I just bought a 3235 and want to change rear end fluid, this machine has 327 hours and i do not think the original owner did any maintenance. It is out of warranty and after seeing the price the dealer gets I was wondering is there a substitute for it.
Hydro Fluid
- Thread starter Sully
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Bob_Bainbridge
Platinum Member
The 3235 uses synthetic fluid, Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus, which runs about $35 per gallon at the dealer. I've seen several people using different grades of motor oil etc. but I would be leary of substituting the wrong fluid. The "rear end" is part of the hydrostatic drive unit and it all uses the same fluid. It calls for 5.5 quarts. I ran a 1450 for 28 years, changing the filter religiously but never changed the fluid except when I had to replace a gasket in the hydro. The fluid really doesn't get dirty like engine oil.
Bob B.
Bob B.
Fiero guy
New member
I work for a CC dealer--for the last 1 1/2 years. Have changed that fluid on only a couple of units in all the services I have done. Good filter change regimen means you don't have to change the fluid very often, and synthetic doesn't break down like fossil oil does.
Yes, the fluid is expensive, but considering how seldom you have to change it, relative to the operating hours you put on it, it softens the sticker shock a bit.
But, I will check in to it, and see if there is an alternative fluid. I suspect something like Pennzoil synchromesh would work, but don't know that for a fact.
Yes, the fluid is expensive, but considering how seldom you have to change it, relative to the operating hours you put on it, it softens the sticker shock a bit.
But, I will check in to it, and see if there is an alternative fluid. I suspect something like Pennzoil synchromesh would work, but don't know that for a fact.
JTKub
Veteran Member
Sully, there's lots and lots-o posts on Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus and it's alternatives. Most associated with 2K series machines, but the transaxle in your more rare 3K, is the same, but slightly larger capacity with auxiliary outputs for P-steering, etc. When I researched it some years back and had conversations with Hyrdo-Gear (maker of the hydrostatic drive on these), the Cub oil was made/supplied by Shell. The Shell name for it is Shell TTF-SB. The spec sheet for it closely resembles normal, run of the mill engine oil. The Hydro-Gear guy agreed that they typically spec 15w40 HD engine oil for their drive systems, but their customers customers can surely spec their own, provided it meets HGs requirements. I run commonly available Shell Rotella-T 15w40 in my 2544, and would probably run Shell Rotella-T 5w40 if I used it in the winter. I personally would not hesitate to run this in your 3K series. I don't know of a any modern day, LT/GT hydrostatic, shared drive system that doesn't use motor oil.
Joel
Joel
Bob_Bainbridge
Platinum Member
JTKub said:
Joel, is the Shell oil a synthetic oil? I wouldn't think it would be good to mix synthetic and regular oil.
Bob B.
JTKub
Veteran Member
Bob, the Shell Rotella-T 5w40 is partially synthetic like the CC Drive System Fluid Plus oil. The 15w40 is not marketed as such, but manages to holds better specs than the CC oil anyway. Any of today's synthetics can be mixed with conventional w/out issue. Of course it reduces the effectiveness of your expensive synthetic oil should you be relying on it's properties (extended drains, extreme cold, etc..) I only do ~30hrs/yr, with no winter usage, so I change the hydro oil and filter every 2yrs.
Joel
Joel
JTKub
Veteran Member
Right on Sully. There is nothing magical about the HG BDU-series hydrostatic drives on these machines, or the ordinary differential the hydro is coupled to. No worries.
Joel
Joel
