Front Axle UDT OR Gearlube?

[MarkLeininger]

B2710: noticed in the manual that the front axle can use either UDT or 80/90 Gearlube. That seems strange, those two don't seem equivalent to me in terms of viscosity. UDT pours pretty easy, gear lube is a little closer to honey. Gear lube is pretty cheap, UDT is priced like they flew it in from another planet. Am I missing something?

 

[MOPAULY]

Dunno. When my BX24 was delivered it was low in the front. I just filled it with gear lube, per the manual. Haven't done my 50 service yet but based on my call to the dealer it's gonna cost me a bunch.

 

[hutch4472]

My L35 manual says the same. When I drained it gear oil came out so I re-filled it with 90wt. I dont like how thick it is and I will probably change to UDT or at least 80wt soon as I get a chance. Hutch

 

[john_bud]

The new manuals call for SUDT. I just filled it with the same stuff as the transmission. UDT at 50 hours then change to Amsoil at the next change then SUDT at the last change. Spendy, but what ya gonna do?

Also, the service is really easy. No rocket science. Just a lot of fluid. Doing it yourself will teach you a lot about the machine and give you more confidence in it. Why spend the $$ to have the dealer do it?

jb

 

[Double 00 Soul]

Excellent question! I asked three different people at the same dealer without getting a definitive answer except from a parts man. He was adamant that I had to use UDT in the front axle. I told each person that I had changed to 80W-90 during the hot summer months. My question was whether to change back to UDT for the cold Minnesota winter. Another person at the same dealer said it didn't matter and yet another said I'd probably be all right keeping the gear lube in. Isn't that great? I'm convinced the only way to be sure is to contact Kubota.

 

[Dusty]

In the colder climates, the SUDT will offer better lubrication at the lower temperatures than a gear oil. The reason that it specs either, is the front axle isn't under any strain like a rear differential is. Today, the belief is that light oils lubricate better than a heavy oil or grease does. In keeping with these new theories, I would use the SUDT. Go with the modern times.
Dusty

 

[Double 00 Soul]

In the colder climates, the SUDT will offer better lubrication at the lower temperatures than a gear oil. The reason that it specs either, is the front axle isn't under any strain like a rear differential is. Today, the belief is that light oils lubricate better than a heavy oil or grease does. In keeping with these new theories, I would use the SUDT. Go with the modern times.
Dusty

You're right on with my thinking Dusty, that was why I asked the question at the dealer. Maybe I was just being lazy and cheap, while the manual specifies both, it just makes sense to use the lighter UDT/SUDT in the MN winter.

 

[MarkLeininger]

I have enough SUDT left from my transmission change to use in the front end. Chicago winters are cold too, and I've never liked using gear lube in anything that I need to run in the winter.

 

[MadReferee]

During my last service at the dealer on my B2710, they put SUDT in the front axle. Service manager said that is all they use.

 

[Marcussen]

My dealer said all they use is Kubota brand 80W90 gear oil for front ends.
15W40 engine oil and UDT for other fluids.
I used the 80W90, 10W30 engine oil (diesel rated) and SUDT.
I am sure SUDT, UDT, or gear oil would all work fine in the front end.