Kubota Super UDT2 replacement

[Mat4644]

Duragard Diamond Plate Protection Universal Trans/Hydraulic Tractor Fluid Synthetic Blend

Not sure - asking for opinions. Kubota Super UDT2 is not a full synthetic. It is also a blend.

 

[SDT]

Duragard Diamond Plate Protection Universal Trans/Hydraulic Tractor Fluid Synthetic Blend

Not sure - asking for opinions. Kubota Super UDT2 is not a full synthetic. It is also a blend.

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View attachment 672474

Why would anyone do this?

SDT

 

[stevewarner1957]

It’s your tractor, do what you want. As for myself, I stick with SUDT2 and not worry. Never had a problem in all my Kubota equipment. As the old TV commercial used to say, “Pay me now or pay me latter.”

 

[Mat4644]

Higher anti-wear specification vs Super UDT2

 

[fried1765]

Why would anyone do this?

SDT

SUDT2 is $22.11 per gallon, in a package of 3 gal., (plus nominal shipping) from Coleman Equipment.
Why experiment with any other?

 

[Mat4644]

SUDT2 is $22.11 per gallon, in a package of 3 gal., (plus nominal shipping) from Coleman Equipment.
Why experiment with any other?

With shipping costs added always less cost at dealer.

 

[fried1765]

With shipping costs added always less cost at dealer.

Nearest dealer is 150 miles round trip!
If a 5 gallon pail of SUDT2 was FREE at the dealer, it MIGHT be close to less cost for me.

 

[LD1]

I guess the biggest question is what is the cost difference and do you have a source for it locally?

And is that cost difference worth the gamble.

Dont know what tractor you have, but it takes me two pails or a tad more. But SUDT is spec'd for 400hr service intervals with filters at 200.

So its not like you are doing it all the time. The cost difference broken down over 400 hrs is probably pretty small

 

[5030]

Myself, I use Chevron All Weather THC Synthetic myself in both my M9's. 2 changes equal 30 gallons.

 

[crashz]

What would have me squeamish about this fluid is the underlined part of the specs they reference. The fluid meets or exceeds "similar" specifications to those. That sounds weird to me. Also some of those specs are out of date. Cat TO-2 is an old spec and covers many grade weights. And for SUDT2, it mentions pour point and anti- wear, but it could be missing a host of other things that it will not meet.

Its dyed dark orange though, that's a plus. SUDT2 is really hard to see in a sight glass.

I wouldn't be afraid to use it in an old gear drive tractor, but something like that will not go into my newer Hydro tractor.

 

[LD1]

Yea, forgot to mention.....it makes a difference if you have a HST or not.

IF its a gear tractor.....The door is pretty wide open on any modern hydraulic oil.

When it comes to HST.....Im not an oil engineer and dont have the time or ambition to try and re-invent what kubota has found that works. I'll stick with what they suggest, and stick to their service schedule. That way I know I wont have any oil-related issues.

 

[Mat4644]

An interesting side note is the Kubota HST tractor I just purchased still lists regular Kubota UDT as being acceptable.

 

[sandyc]

I mentioned in another post that the oil company or repacker can write whatever they want. Kubota doesn’t approve the “meets or exceeds” spec. Want to guess what’s in it if any of the components come from China?

 

[5030]

What would have me squeamish about this fluid is the underlined part of the specs they reference. The fluid meets or exceeds "similar" specifications to those. That sounds weird to me. Also some of those specs are out of date. Cat TO-2 is an old spec and covers many grade weights. And for SUDT2, it mentions pour point and anti- wear, but it could be missing a host of other things that it will not meet.

Its dyed dark orange though, that's a plus. SUDT2 is really hard to see in a sight glass.

I wouldn't be afraid to use it in an old gear drive tractor, but something like that will not go into my newer Hydro tractor.

I started using Chevron in my M9's after the first lube oil change and have been right along. I don't compromise with a tractor that cost me 50K plus when new (and they were bought ne).

 

[5030]

Bottom line is, engine and transmission lubes are the cheapest thing you can buy (along with Filters) so why cheap out on junk. Makes no sense to me. I buy my oil in 55 gallon drums anyway.

 

[Cat_Driver]

All I know is that twice on two different Kubota tractors I switched to another fluid and both times the tractors performed poorly.
The one tractor whined and literally couldn't climb a hill. I pulled out the off-brand fluid and she quieted back down and was able to climb all the hills I wanted.

I gave up trying different fluids with Kubota.

 

[RickB]

Yea, forgot to mention.....it makes a difference if you have a HST or not.

IF its a gear tractor.....The door is pretty wide open on any modern hydraulic oil.

When it comes to HST.....Im not an oil engineer and dont have the time or ambition to try and re-invent what kubota has found that works. I'll stick with what they suggest, and stick to their service schedule. That way I know I wont have any oil-related issues.

I recommend SUDT2 for Kubotas with HST, GST and hydraulic shuttle transmissions. For straight gear drive tractors good ole UDT is just fine and a bit less expensive.

 

[stevewarner1957]

I’ve told this before but it bares repeating. I bought a log splitter many years ago and the pump was really whiny. I did a 50 hour service on my L3830HST, at that time they want the oil and hydro filters changed. I had 10 gallons of like new Super UDT to dispose of. I changed the fluid in my splitter and guess what? The pump was quiet from that day forward. You draw your own conclusions, I think the Kubota oil must be better. Change my mind

 

[moship]

Kubota SUDT2 in 5 gallon pail is $103.12 for reference.

The Label on Super UDT2 lists it as "Superior Synthetic Performance", so not certain the OP's comment that it is only a semi-synthetic fluid may not be accurate. MSDS Sheet does not list if it is synthetic or not.

Kubota: 5GAL SUPER UDT2, Part # 7-45

Hopefully the OP will report back how it works after using for 3-6 months.


The Chevron fluid would be interesting if it was easier to procure and was priced competitively with Supper UDT2 in 5 gallon pails. 55 gallons is a bit much for many users.

 

[5030]

"The Chevron fluid would be interesting if it was easier to procure and was priced competitively with Supper UDT2 in 5 gallon pails. 55 gallons is a bit much for many users."....

I tend to agree with that. It's not widely available but it so happens my oil and grease supplier is a Chevron / Shell distributor so they stock it.

Actually, my cost for the Chevron is almost the same for SUDT from my Kubota dealer but the SUDT is in 5's. For me, 55's are easier to handle but the initial cost can be hard to swallow. Like grease (I use a lot of grease), I get that in 150 pound open head drums and bulk load my handguns or use the air greaser if the hose will reach what I'm greasing. Don't care for tube grease. For one, you never know when the tube is depleted and changing is always a messy deal. All my grease guns are equipped with clear polycarbonate barrels so I can readily see how much grease is or isn't left and what kind it is as well.

The clear barrels were the best investment in grease tools I ever made.