Does it really hurt to mix oils?

[NewClimber]

I just purchased a 'B7100, suspect it is a earlier model being the front wheel have 4 lugs.. The dealer I purchased it from said they did a full service work up on it so it should be good to go. So I am asking these question for the next round of maintenance.
-I was reading the owners manual and it states not to mix oil types when changing any of the fluids. Is this true, I have been told on my truck that putting one brand of oil in verse another is not big deal (as long as you keep the same type of oil..(synthetic vs. non-synthetic).
-Also the manual says to use 10W30 oil, can I use the same brand of oil I use for my truck??
-It has a FEL which says to use either tranny fluid or SAE motor oil. That seems to be a big difference in type of fluid, I am not sure what is currently in the reservoir. Is there any way to tell, I suspect it is tranny fluid being it has a reddish color, and more on the thin side, but doesn't smell like tranny fluid is my only concern.
- Also, the diff. fluids says to use 80w90 gear oil..again is this the same stuff I put in the truck diffs??

Thanks for all the help and advice. This is my first tractor, as you might be able to tell by the types of questions. You guys are a GREAT source of information.

 

[ronjhall]

Is your B7100 a gear tractor or HST. Most compact utility tractors (CUT) use the transmission oil to run the tractors hydraulics. I would not recommend 80-90 if your tractor has this setup.
I do not mix oils.

 

[NewClimber]

It is a gear drive. So does that mean I should use UDT for the FEL and tranny?? I guess my kubota dealer would answer these questions when the time comes to do the maintenance.

 

[ronjhall]

I would use UDT for the transmission. Yes your dealer would be the best place of this answer if manual is not clear.

 

[sneaky_pete]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I just purchased a 'B7100,)</font>

Congratulations, and welcome to TBN.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( suspect it is a earlier model being the front wheel have 4 lugs.. The dealer I purchased it from said they did a full service work up on it so it should be good to go. So I am asking these question for the next round of maintenance.
-I was reading the owners manual and it states not to mix oil types when changing any of the fluids. Is this true, I have been told on my truck that putting one brand of oil in verse another is not big deal (as long as you keep the same type of oil..(synthetic vs. non-synthetic).)</font>

It's OK to mix brands of oil and synthetic with conventional oil; I think what the manual means is not to mix motor oil with hydraulic fluid with gear oil, etc.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( -Also the manual says to use 10W30 oil, can I use the same brand of oil I use for my truck??)</font>

Yes, as long as the oil you're using in your truck is API rated for diesel service as specified in your tractor owner's manual. Most good motor oil is. I use the same oil in all my crankcases; truck, car, tractor, motorcycle.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( -It has a FEL which says to use either tranny fluid or SAE motor oil. That seems to be a big difference in type of fluid, I am not sure what is currently in the reservoir. Is there any way to tell, I suspect it is tranny fluid being it has a reddish color, and more on the thin side, but doesn't smell like tranny fluid is my only concern.)</font>

More than likely it is UDT (hydraulic fluid), but I can't tell for sure from here.


</font><font color="blue" class="small">( - Also, the diff. fluids says to use 80w90 gear oil..again is this the same stuff I put in the truck diffs??)</font>

Yes. My B7400 says I can use either 80w90 gear oil or UDT in my front diff., rear uses UDT.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Thanks for all the help and advice. This is my first tractor, as you might be able to tell by the types of questions. You guys are a GREAT source of information. )</font>

Have fun with your tractor!

 

[ZackaryMac]

My B6100 also has 4 bolt front wheels, and it is a 1984 model. I believe these tractors were the same (B6100 and B7100) other than the size of the engine.

I agree with sneaky_pete. I've been mixing oil brands for years on everything, racked up many miles/hours, and have yet to see any signs of failure caused from lubrication, or lack thereof. Of course I'm talking motor oils, or gear oils, or hydraulic oils, but not mixing motor oil with gear oil, hydraulic with ATF, etc.