Cub 2518 transmission fluid/filter.

tmblweed · Nov 8, 2006

I am about to start using Amsoil Synthetic Hydraulic fluid in the transmission of my 2518. Has anyone else used this? If so how do you rate it. Also, is there an automotive filter that will fit the transmission? I like to use the Purulator " Pure One " on my Vulcan 1600 bike. Its a car filter but is rated very high and cost half what the OEM filter does.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ath.aspx

TractorLarry · Nov 8, 2006

Me, personally?

When it comes to the Hydro, it's factory stuff all the way.

-Larry

ducati996 · Nov 8, 2006

tmblweed said:
I am about to start using Amsoil Synthetic Hydraulic fluid in the transmission of my 2518. Has anyone else used this? If so how do you rate it. Also, is there an automotive filter that will fit the transmission? I like to use the Purulator " Pure One " on my Vulcan 1600 bike. Its a car filter but is rated very high and cost half what the OEM filter does.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ath.aspx

There is no subsitute for the Cub synthetic blend oil for their transmissions.
I would not put the Amsoil in there. Many have tried to find alternates but in the end they were not successfull. You can extend the service intervals since the oil dosent need to be changed at the 100hr mark Cub suggests....

Filters (hydro) there might be a few alternates - someone used a deere part number, and a wix part number. I have no info on them, but maybe someone else can add....
Keep in mind these trannys require the synthetic blend oil

JTKub · Nov 8, 2006

tmblweed, a few of us did some extensive research on Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus hydrostatic oil some time ago. Not sure if this is what your 2518 specs, but it should work with it anyway. Drive system fluid plus is made by Shell and is named Shell TTF-SB. Not to say other oils will not work perfectly, it's just that finding an exact match for Shell TTF-SB has been unsuccesful. I couldn't even get the folks at Hydro-Gear to offer an alternative. They wont go against CC's wishes (obviously). It's all good anyway. The CC oil is around $9/qt, but you rarely have to change it over the life of the unit. I use the napa/carquest/WIX equiv for my filters. Transaxle Filter = Carquest # 85410 (Wix filter). It's a pricey filter where ever you go.

Joel

DieselPower · Nov 8, 2006

Amsoil makes a very good product and I think you will be very happy with it. A top of the line synthetic fluid that should serve you for many years to come. Don't let the Amsoil bashers get you down.

At the next scheduled maintenance interval don't drain it, just do a UOA and see what the test results say. You will probably find you can go several change intervals on a single fill up.

tmblweed · Nov 8, 2006

DieselPower said:
Amsoil makes a very good product and I think you will be very happy with it. A top of the line synthetic fluid that should serve you for many years to come. Don't let the Amsoil bashers get you down.

At the next scheduled maintenance interval don't drain it, just do a UOA and see what the test results say. You will probably find you can go several change intervals on a single fill up.

I run Amsoil 10w-40 in my Vulacn 1600, plus I use their Severe Gear oil in my shaft drive final gear. Smooth as silk and tougher than nails. While I have not switched yet I most likely will use it in the 2518, time will tell. I respect all opinions though. ( Also use the Amsoil 10w-40 in my 2518 )

ducati996 · Nov 8, 2006

DieselPower said:
Amsoil makes a very good product and I think you will be very happy with it. A top of the line synthetic fluid that should serve you for many years to come. Don't let the Amsoil bashers get you down.

At the next scheduled maintenance interval don't drain it, just do a UOA and see what the test results say. You will probably find you can go several change intervals on a single fill up.

Nothing to do with bashing - its simply not the same as the factory requirments or specification.

You are giving incorrect advice on this subject....please do a search this question has been addressed going back 3 plus years

the 2518 cast iron tranny is the same in Cubs 2500 series today as well as the 3000 series (some differences). Every owner has asked about alternatives, and searched the world and came right back to the factory OEM product.

JTKub · Nov 8, 2006

tmblweed said:
I run Amsoil 10w-40 in my Vulacn 1600, plus I use their Severe Gear oil in my shaft drive final gear. Smooth as silk and tougher than nails. While I have not switched yet I most likely will use it in the 2518, time will tell. I respect all opinions though. ( Also use the Amsoil 10w-40 in my 2518 )

I hope you dont plan on running gear oil in your hydro. You will burn up the pump/drive in short order on gear oil.

Joel

tmblweed · Nov 9, 2006

JTKub said:
I hope you dont plan on running gear oil in your hydro. You will burn up the pump/drive in short order on gear oil.

Joel

Please read my original post, maybe click the link.

JTKub · Nov 9, 2006

tmblweed said:
Please read my original post, maybe click the link.

Gotcha. I saw the amsoil hydrostatic drive oil in your first post, then gear oil mensioned in another. Good luck with the amsoil. Post back on how it works out for you. If it's cheaper and easier to get that the CC stuff, it's a good find!

Joel