Where did my SUDT go?
- Thread starter N80
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OP
N80
Super Member
I think we should start a Site Window Solutions thread. Solutions may include anything except a dipstick.
So far we have:
1) Level tractor with FEL. (this one seems altogether too easy, practical and common sense so I don't think it will make the cut.)
2) Statistical Analysis.
3) Build site window evaluation station.
I'm thinking about submitting the spray paint solution. Paint site window heavily with Kubota gray. Run tractor as usual. If and when things start to go wrong, change hydraulic fluid. The wax pencil method is very similar. You just draw a perfect fluid level halfway up the site window. This is for those who can't help wanting to check the level but wouldn't do anything about it anyway.
So far we have:
1) Level tractor with FEL. (this one seems altogether too easy, practical and common sense so I don't think it will make the cut.)
2) Statistical Analysis.
3) Build site window evaluation station.
I'm thinking about submitting the spray paint solution. Paint site window heavily with Kubota gray. Run tractor as usual. If and when things start to go wrong, change hydraulic fluid. The wax pencil method is very similar. You just draw a perfect fluid level halfway up the site window. This is for those who can't help wanting to check the level but wouldn't do anything about it anyway.
Redbug
Veteran Member
Hi George,
I have been using the UDT, and I think you would save a few dollars going with that. SUDT I think is for the folks that in colder climates.
Elaborating on what Gasman said...I always check the hydro oil with the loader and bucket always in the same position, and the implement on the 3 point hitch down. That way, fluid levels are always the same in the cylinders, and therefore in the main sump. And when I do check it, it is before starting the tractor, (after being parked overnight).
I don't know...I have a sight glass on one of my ATV's and like it. The UDT oil on my tractor dipstick can't be seen it's so clear. I have to use a piece of newspaper to roll the wet dipstick on just to see the level.
I have been using the UDT, and I think you would save a few dollars going with that. SUDT I think is for the folks that in colder climates.
Elaborating on what Gasman said...I always check the hydro oil with the loader and bucket always in the same position, and the implement on the 3 point hitch down. That way, fluid levels are always the same in the cylinders, and therefore in the main sump. And when I do check it, it is before starting the tractor, (after being parked overnight).
I don't know...I have a sight glass on one of my ATV's and like it. The UDT oil on my tractor dipstick can't be seen it's so clear. I have to use a piece of newspaper to roll the wet dipstick on just to see the level.
OP
N80
Super Member
I won't put SUDT in the tractor again. But, when it was new, and the manual said SUDT was best, and it was the first fluid change I followed the directions like a good boy and put SUDT in it. Probably a huge waste of money for a gear drive L4400.
But, its not time to change hydraulic fluid again and it has SUDT in it. So today I go by the Kubota place and the smallest size of SUDT they have is 2.5 gallons (which costs more than some smaller tractors :laughing: ). I told the service guy I only needed a few quarts. So he asks me what tractor I have and I tell him. He asks if it is a hydrostat and I tell him no and he says to go ahead and top it off with plain UDT. All I've ever been told, and all the manuals ever say is not to mix fluids. He says with the UDT it is perfectly fine.
What do you guys think about that? I went ahead and bought a gallon of plain UDT.
But, its not time to change hydraulic fluid again and it has SUDT in it. So today I go by the Kubota place and the smallest size of SUDT they have is 2.5 gallons (which costs more than some smaller tractors :laughing: ). I told the service guy I only needed a few quarts. So he asks me what tractor I have and I tell him. He asks if it is a hydrostat and I tell him no and he says to go ahead and top it off with plain UDT. All I've ever been told, and all the manuals ever say is not to mix fluids. He says with the UDT it is perfectly fine.
What do you guys think about that? I went ahead and bought a gallon of plain UDT.
JDGreenGrass
Veteran Member
While you offer a solution to the problem.....the problem is still an embarassment to the manufacturer.
George, I think the UDT would mix perfectly with the engine oil and there would be no visual indication except the level might be very high on the dipstick. If you had a lot of UDT, there would be a distinctive odor, especially when hot. With one or two quarts mixed with 6 quarts of engine oil, the smell would be a lot less.
As far as damage goes, I think some UDT in the crankcase will probably not have any long-term effect, but the biggest problem is if the oil pan gets too much fluid, you will start to splash and wash the bottoms of the pistons and may even blow engine seals. Frankly, you'd probably have oil squirting out of the dipstick before you reached that point. ...all speculation on my part.
I hope that a Kubota of that age and hours wouldn't have a bad seal. However, loopng before it starts overflowing the motor it will start showing up on the dipstick, and the hydraulics will start slowing down. (Voice of experience, here) I'm not sure about the lubricating properties of hydraulic fluid but I sometimes add 1/2 quart to an old smoking,rapping gas engine to clean sticky valves. The cheapest, best way to find a leak before it becomes major is with an oil test.
bulldog69
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2010
- Messages
- 155
- Location
- Rocky Face, Georgia, USA
- Tractor
- Kubota L 3000DT/ M 9000 DTC
Hi George,
Elaborating on what Gasman said...I always check the hydro oil with the loader and bucket always in the same position, and the implement on the 3 point hitch down. That way, fluid levels are always the same in the cylinders, and therefore in the main sump. And when I do check it, it is before starting the tractor, (after being parked overnight).
Will the fluid level be different if you check it with the bucket down and then check it with the bucket raised all the way up?
How should the bucket be positioned, rolled all the way over in the dump position or raked fully back?
What kind of difference will all this make?
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 20,387
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
George, if you were to drain the reservoir and refill with UDT, you would still have at least a gallon of SUDT in your pump, loader cylinders, and 3PH. You could not change to UDT without having some of the old SUDT mixed in. What you've done is similar. You're adding a gallon of UDT to a reservoir full of SUDT. No big deal.:thumbsup:
Redbug
Veteran Member
Hi Bulldog,
I put the bucket bottom flat on the ground. I would think the difference would be a gallon or more with the FEL lifted up. Remember...there's fluid in them and whatever that equals would not show up on the dipstick. It probably is not that important since the tractor is designed with a large sump to handle the hyd needs of the tractor. The main point is to check the oil in the same way each time so you would be comparing apples to apples.
I put the bucket bottom flat on the ground. I would think the difference would be a gallon or more with the FEL lifted up. Remember...there's fluid in them and whatever that equals would not show up on the dipstick. It probably is not that important since the tractor is designed with a large sump to handle the hyd needs of the tractor. The main point is to check the oil in the same way each time so you would be comparing apples to apples.
