Front Axle Fluid, What comes stock?

[proudestmonkey]

While checking my oil and tranny fluid levels after a long day of hauling dirt and water around my property, I decided to check the front axle fluid level. Nada on the dipstick. I used a flashlight to look inside the dipstick/filler plug hole and can see a clear-ish liquid in there.

The manual says you can use either Super UDT or SAE 90 weight gear oil when you change the fluid (at 300 hours). Mine has 40 hours, so I don't feel like changing it.

So, here's my question. I want to top it off, but I don't know whether they come stock with Super UDT or the gear oil. I suspect its Super UDT because it is pretty thin, and clear. I have no idea what gear oil looks like, though. I figure if its 90 weight it must have the consistency of honey or molasses.

I also want to make sure there's enough in there and I noticed that when you change it, you are supposed to remove the drain plugs and breather plugs, then re-install the drain plugs but leave the breather plugs off, add the fluid, and when full, put the breather plugs back in. So, I guess I have two more questions. When topping off fluid, do I need to take the breather plugs off? I assume this will create quite a mess. Also, it looks like you add fluid to both sides. When I top it off do I just use the dipstick/filler side or do I need to add fluid to both sides?

I know this is a lot of questions, and might make me seem kinda dumb, but I need to use my tractor again tomorrow.

I also plan to call the dealer and let him know that the front axle fluid was so low it didn't hit the dipstick.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[proudestmonkey]

While checking my oil and tranny fluid levels after a long day of hauling dirt and water around my property, I decided to check the front axle fluid level. Nada on the dipstick. I used a flashlight to look inside the dipstick/filler plug hole and can see a clear-ish liquid in there.

The manual says you can use either Super UDT or SAE 90 weight gear oil when you change the fluid (at 300 hours). Mine has 40 hours, so I don't feel like changing it.

So, here's my question. I want to top it off, but I don't know whether they come stock with Super UDT or the gear oil. I suspect its Super UDT because it is pretty thin, and clear. I have no idea what gear oil looks like, though. I figure if its 90 weight it must have the consistency of honey or molasses.

I also want to make sure there's enough in there and I noticed that when you change it, you are supposed to remove the drain plugs and breather plugs, then re-install the drain plugs but leave the breather plugs off, add the fluid, and when full, put the breather plugs back in. So, I guess I have two more questions. When topping off fluid, do I need to take the breather plugs off? I assume this will create quite a mess. Also, it looks like you add fluid to both sides. When I top it off do I just use the dipstick/filler side or do I need to add fluid to both sides?

I know this is a lot of questions, and might make me seem kinda dumb, but I need to use my tractor again tomorrow.

I also plan to call the dealer and let him know that the front axle fluid was so low it didn't hit the dipstick.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[wushaw]

Your gonna be changing it in 10hrs for the 50hr service so I would use whatever your going to put in it when you change it.
Super SUDT is thinner than reg 90wt gear oil (syrup).
When adding fluid just park on level ground and add fluid...the breather plug "should" let out the excess air displaced by the fluid installed, if not then remove it.
You only have to add fluid from one side since both sides are open to each other.

 

[wushaw]

Your gonna be changing it in 10hrs for the 50hr service so I would use whatever your going to put in it when you change it.
Super SUDT is thinner than reg 90wt gear oil (syrup).
When adding fluid just park on level ground and add fluid...the breather plug "should" let out the excess air displaced by the fluid installed, if not then remove it.
You only have to add fluid from one side since both sides are open to each other.

 

[Skidmark25]

Double check your manual bit on my B7610 the 50 hour service didn't call for changing the front axle fluid. When I do the front axle fluid change I will use super UDT.

In the cold weather a thinner fluid will flow more efficiently depending on how cold it gets around your area that may be a consideration.

 

[Skidmark25]

Double check your manual bit on my B7610 the 50 hour service didn't call for changing the front axle fluid. When I do the front axle fluid change I will use super UDT.

In the cold weather a thinner fluid will flow more efficiently depending on how cold it gets around your area that may be a consideration.

 

[Muleskinner]

They come with UDT.

 

[Muleskinner]

They come with UDT.

 

[john_bud]

My L3410 came with UDT. The newer ones may indeed hace SUDT. My manual states to change front gear oil at the 50 hour service. The smaller series tractor may not (?), but were it my tractor, I would change it. I think there is a prettty good chance that there can be stuff from the MFG process left in, it's cheap insurance. But, it's your machine, do what feels right.

jb

 

[john_bud]

My L3410 came with UDT. The newer ones may indeed hace SUDT. My manual states to change front gear oil at the 50 hour service. The smaller series tractor may not (?), but were it my tractor, I would change it. I think there is a prettty good chance that there can be stuff from the MFG process left in, it's cheap insurance. But, it's your machine, do what feels right.

jb