Kubota Super UDT and filters.

[thoner7]

I'm going to change all the fluids on a used M5400 I just bought. I'm starting with the tranny/hydraulic fluid as it's currently low.

My manual specs Kubota Super UDT. Local dealer quoted me $118 for five gallons! And I need 10.5 gallons!!! Is there a comparable product people use Luke UTF or PermatranIII?? Online I can only findSuper UDT2, what's the difference??

Also quoted me $41 for a filter, of which I'd need two. My manual doesn't give a part number, but I'm hoping I can find one online for less?

Thanks for y'all help.

 

[Peter 315]

I use Mobilfluid 424 in my L3800 and Kubota filters , The L47 TLB I use super udt2 and Kubota filters....:2cents:

 

[DVR]

this has been debated a great deal.
In short, there are many fluids you can use. If you have a hydro transmission your machine may or may not benefit from super udt.
Same with filters. I always use kubota hydro filters and fluids. YMMV.

 

[SDT]

I'm going to change all the fluids on a used M5400 I just bought. I'm starting with the tranny/hydraulic fluid as it's currently low.

My manual specs Kubota Super UDT. Local dealer quoted me $118 for five gallons! And I need 10.5 gallons!!! Is there a comparable product people use Luke UTF or PermatranIII?? Online I can only findSuper UDT2, what's the difference??

Also quoted me $41 for a filter, of which I'd need two. My manual doesn't give a part number, but I'm hoping I can find one online for less?

Thanks for y'all help.

I use SUDT2 and Kubota filters in all 5 of my Kubotas but not everyone does. SUDT2 is $99.99/5 gal at my dealer.

You will be OK with any good quality hydraulic oil that meets Kubota SUDT specifications (not UTF or "tractor fluid") but such oils will not be much less expensive than SUDT2.

Hydraulic oil filters are much more expensive than engine oil filters. You can cross over your filter to WIX, etc., but I doubt if such filter will be much less expensive.

SDT

 

[fruitcakesa]

I'm going to change all the fluids on a used M5400 I just bought. I'm starting with the tranny/hydraulic fluid as it's currently low.

My manual specs Kubota Super UDT. Local dealer quoted me $118 for five gallons! And I need 10.5 gallons!!! Is there a comparable product people use Luke UTF or PermatranIII?? Online I can only findSuper UDT2, what's the difference??

Also quoted me $41 for a filter, of which I'd need two. My manual doesn't give a part number, but I'm hoping I can find one online for less?

Thanks for y'all help.

Be glad its only that much; my M takes close to 19 and a full fluids and filter change is over $500

 

[Fallon]

this has been debated a great deal.
In short, there are many fluids you can use. If you have a hydro transmission your machine may or may not benefit from super udt.
Same with filters. I always use kubota hydro filters and fluids. YMMV.

Ls & MXes are the biggest Kubotas with a HST, so not relevant to discussion about a M. I hear there is similar rational & benefits to running SUDT2 in GST transmissions.

Personally I stick with SUDT2 & OEM in my Ls. Aftermarket filters may be cheaper, but some are noticably lesser quality. I'm not going to risk it to save $20-40 a year on a $45k machine on cheap filters that might have substandard filtration or actually come apart.

Similar rational for SUDT2. It supposedly whines less, although I've never tried any non-Kubota fluid. As much as I paid for a cab over an open station I'll pay to keep it quiet. SUDT2 has better in cold performance over SUDT, so it's a no brainer here in Colorado. I'd likely stick with at least SUDT in warmer climates. I'd likely use more generic quality fluid if I had a non-HST or GST power shuttle type machine.

 

[rScotty]

There are quite a number of M59 owners who use SUDT2 because these are heavy semi-commercial TLB tractors and they put a lot of demand on their HST transmission and multiple hydraulic pumps. Some owners report that the SUDT2 runs quieter in the HST.

After a bad experience with SUDT2 some years ago, my Kubota dealer recommended that I switch to New Holland MultiG134 - which is what he put into all of the Kubotas that he serviced during warranty work. I've stuck with MultiG134 in our M59 ever since draining out that brand new bad batch of SUDT2 , and now at nearly 1000 hours have no problems.

Recently I've seen that New Holland has changed their specs on the MultiG 134 again, so I may give SUDT2 a try next time if I can convince myself that Kubota is now paying attention to the quality control over whoever is compounding the Kubota line of specialty oils. The price isn't much different between Kubota and New Holland premium trans/hydraulic oils.

Even though your M5400 has a traditional tranny, it still has wet brakes. So you are probably best to stay with one of these modern low viscosity, chatter resistant premium trans/hydraulic fluids. You want a fluid that names the specs and meets the specs, instead of a lesser type universal type that is "recommended for" certain models but doesn't name modern specs.

On filters, every Kubota M series HST owner I've heard from uses Kubota HST filters. I wouldn't want to use any other make myself. What's to gain, other than a few bucks?

rScotty

 

[5030]

Be glad its only that much; my M takes close to 19 and a full fluids and filter change is over $500

Ya have to pay to play... I have 2, not 1, so I'm 2 times what you are. I plan on doing one in the spring and the other in the fall. Spaces out the financial hurt.

I always use Kubota filters, especially oil and hydraulic filters and I use Chevron Synthetic THF and its even more expensive in 5's than the SUDT but in a 55 gallon drum, a bit less.

Don't forget the 10 quarts of oil (with filter) either. The purchase price was expensive so in reality the cost of the lube changeout isn't much.

 

[moship]

Kubota only makes UDT and Super UDT2.

Super UDT is no longer being produced, but old stock may still exist. Why buy old stock though?

The price using Messick's in 5 gallon pails is approximately $20:
UDT - $84.22
Super UDT2 - $103.12
(Not suggesting you buy from them given shipping costs, just using them for price comparison)

I use Super UDT2 in the B3030, L3130 and L4740 mostly for those cold winter months.

With respect to less whine or audible noise in general when using UDT or Super UDT2... Not certain it's due to the type of fluid, but perhaps a result of using new filters with lower differential pressure (no entrapped dirt) and new fluid that is the real difference.

Yes there is some sticker shock when changing all the fluids at once on the larger machines.

Just remember to remove all drain plugs during the process.

 

[varmint]

In my case, the slight extra cost for UDT2 and Kubota filters (you should be able to buy the filter kits online and save money there) is a drop in the bucket. But since I only put maybe 20 hours a year on my L3400, and don't plan on changing the hydraulic oil every year or two, I figure using the "best" is a simple choice. Engine oil is another matter, but that's only $20 or so, and the Kubota engine filter is about $12, so no big deal. Plus, working on your tractor is a good way to discover things that might need attention: I found my alternator belt was slightly stretched, no surprise since it's about 13 years old, and I tightened it. I have a digital voltmeter to monitor my electrics, so any problems there are quickly noticed. I think keeping the tractor in the barn helps greatly in preserving things, especially tires.

 

[RickB]

I keep reading that UDT is no longer produced but the parts manager at work keeps ordering it and we keep using it in gear drive Kubotas.

 

[5030]

I keep reading that UDT is no longer produced but the parts manager at work keeps ordering it and we keep using it in gear drive Kubotas.

In as much as it's manufactured by a 3rd party supplier (just like their filters are), I would imagine it's still available until Valvoline (I think that is who refines it) decides to discontinue it. If I had HST's I'd surely use their 'approved by OEM fluids). I don't so I use an approved by (meets their engineering standards) fluid, in my case Chevron, besides Chevron is dyed orange so I can see it.

My prime motivator in my choice of fluids is cold flowability and no pump cavitation at low temps. I use both my units for snow removal at sub freezing temps so the less cavitaion of the pump, the better I like it. Takes a long time to bring 15 gallons of fluid up to operating temp when it's way below freezing outside.

Again, you mileage may vary. I know what my mileage is and I act accordingly.

I stick with Kubota OEM filters for a couple reasons. One, the cost isn't much more than say the red ones and two, in my case, my VTE enginees in my M9's have no drainback check valves in the lube oil system except the drainback valve in the filter itself and being a plain bearing engine, I want oil pressure at startup and the 'other filters;, I have no idea about the design internally, so I buy the OEM because they are made to Kubota engineered specs.

I'm in a nice position with my dealer in as much as all my supplies I use from my dealer are tax free (remember I'm a commercial farming operation so anything AG related is tax exempt and my dealer is very economical on supplies, but then I' m a good customer anyway and they appreciate that. My dealer handles all the 'heavy lifting' on both my M's and always has plus I bought them there, over 100K worth of prime movers and that don't include implements.

I like dealing with a one stop shop anyway. I don't have the time nor the desire to price shop, especially don't have the time.

 

[RickB]

UDT will be available until Kubota decides to obsolete it. If Valvoline decides not to blend it, someone else will.

 

[fruitcakesa]

Ya have to pay to play... I have 2, not 1, so I'm 2 times what you are. I plan on doing one in the spring and the other in the fall. Spaces out the financial hurt.

I always use Kubota filters, especially oil and hydraulic filters and I use Chevron Synthetic THF and its even more expensive in 5's than the SUDT but in a 55 gallon drum, a bit less.

Don't forget the 10 quarts of oil (with filter) either. The purchase price was expensive so in reality the cost of the lube changeout isn't much.

This is true and was included in the total cost.

 

[Smokeydog]

I bought my used m59 in October. Promptly ordered a 3rd valve function kit, oil and filters. Waited to have my order combined with dealer wholegoods orders so I didn’t have to pay for special shipping. It was after thanksgiving before picking up. The dealer then had a special of free pickup/delivery, 10% off parts and labor thru February. Asked how much to do the full hydraulic service? Less than I can do it myself. ?!?! Sudt2 cheaper by bulk. Also helps give the mechanics work during slow time. $100 labor to install the third valve function. They gave me the discount too. Might do that next time to.

Point of the story is if it works out the dealer might cheaper than you during off season.

 

[5030]

Most dealers are slow during the winter months, mine is no exception and why I 'scheduled' my shop visit to their convenience. Nothing pressing so they came and picked it up when they wanted to, did the required tasks and brought it back. It stayed in the shop for a month as 'fill in work to keep the tech's busy. Kept it inside the whole time as well. While it was a bit more than a regular service ($2100 bucks), I got everything handled and a dyno test and they charged me about half if the actual labor. time and picked up and delivered no charge. My tractors require a tandem axle roll back.

Parts alone were just over $900 bucks.

I believe in supporting my dealer, not just buying tractors and implements there but supporting their shop as well. I buy all my consumables from them as well. Filters, belts, fluids and paint.

 

[Peter 315]

Just came back from Kubota the had udt and super udt2 in 5 gallon buckets... 108 for the super..

 

[moship]

I keep reading that UDT is no longer produced but the parts manager at work keeps ordering it and we keep using it in gear drive Kubotas.

There are three Kubota hydraulic fluids available over the last several years. Only two are currently being produced.

UDT - Currently available
Super UDT - No longer being produced but old stock may exist
Super UDT2 - Currently available

Please be very specific when stating which fluid is being discussed and I believe the information you stated is with respect to the base UDT and it is available.

 

[RickB]

There are three Kubota hydraulic fluids available over the last several years. Only two are currently being produced.

UDT - Currently available
Super UDT - No longer being produced but old stock may exist
Super UDT2 - Currently available

Please be very specific when stating which fluid is being discussed and I believe the information you stated is with respect to the base UDT and it is available.

I cannot be more specific than calling out UDT. That is what I wrote, and what I meant. What anyone reads into that is on them.
I can easily believe there are dealers out there that choose to stock and sell SUDT2 exclusively. How they spin that decision to their customer base is their choice. We choose to offer UDT as a (marginally) less expensive alternative to SUDT2 for appropriate applications.

 

[thoner7]

I cannot be more specific than calling out UDT. That is what I wrote, and what I meant. What anyone reads into that is on them.
I can easily believe there are dealers out there that choose to stock and sell SUDT2 exclusively. How they spin that decision to their customer base is their choice. We choose to offer UDT as a (marginally) less expensive alternative to SUDT2 for appropriate applications.

What are the "appropriate applications"?

My manual calls for Super UDT, which apparently is no longer made.

I see you are in NY, I am also, thanks for your help.