1st Service

[SouthernHunter]

Hello, I am a new tractor owner and my toy (Kubota L3430) w/FEL is due for it's first service, which my understanding is a complete fluid and filter change. Any recommendations on fluid types, sources. I know my dealer will recommend their brand, but having been an engineer for a long time I know that there are probably better products out there.

Does anyone know who makes the Kubota fluids? I know Harley Davidson does not make the fluids they try to push for my bike!

I am considering going with a syn for the crankcase?


By the way, this site was a real help during my tractor shopping period.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SeymourBota]

Stick with Kubota Super UDT for hydraulic fluid.
This is the pefect crankcase oil for you:
http://www.amsoil.com/products/ame.html

 

[MadDog]

I refill the hydraulic reservoir with Kubota Super UDT and use MObil Delvac 1 Synthetic in the crankcase. Maybe unnecessary but the expense is insignificant compared to my investment in the tractor.

Also, I suspect that the engine cranks easier when starting in cold weather, which we get our share of here. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SouthernHunter]

I appreciate you guys helping out, can you tell me how many hours I should put on it prior to changing to the synthetic oil, I want to make sure that everything is worn in and seated. I have 50 hrs on it now.

Thanks,

 

[SeymourBota]

That's right at the point where I changed in both of my bota's- 50 hours.
I'm still changing as or more frequently than called for in the maintenance schedule, although I could probably stretch changes out with the syn oil.

 

[MadDog]

I switched to synthetic at the first oil change at 50 hours.

 

[rbcsaver]

I just recently did mine at 45.5 hours and I am also new to tractor world. My 20+ year old Gravely is just too small for 6.5 acres.

I stayed with SuperUDT and Kubota filters. I also cleaned the hydraulic tranny screen, against the dealer's advice to "not bother." I'm glad I did, because it was loaded with metal shavings.
I did not change the front axle Super UDT but will do that in the spring, and probably use a synthetic like Valvoline, though the cost is about the same.

I thoght it too early to switch to a synthetic for the crankcase, but will do that in the Spring too. No scientific proof on that just a gut feeling. I want the rings to seat well first.
regards,
Steve

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. </font>
There are quite a few threads on doing 50 hour service on a L**30.
Here is one that should help. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Click Here.

 

[txdon]

SouthernHunter, since you are so far south, like myself, you can use Kubota UDT instead of Super UDT for the hydraulic/transmission fluid.