Oil & Fuel MF GC1700 - Kubota Super UTD2 subbed for Permatran 821xl?

[Nacademus]

I have a 2018 Massey Ferguson GC1720 subcompact tractor ready for the 50 hour maintenance.

I would like to run a full synthetic for my machine wherever I can. I am going to put full synthetic Rotella T6 15w-40 in the engine, and use a Mobil 1 filter, there.

The manual calls for Permatran 821xl hydraulic fluid in the transmission and front differential.

Unfortunately, I am not close to the dealer I purchased it from. Ordering a 5 gallon pail of 821xl would be expensive to ship.

I am near numerous John Deere, Cub Cadet, Kubota, etc dealership, just no Massey Ferguson dealers.

May I use Kubota Super UDT2 in my tractor in place of the Permatran 821xl?

I cannot find a listing of the certifications for the Kubota fluid. The publications I do find illustrate that it is full synthetic-but no dealership parts center I call knows for sure. They think it's a blend.

Any thoughts on this?

I know I know "Not another oil thread-follow the manual, dummy."- I get it. I looked. I can't find anything to help me along.

I can either drive 2-3 miles and get the synthetic Kubota juice or drive 150 to get the Permatran something or other.

Appreciate the insight.

 

[Nacademus]

 

[coldsteelva]

I have only used the Permatran - dealer proximity/parts proximity was one of my driving factors, but I have 30 minutes or less access to Deere, Massey, Kubota, LS, and New Holland. I suspect that as long as the viscosity is correct, your tractor won't care, but remember that you will still have OLD permatran in your hydraulic lines so run them all full cycle after your changeover.

 

[Nacademus]

Good point. I understand. I've decided to pursue the Permatran 821xl for now. Its not close by any means but it'll get this maintenance out of the way and I won't have to worry about justifying any warranty work should something happen.

I've found that the Super UDT2 is actually little LESS viscous-whether substantially so, I don't know.

Upon learning that, I was still in the air if it would be a problem using it. I kind of thought (hoped) that less viscosity could help with the groaning noise the hydrostatic transmission makes. It was almost dead silent the first 30 hours or so-now I can hear it. I made a point to note how quiet it was when I first got it to keep track of any changes. Its not really that loud and I've heard other GCs that were louder. My brother has one with 130h and it makes a good bit of noise and the previous owner said they used all dealer maintenance items and what was called for.

If the noise its something thats within my capability to figure out and fix, I will at least try. The noise is synchronized with the slight vibrations I feel in the tractor and controls.

It was suggested on a BITOG forum thread that lower viscosity will actually increase the likeliness of cavitation in the pump. I assume the groaning is somewhat related to cavitation but i cannot find anywhere that specifically explains why it happens. Maybe it could be from the PRV? Anyone know exactly?

 

[DMW]

The SUDT2 is perfectly acceptable for your GC. The 5 gallon pail is wasteful. Less than 3 gallons for the hydro, 1 gallon for the front axle. The rest will sit in the garage and absorb water. I always found the viscosity index a better rating for fluids. There is less change in the oil over a wider temperature range, more fluid at lower temps, doesn't thin out as much at higher temps.

 

[WranglerX]

http://www.rudolphbrosinc.com/PartsGuides/AGCOPartsLubricantsGuide.pdf

Interesting read on page 34...

Dale

 

[DMW]

I've found that the Super UDT2 is actually little LESS viscous-whether substantially so, I don't know.

The Sudt2 is preferable for low temperature startup. If the fluid is too viscous, it can actually rupture the hydro filter (from experience). Reduced wear until it gets to operating temperature, then they are about equal. In extreme heat, the Sudt2 should perform better, thinning out less, offering more protection, as the viscosity index is better.

Read the tech sheet for the regular 821XL, unimpressed, looks like a very mediocre fluid. I hope the price reflects that. When filling a full sized tractor from a 45 gallon drum, cost is important. 3 gallons for an SCUT hydro, spend the extra, you will never regret it.