UDT vs UDT2 in L48?

[Jason280]

I've always read that the HST tractors required the Kubota UDT2 or Super UDT hydraulic fluid, but any potential issues with running the standard UDT in an L48 with HST trans? Ours was a little low on fluid, so we added around 2 gals of the UDT (not realizing it wasn't the UDT2).

Any potential issues?

 

[Carl_NH]

No your L48 probably came with UDT and there will be some UDT remaining in the system when you switched to SUDT. My B21 came with UDT, changed at 50 hours with UDT then I switched to SUDT at 300 and 600 hours.

The SUDT is a bit thinner less viscous when cold.

 

[bmaverick]

I've always read that the HST tractors required the Kubota UDT2 or Super UDT hydraulic fluid, but any potential issues with running the standard UDT in an L48 with HST trans? Ours was a little low on fluid, so we added around 2 gals of the UDT (not realizing it wasn't the UDT2).

Any potential issues?

Kubota standard UTD is an acceptable alternative for Deere Hygard JDM J20C or Yanmar TF500A. HOWEVER, both of those tractor brands state not to use it in an HST transmission.

Your best be is to do a full drain and refill with the correct fluid.

 

[Carl_NH]

What Is the Difference Between Kubota UDT and Super UDT?

Here's a good article on UDT vs SUDT2 - you can mix the oil with no issue.

 

[RjCorazza]

I wouldn't give it a second thought.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Dealer says it's ok to mix UDT and SUDT.

I switched from SUDT to UDT in one of my Kubota's. The added viscosity of the UDT makes it a bit harder to start HST models in very cold weather, but it does quiet some of the HST & gear whine. The UDT is also less likely to leak past the front axle seals.

 

[rScotty]

I've never heard of anyone having problem mixing them. I've used several different brands of trans/hydaulic fluids in our Kubota with no problems.

People do change types of oil, and there is no way to completely drain a tractor hydraulics system. A significant amount stays in hoses and cylinders - and in the HST transmission itself.Plus there is rental equipment with unknown hydraulic oil.
I think if there was any problem with incompatibiity of trans/hydraulic fluid - anywhere in the industry - we would have heard of it by now.

BTW, back in the days before UDT2 - when your L48 was new and the Kubota choice was UDT or Super UDT - our Kubota dealer told me he routinely replaced the Kubota oil at the first service with New Holland Multi G 134 trans/hydraulic oil. He got it for a better bulk price, and NH Multi G quieted the HST whine. He's right, it did.
That's been 17 years and 1500 hours ago. Now I run SUDT2, but I'd bet there is still a couple of gallons of UDT and Muti G in the system. The hydraulics still work like they did when new.
rScotty

 

[Jason280]

Thanks for the information. I know the last time we did a service, I used a Shell(?) equivalent...it was a decent amount cheaper than the Kubota version. This was the first time we used the standard Kubota stuff, but only poured in maybe 1-2 gals.

 

[Doug Vee]

I went to my local Kubota dealer to buy UDT for my L48 and they did not have any. I asked the parts man if it was OK to mix the newer product (which they had in stock) with the older, and he indicated that it was compatible. I asked what the difference was and he smiled. Then I said "So not much difference?" He just smiled again and nodded.

Doug

 

[rScotty]

Seems like you are still concerned, so here is the "Rest of the Story".

The truth is that Kubota never has been very knowledgeable or forthright about their UDT types of Oil.
The early UDT and Super-UDT - which later became SUDT - were well known for making HST transmission noisy. I know my Kubota dealer used other products when he did warranty service just to stop the complaints. In fact , he used Ambra Multi-G from the New Holland dealer. Much quieter oil.

The Super-UDT alsohad other problems. The company that Kubota used to make it for them was giving them a false down level product. I accidently bought some at the dealer and then a few days later this notice came in the mail. I asked the dealer to take back the counterfeit Super-UDT & refund my money for my unopened containers, but he refused....I was amazed that he refused.

I told him he was being short sighted, and that I would never miss a chance to let others know the truth about the Kubota trans/hydraulic oils.

The bottom line is that UDT2 is pretty good oil. For the earlier UDT and S-UDT why bother? All you will get is oil that whines in the HST. Those are Cheapie Oils, and you don't even know who made then. Kubota doesn't even know, so how can they tell you if they mix? Do you think they dumped all the bad oil? Or did they continue to sell it and also continue to use the same unreliable supplier?

There are other major refineries that make trans/hydraulic oils as good or better. Shell, Mobil, Ambra Multi G, JD HyGard, All the major oil companies have their own versions of decent trans/hydaulic oils. I would stay with the major brands.
rScotty

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