Checking fluids on a new tractor is no joke!

[bp fick]

I purchased my machine last year, it is a BX25. This thread prompted me to check my front axle fluid level, and I'm glad I did. Nothing showed on the dipstick, but I used a screwdriver and detected some fluid near the bottom. I only have 50 hours on the tractor, and none of it has been heavy use, so I don't think that damage was done. I promptly topped it off to make things right.

Thanks to all for the insight.

I'm glad this thread prompted you to check. Threads such as this, may appear at first blush to be sooooo basic as to be of little interest. It proves, once again, however, that if these threads prompt someone to check their fluids instead of merely relying on the "dealer having done all that" at delivery, then it serves a valuable service.

Checking fluids needs to be done with a pattern, a habit and with regularity.

Back in the stone age, one of my first jobs was at a garage/filling station. In those days, there was no "self serve" and my boss trained all of us teenagers to ask every single car that came onto the drive to ask, "Check your oil today?" Of course, it was to increase oil and TBA sales, but more importantly, it helped customers keep an eye on things. Today's car, truck and machinery operators are just a bit out of practice, it seems to me. It isn't part of the wide spread culture it used to be.

 

[Earl Ohl]

I know my manuals also say either one. I guess a truck and boat motor lower unit will be moving at high speed and a tractor never will. Also I'm thinking the front axle is being covered/bathed in the lubricant at all times so in my mind if my theory of being covered or bathed at all times, not sure I can see any difference in any lubricant or am I not understanding at all? Is the front axle submerged at all times in lubricant fluid?

I know I'm a little late to the party here, but when I got my Kubota the salesman told me that they did check all fluid levels when they prepped the tractor. He also made a point to tell me to re-check those fluids, esp. the front axle, after the first use because sometimes there's air pockets in that axle housing. My levels were all Ok. He also recomended switching to gear oil at the first change interval. He said they had a few axles where the seals leaked with the SUDT.

 

[bp fick]

I know I'm a little late to the party here, but when I got my Kubota the salesman told me that they did check all fluid levels when they prepped the tractor. He also recomended switching to gear oil at the first change interval.

It's amazing how many Kubota dealers tell their customers to change to gear lube. I have no idea why. Mine did too. From where are these dealers drawing this preference? From their service tech? Are they just guessing? Who knows.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I know I'm a little late to the party here, but when I got my Kubota the salesman told me that they did check all fluid levels when they prepped the tractor. He also made a point to tell me to re-check those fluids, esp. the front axle, after the first use because sometimes there's air pockets in that axle housing. My levels were all Ok. He also recomended switching to gear oil at the first change interval. He said they had a few axles where the seals leaked with the SUDT.

Maybe it's thicker and doesn't leak out even though the SUDT shouldn't either. Maybe it's to change to gear oil instead of correct the potential leaking seal? Who knows the minds of salesmen?

 

[brain55]

It's amazing how many Kubota dealers tell their customers to change to gear lube. I have no idea why. Mine did too. From where are these dealers drawing this preference? From their service tech? Are they just guessing? Who knows.

Having spent 12 of my 20+ years as an equipment mechanic working in Kubota dealerships, I agree with changing to gear oil in the front axles. The gears hold up much better with gear oil. I have seen the gear wear with UDT and SUDT vs. gear oil. It is my experience that the gear oil does a better job.

Brian

PS. Putting gear oil in an axle whose seals are already leaking with UDT will not cure the leak or slow it down.

 

[eepete]

Been following this thread and all the other front axel fluid discussions, and have a question:

I've got 85-140 GL-5 that I use on my rotary cutter (JD MX6). Is that OK to use in the front axel of my B21? Here it N.C. it would not be used when it's colder than 15 degrees or so, and is much more likely to be used at 25 degrees F and above. Snow is rare here, so this is a once every few years use, most use is well above freezing. I also put this oil in my PHD, and will be changing out my tiller with it soon. Guess I don't know what the impact of the "140" side of the weight would be on the front axel. I want to use it simply to reduce the number of fluids I have to have around.

Pete

 

[tydp]

I wouldn't use gear lube that heavy in the front axle. I'm sure the manual states a lower viscosity lube (80W90) or UDT.

 

[bp fick]

I wouldn't use gear lube that heavy in the front axle. I'm sure the manual states a lower viscosity lube (80W90) or UDT.

+1...

 

[dodge man]

Put me in the club that had low fluid in the front axle. I probably wouldn't have checked it except for a thread on here. It was low, but far from dry. I'm pretty sure it didn't hurt anything, but I feel better with it topped off.

 

[eepete]

tydp, bp_flick tnx. I don't mind another jug of oil if that's what it takes to do it right.

Pete