front differential fluid question

[driver444]

I hate to sound stupid but...

I have a Mahindra 2015 4x4. I'm gonna be doing the first service on it this weekend, and will be replacing the front axle fluid.

I know there's a big dispute on all 4x4 tractors on whether to use hydraulic oil, or gear oil, but here's the thing...

The owner's manual says to replace the front axle fluid after the first 50 hours, and every 200 hours thereafter, with 85w140 gear oil. The thing is, When i pulled the oil level-check plug, it was clearly NOT gear oil that oozed out. It was hydraulic fluid.

I called the local Cub Cadet dealer since my mahindra dealer closed early that day (this mahindra is identical to a Cub 7200), and he said that either can be used.

So what should I do? I find it odd that the owner's manual would suggest a different lubricant that what was actually in the tractor from the factory.

 

[DieselPower]

Don't forget, owners manuals are usually created by people that have never even set in a tractor. A large number of tractor manufacturers spec. either UTF or gear oil in their front axles.

My personal opinion as a lubricants consultant is that if you just use your tractor for light to moderate 4WD use then the UTF is fine. If you tend to use it for heavy to severe use go with the gear oil. The gear oil will provide a greater film on the gear teeth then the thinner UTF will. Occasional snow plowing in the winter, pulling the occasional tree, mowing and mainly flat ground plowing, go with the UTF. Frequent use for plowing on steep grades, heavy FEL (as a dozer blade) and other heavy 4WD use I would go with the gear oil.

 

[George2615]

Driver,
When I did my 50 and 200 hr service in my 2615 I used UTF in the front axle. I've had no problems with it.

 

[driver444]

Thanks to both of you.

I don't really use the tractor for anything considered extreme, and I fear that 85W140 will turn into a brick during the winter months. I'll probably do the udt thing.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd like to point out 1 distinction here... there is a HUGE difference between HYDRAULIC oil, and UTF / TRANSDRAULIC oil.

You go putting straight hydraulic oil inthe front end.. I suspect you will be back here positng eventually asking how to make some repairs... UTF has an add package that makes it compatible in final drives.. gearboxes.. etc..

Soundguy

I hate to sound stupid but...

I have a Mahindra 2015 4x4. I'm gonna be doing the first service on it this weekend, and will be replacing the front axle fluid.

I know there's a big dispute on all 4x4 tractors on whether to use hydraulic oil, or gear oil, but here's the thing...

The owner's manual says to replace the front axle fluid after the first 50 hours, and every 200 hours thereafter, with 85w140 gear oil. The thing is, When i pulled the oil level-check plug, it was clearly NOT gear oil that oozed out. It was hydraulic fluid.

I called the local Cub Cadet dealer since my mahindra dealer closed early that day (this mahindra is identical to a Cub 7200), and he said that either can be used.

So what should I do? I find it odd that the owner's manual would suggest a different lubricant that what was actually in the tractor from the factory.

 

[IH3444]

Use a good quality synthetic gear oil such as Mobil 1, 75w-90, or for more protection, Amsoil Series 3000, 75w-140. It will flow well down into the low temps.

 

[driver444]

I didn't mean to confuse the issue. When I said hydraulic oil, I meant the kind of fluid the rest of the tractor takes, ie. transmission, hydraulic system, etc.

 

[Soundguy]

I didn't mean to confuse the issue. When I said hydraulic oil, I meant the kind of fluid the rest of the tractor takes, ie. transmission, hydraulic system, etc.

Commonly refered to as UTF, universal tractor fluid.. transdraulic fluid.. etc.

Saying /hydraulic oil/ typically leads people to think of 'plain' hydraulic oil.. IE.. r&o type fluids and jack oil..e tc.

Soundguy

 

[big bubba]

So....what's the consensus here regarding 80/90 GL5 gear oil at, say, 25 degrees F for the front axle 4WD? Granted it is not high speed or extreme pressure, but will it have good flow characteristics at that temp and below? Straight synthetic gear oil is way to costly, a synthetic blend 75/90 is close to $4.00/qt. Your thoughts? Guess if the manual (Kubota) states conventional GL4/5 it's okay. Your take? bb

 

[Soundguy]

I tend to prefer 'real' gear oil in gear boxes nd 4wd axles.. however have had applications that called fro utf. my ex-NH1920 called for utf in the front axle.. never had a problem with it.

soundguy