Oil & Fuel UDT vs. Other Hyd/Trans Oil

[Kubota In Canada]

Greetings!

What is the difference between Kubota's UDT and other commercially available Hyd/Trans oil? I am sure Kubota does not make its oil. Does anyone know who makes it?

Comments?

Regards,

Eric

 

[canoetrpr]

Kubota_In_Canada:

One point of note is that in Canada there is only one type of Kubota UDT that they sell - called "Premium UDT" as opposed to in the U.S.A. where you can get UDT or "Super UDT". I do not know whether "Premium" == "Super" but both claim better cold weather performance than just the plain ol' UDT.

I've stuck to the what Kubota sells because I know that it is used in all their tractors up here and I'd rather not be the odd guy out for a few bucks cause I'm only putting 50-60 hrs on it each year.

I did talk to one Kubota service department up here - pretty big dealer - who said that they go with Kubota "Premium UDT" and switch to a run of the mill hydraulic oil after the warranty period expires. He claimed that they haven't seen any downside to it ... although others here have posted that they could feel a difference even between UDT and Super UDT.

Not worth the hassle to not stick with the Premium stuff for me.

 

[RayCo]

I pondered this briefly and concluded, "I'm not a chemist. I'm also not a hydraulic fluid expert. So, I won't even really understand the differences if they were explained to me. I spent $16,000 on this tractor and I rely on it, so if it costs me an extra $30/year to go with what the manufacturer recommends, I will GLADLY spend that $30." It's just not worth the risk to even consider it for a second, IMO.

 

[Double Orange]

I agree with RayCo, I pony up $84.49+tax for 5gallons of Super UDT, and another $28.69+tax for 21/2 gallons of Kubota 15W-40 oil. Especially while both of my Kubotas are under warranty. I also change my filters, and fluids 25% sooner than the book. I sleep well!! Just My $00.02 !! Frank

 

[Kubota In Canada]

Kubota_In_Canada:

One point of note is that in Canada there is only one type of Kubota UDT that they sell - called "Premium UDT" as opposed to in the U.S.A. where you can get UDT or "Super UDT". I do not know whether "Premium" == "Super" but both claim better cold weather performance than just the plain ol' UDT.

I've stuck to the what Kubota sells because I know that it is used in all their tractors up here and I'd rather not be the odd guy out for a few bucks cause I'm only putting 50-60 hrs on it each year.

I did talk to one Kubota service department up here - pretty big dealer - who said that they go with Kubota "Premium UDT" and switch to a run of the mill hydraulic oil after the warranty period expires. He claimed that they haven't seen any downside to it ... although others here have posted that they could feel a difference even between UDT and Super UDT.

Not worth the hassle to not stick with the Premium stuff for me.

I hear you!

I was told the "premium" is exactly the same stuff as the "super"; simply a branding issue. They only sell the premium in Canada due to weather .... it works better in cold weather.

Reason I ask Re: the difference between the UDT and others is that in my case, the Kubota dealer is over 1 hour away ..... I am sure for some, it is even more.

I have some Shell Hyd/Trans Oil at home ..... I compared it to the Kubota UDT .... smells the same; colour is identical; viscosity feels very similar.

Food for thought.........

Eric


PS- Canoetrpr, what part of Ontario are you from?

 

[Richardb]

Super UDT is very important for hydrostatic transmission, as well as an extended warm up period in cold conditions as stated in the owners manual. However, if you have a manual transmission, either regular UDT (in the US) or other brand will be fine.

 

[canoetrpr]

I'm up in Queensville just north of Toronto. How about you?

 

[Kubota In Canada]

North of Ottawa on the Quebec side ...... adjacent to Gatineau Park. Mostly wooded and mountainous.

Love it out here!

 

[DiezNutz]

I have some Shell Hyd/Trans Oil at home ..... I compared it to the Kubota UDT .... smells the same; colour is identical; viscosity feels very similar.

The rats in my barn likely performed the same "battery of tests" to conclude that yes, those bait pellets were in fact, Cheetos.
But the devil's in the details ...
My purchase dealer is close to 2 hours away, but I try to plan "resupply missions" based on known needs. S/P/UDT is something you can typically plan for - there's a maintenance schedule after all, and you know you'll need it sooner or later. Maybe keep an extra gallon or so on hand for emergencies/topping off. I look at these trips as it gives me an excuse to see what's new at the dealer, and pick up any juicy tidbits of info I can while I'm there. Never hurts to remind your sales guy that you still exist.

 

[Double 00 Soul]

I live in Minnesota, commonly referred to as the ice box of the U. S.. In other words, our winter temps. aren't all that more balmy than those in Canada. My dealer uses UDT in his servicing unless SUDT is requested by the customer and recommended UDT to me. He also told me that if I use the tractor in the winter and let it warm up properly, UDT is fine. I've found his advice to be right on, I've used the tractor at -10 F and experienced no problems. Perhaps, at temps. colder than that, SUDT would make a difference, I just can't say from my personal experience.