keep your tractor running good, especially the hydraulics, you need to change the hydraulic fluid yearly. There have been a # of studies done that show that the hydraulic fluid over a years time is severely contaminated with dirt and water, even more if the tractor is not used regularly. Personally I go with a good regular oil that meets specs for the tractors and change every year. What people fail to realize is that no matter how good the oil is it does nothing to stop dirt and water. If it's contaminated it doesn't matter how good your filter or your oil is it's going to cause damage. The biggest advantage to synthetic is extending your drains. On the hydraulic system you are just going to do damage to the hydraulics by extending the drains.

Our loader tractors do not sit over the winter. We put out hay everyday with them. When we went to synthetic there was very little difference in the operation. If there was we would still be using it.

gsxr1100 · Mar 2, 2005

( If you really want to keep your tractor running good, especially the hydraulics, you need to change the hydraulic fluid yearly. )

I agree but Kubota (my manual) says you do not have to. Every 2-years for my little BX. So now going by the manual, is not good enough and Kubota’s remarks will causing hyd issues since it is not drained often enough?????

( What people fail to realize is that no matter how good the oil is it does nothing to stop dirt and water. )

I thought we have hyd filters on our units? Water no, but dirt, yes hence the filter.

( Our loader tractors do not sit over the winter. We put out hay everyday with them. When we went to synthetic there was very little difference in the operation. If there was we would still be using it. )

There should be no difference here (from the user standpoint). Only an oil test will show the difference; unless you are superman with spectro analysis. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cowboydoc · Mar 2, 2005

I agree but Kubota (my manual) says you do not have to. Every 2-years for my little BX. So now going by the manual, is not good enough and Kubota’s remarks will causing hyd issues since it is not drained often enough?????


There are several research articles out there that show severe condensation in the hydraulic fluid over the changing seasons in a year especially if the tractor sits for long periods of time. That is up to you to decide what is good enough.

gsxr1100 · Mar 2, 2005

Since I am a design engineer, most designs are very conservative on maintance. Unless you are working space items, again very conservative.

If there was a issue, Kubota would post something on it.

KennedyDiesel · Mar 2, 2005

( Since I am a design engineer )

That explains a lot...

gsxr1100 · Mar 2, 2005

Never implied it did. But I have designed many items from space items, to fuel controls and values, to helicopter parts and even de-icing on blades.

And most times when I follow a design from start to finish the manual for the customer and/or shop floor are WAY conservative. Also when you design these numbers are always on the conservative side unless weight (aerospace) are an issue. Then and only then, do things get designed to the max.

So since Kubota is protecting there item & it is does fly in the sky, I say the book is on the conservative side.

Does that help you? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif