Front Axle Fluid, What comes stock?

LBrown59 · Jun 5, 2006

( That SUDT is hard to see and it's too easy to overfill.
)

 ```````````

 How do you see it ?
I Can't !

LBrown59 · Jun 5, 2006

( That SUDT is hard to see and it's too easy to overfill.
)

 ```````````

 How do you see it ?
I Can't !

LBrown59 · Jun 5, 2006

You only have to add fluid from one side since both sides are open to each other.
I prefer adding it to the filler side rather than the dipstick side.

LBrown59 · Jun 5, 2006

You only have to add fluid from one side since both sides are open to each other.
I prefer adding it to the filler side rather than the dipstick side.

proudestmonkey · Jun 5, 2006

That makes sense--removing breather plugs before topping off, because the manual tells you to leave them out before adding fluid when you change it. If it is (nearly) full, though, when I remove them, will I be getting leakage at the breather plugs?

proudestmonkey · Jun 5, 2006

That makes sense--removing breather plugs before topping off, because the manual tells you to leave them out before adding fluid when you change it. If it is (nearly) full, though, when I remove them, will I be getting leakage at the breather plugs?

proudestmonkey · Jun 5, 2006

Why the preference? Don't they both do the same thing?

proudestmonkey · Jun 5, 2006

Why the preference? Don't they both do the same thing?

wjmst · Jun 5, 2006

This past weekend, I drained the front axle and refilled with SUDT on my bx2200. It appeared as though SUDT was in there before.

When refilling. I put about 1/2 the required amount in one side and the other half in the other side. It seemed to level and even everything out good enough.

I will recheck the fluids after I run the machine tonight for a while.

Wes

wjmst · Jun 5, 2006

This past weekend, I drained the front axle and refilled with SUDT on my bx2200. It appeared as though SUDT was in there before.

When refilling. I put about 1/2 the required amount in one side and the other half in the other side. It seemed to level and even everything out good enough.

I will recheck the fluids after I run the machine tonight for a while.

Wes

john_bud · Jun 5, 2006

( I checked the manual specifically for when I need to replace my front axle fluid, and its says 300 hours is the first time you change it. Looking at the fluid itself (I did manage to get some on the dipstick when I parked it, and then rechecked it), it looks about as clear as can be, so I can't see why I'd want to change it sooner. )

Proudest,

You would want to change the oil to get out any debris from the casting process, the machining process, the assembly process and the small wear particles that very rapidly form when helical gears are running in together. Those things are not going to be visible at the top of the fluid column. They are heavier than oil and as you know, will sink to the bottom.

It's your tractor and following the Kubota directions is fine. My personal opinion is that the fluids should all be changed after 10 hours of operation, then following the book. I have done this in the past and will continue doing it in the future, especially after seeing the loads of "stuff" that comes out. Overkill? Not needed? A waste of time and fluid? Maybe, but it makes me happy. Your results may vary.

jb

john_bud · Jun 5, 2006

( I checked the manual specifically for when I need to replace my front axle fluid, and its says 300 hours is the first time you change it. Looking at the fluid itself (I did manage to get some on the dipstick when I parked it, and then rechecked it), it looks about as clear as can be, so I can't see why I'd want to change it sooner. )

Proudest,

You would want to change the oil to get out any debris from the casting process, the machining process, the assembly process and the small wear particles that very rapidly form when helical gears are running in together. Those things are not going to be visible at the top of the fluid column. They are heavier than oil and as you know, will sink to the bottom.

It's your tractor and following the Kubota directions is fine. My personal opinion is that the fluids should all be changed after 10 hours of operation, then following the book. I have done this in the past and will continue doing it in the future, especially after seeing the loads of "stuff" that comes out. Overkill? Not needed? A waste of time and fluid? Maybe, but it makes me happy. Your results may vary.

jb

Doc_Bob · Jun 5, 2006

I agree, change at 10 hours if you can. Simply cheap insurance for a lifetime investment.
Bob

Doc_Bob · Jun 5, 2006

I agree, change at 10 hours if you can. Simply cheap insurance for a lifetime investment.
Bob

proudestmonkey · Jun 5, 2006

I called the dealer this morning. He confirmed that it has SUDT in it. He said its not unusual for it be a little low. When the fill it at the shop, they drive it around for about 10 minutes and check it again. He advised me to check it every 10 hours. He also said top it off, run it on bumpy ground if possible (not a problem here), and then recheck it. I did what he said, and got it to the appropriate level.

Like you, he advised not waiting for the 300 hour interval, suggesting that since I'll be changing the rest of the fluids at 50 hours to change out the front axle fluid too. He recommended I replace the SUDT with 90 weight gear oil. I am going to change it out at 50 hours. I am not sure I will change it to gear oil though. If Kubota thinks SUDT is fine, then I'd rather do that.

proudestmonkey · Jun 5, 2006

I called the dealer this morning. He confirmed that it has SUDT in it. He said its not unusual for it be a little low. When the fill it at the shop, they drive it around for about 10 minutes and check it again. He advised me to check it every 10 hours. He also said top it off, run it on bumpy ground if possible (not a problem here), and then recheck it. I did what he said, and got it to the appropriate level.

Like you, he advised not waiting for the 300 hour interval, suggesting that since I'll be changing the rest of the fluids at 50 hours to change out the front axle fluid too. He recommended I replace the SUDT with 90 weight gear oil. I am going to change it out at 50 hours. I am not sure I will change it to gear oil though. If Kubota thinks SUDT is fine, then I'd rather do that.

Muleskinner · Jun 6, 2006

I use Mobile one synthetic 75/80 in all of my Kubota front axles. Good stuff and a bit thinner than dino gear oils.

I would change every fluid in the tractor at 50 hours. Oils cheap insurance! My friend did not on his wifes JD CUT and at 150 hours the trans filter plugged up! Stupid is as stupid does! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Muleskinner · Jun 6, 2006

I use Mobile one synthetic 75/80 in all of my Kubota front axles. Good stuff and a bit thinner than dino gear oils.

I would change every fluid in the tractor at 50 hours. Oils cheap insurance! My friend did not on his wifes JD CUT and at 150 hours the trans filter plugged up! Stupid is as stupid does! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

john_bud · Jun 6, 2006

Proudest,

really? A service person in Minnesota, home of Frostbite Falls, told you do use gear oil? Here in the Cheese State, I am using SUDT for the cold weather performance. Also, the simply amazing advances in lubrication have done away with much of the need to use heavy gear oil.

I agree, keep with the SUDT. If you use it in the winter, you will be much happier. Just for fun, put some SUDT and gear oil in cups next to your tractor. Then around new years, compare the pour rates for each.

jb

john_bud · Jun 6, 2006

Proudest,

really? A service person in Minnesota, home of Frostbite Falls, told you do use gear oil? Here in the Cheese State, I am using SUDT for the cold weather performance. Also, the simply amazing advances in lubrication have done away with much of the need to use heavy gear oil.

I agree, keep with the SUDT. If you use it in the winter, you will be much happier. Just for fun, put some SUDT and gear oil in cups next to your tractor. Then around new years, compare the pour rates for each.

jb