Front Axle Fluid?

[nh DRAGON]

I still say there are plenty of dealerships out there that understand the value of proper predelivery. It doesn't take a master technician to do it right. Just someone with a reasonable work ethic and proper supervision. Many ( but not all) of the predelivery problems reported on these forums originate at the high volume, low margin dealerships that offer swinging deals on wholegoods and have to keep their overhead (read labor) costs at a minimum to remain profitable. Consumers don't often get it both ways. If you are going to shop price only, that's what you will get.

That is too funny! No I didn't even shop for lower price, The only other dealer up here has not delivered the grader blade that we paid for and was supposed to come with the rake we got in 1990, I defiantly do not trust them to do the pdi.

 

[ray66v]

I was pretty happy with the way mine was on delivery. Being me, I checked all the fluid levels within the first day or so, to be sure. Everything was where it should be, I've had a good overall experience with the dealer so far, I'd recommend them to new buyers.

Chilly

I would love to do a study and see how many times this level of satisfaction is simply the result of the fact that the purchaser is unaware that things were missed or done incorrectly.

My guess is about 1/2 the time.

 

[RickB]

I would love to do a study and see how many times this level of satisfaction is simply the result of the fact that the purchaser is unaware that things were missed or done incorrectly.

My guess is about 1/2 the time.

I would love to do a study of how many TBN members take admittedly bad experiences with a particular dealer and systematically throw all dealers and their staff under the bus because they think it fashionable to do so. And in the next breath expect to get detailed responses about particular maintainence and repair problems gratis from the same group.


My guess is about 1/2 the time.

 

[Fromjim]

My BX2660 owners manual says it comes with Super UDT in the front axle. But it says that 80W-90 could also be used. That's confusing to me. Although the maintenance schedule didn't call for a check, I pulled that plug (boy is it hard to get out), and the fluid didn't even reach the stick. With a ruler, I measured one inch of fluid as it was received brand new from the dealer. The dealer says to use Super UDT to bring it up where it belongs. I hope no damage was done, because I ran it all summer mowing for about 50 hours in its OE condition. Should I stay with the Super UDT or change to 80W-90 when it is time for a change?

I was told to use regular UDT, my dealer never even heard about Super UDT, here is a link from Kubota concerning lubrication fluids, see the attachment and link.
Kubota Tractor USA - Lubricants Schedule

Hope this helps.

God bless
Jim

 

[thavil]

I'll throw in my .02 worth on the subject of the low front axle fluid issue. I would bet that in most cases of the fluid being low, when checked by the owner, that the fluid was at the correct level during preinspection. Once the tractor is operated a few hours, the fluid settles in both housings. In my case, I checked my fluid the first time at 5 hours and it was a quart low.

 

[jcummins]

I have an M7040, 6 months ago when I did the service on this I talked to my dealer. They said the heavier weight 80-90w oil will give more protection. That's what I'm using now, but it does appear either will work.

 

[sw03]

I would love to do a study of how many TBN members take admittedly bad experiences with a particular dealer and systematically throw all dealers and their staff under the bus because they think it fashionable to do so. And in the next breath expect to get detailed responses about particular maintainence and repair problems gratis from the same group.


My guess is about 1/2 the time.

I put some blame on Kubota. I have delta with many dealer within 2500 miles and all speak all over the place. It is like the three stooges here.

 

[EE_Bota]

If it helps any, I read all the links about Kubota fluid and 80-90W a couple of weeks ago, and here is the most compelling argument I saw:

You have to have Super Kubota fluid to fill the rear end, so why have two different fluids, so use the Super Kubota fluid on both.

A week ago, I replaced the seals on the BX spindles that do sometimes go bad and drip and I used 80-90W gear oil. Here is my reasoning:

80-90W is cheaper and good enough for the front axle, and I have to use the special stuff in the rear. Every time a quick coupler drips, money hits the dirt, and I have to go back with the expensive stuff. Why double up on that? Go 80-90W on the front. It's available everywhere, works in car rear ends, and can be bought on Sunday in a real pinch. Pay the Devil his due on the expensive hydrostatic bits, but don't pretend that the front end of the tractor is much different than the rear end of a car, especially when Kubota SAYS I can us the 80-90W.

 

[Chilly807]

I was told to use regular UDT, my dealer never even heard about Super UDT, here is a link from Kubota concerning lubrication fluids, see the attachment and link.
Kubota Tractor USA - Lubricants Schedule

Hope this helps.

God bless
Jim

I was asking my dealer about what I should use for the 50 hour service, he mentioned that their engine oil is priced competively with anybody else's, which is true.

When we got to the hydraulic/trans oil, I asked what they'd recommend. He said (loosely quoted)" All we get in is UDT, every old tractor out there is running a lot worse stuff than regular UDT, and they do just fine." He wasn't sure they could even get SUDT anymore, couldn't remember the last time they ordered any.

I personally think SUDT is a good idea for HST tractors, I'm not sure it's worth the added cost for gear drive machines. If it's cold enough out that my hydraulics won't work because the UDT is too thick, I'll stay inside. If it's so hot that I'm in danger of frying something with hot hydraulic oil, I'll be in the shade with a cold one.

As to the 80/90 or SUDT debate, we've been over this ground so many times it hurts. I'm planning on using a good gear oil, it's worked in every other piece of machinery I've ever owned.

Funny how grown men (and women ) can agree on so many things, but fuel and lube raises the hackles every time..

Chilly

 

[rdsaustintx]

If it's so hot that I'm in danger of frying something with hot hydraulic oil, I'll be in the shade with a cold one.

In Nova Scotia?