BX-25 axle fluid check?

[Proletarian]

I've been told 2 ways of properly checking the fluid level in the axle on the BX-25. one was to fully insert plug beyond the O-ring and the other was to just let the O-ring suspend the dip stick above the opening. Does anyone know the proper way. My axle was a little over a quart low. I went with the latter opinion (for checking) so the fluid is now almost covering the internal shaft within the axle. I did notice feed back in the steering (I suppose from the bevel gears) while engaged in 4 wheel drive, assuming it was from the fluid being a little low. after topping it off that subsided. I'm not really sure how the internals are laid out but I'm assuming only a quart low there should of been enough fluid to keep things lubed. I was also wondering, can the axle be overfilled to the point of causing damage? also, I topped the axle off with amsoil 80W90 mixing it with the UDT. I assume that wont harm anything.

 

[Deano]

I would not have mixed. The manual calls for one or the other. Will it hurt...I don't know.
I use the latter way to check my level.

 

[CHDinCT]

Ditto on method two for checking the oil level. I just visually adjust for the fact the dip stick isn't fully inserted. I also agree on not mixing axle fluids but I don't know if mixing would hurt anything. Probably better than no/low oil in the front axle.

4WD will feedback through the steering when turning whenever you're on reasonably solid or dry ground. Don't use it on concrete/blacktop, etc. as the front wheels need to slip some.

Have fund and congrat's on the new BX25 (per your other thread).

 

[Proletarian]

yeah that makes sense CHDinCT;concerning the steering feed back. I was on wet soil yesterday after topping off the axle. thinking back I was on dry ground before which would explain the negative feed back through the steering. thanks again

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

It wouldn't bother me in the least mixing fluids in the front drive. I don't think there is any combustion there and I don't think it's under any high pressure or extreme heat. I believe it's just submerged gears being lubricated but what do I know?
If my theory is correct then I also don't believe a bit low or high will cause any damage. But again what do I know, not a mechanical engineer nor have I ever even tore down and rebuilt a front end on a 4wd Kubota or any tractor for that matter.

 

[Proletarian]

@JOHNTHOMAS: I called Kubota and checked the internet as well as with Amsoil. Its fine to mix synthetic and conventional oils together. you can do it in engine oil and gear oil, completely compatable. I guess I created a semi synthetic blend.

 

[CHDinCT]

It wouldn't bother me in the least mixing fluids in the front drive. I don't think there is any combustion there and I don't think it's under any high pressure or extreme heat. I believe it's just submerged gears being lubricated but what do I know?
If my theory is correct then I also don't believe a bit low or high will cause any damage. But again what do I know, not a mechanical engineer nor have I ever even tore down and rebuilt a front end on a 4wd Kubota or any tractor for that matter.

Yeah, but didn't you ever stay at a Holiday Inn? LOL

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Yeah, but didn't you ever stay at a Holiday Inn? LOL

Yes, I have done that.

 

[Dusty2360]

After reading this thread I had a look at the axle fluid level in my BX25. I have about 12 hours on it now and found that the fluid is so low that it doesn't show at all on the stick. I asked my dealer about it and was told that it had been checked prior to delivery. I read this forum on a daily basis and am learning lots about my new toy. Thanks for the good information!!

 

[Proletarian]

I wonder if the dealer simply failes to remove the 2 vent plugs to let the air out while filling??

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I believe the Company puts the oil in the front axle. I believe the dealer tops them off or should before delivery and then I believe the oil settles into all the nooks and crannies as the machine is used. Thus making almost all BXs from almost all dealers end up short of fluid in the front axle after some use. That's what I believe based on my own experience, many, many, many other BX owners that post here and after considerable pondering of the mechanics and how liquids settle. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

 

[6Burgh]

I have kept an eye on mine. It has slowly gone down. With 15 hours on it, it is no longer in the axle. I added a quart tonight to bring the level back up. Dealer said they never had a complaint but gave me 4 quarts to fill it up.