Front Axle oil

   / Front Axle oil #1  

helpfulbook

Bronze Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2014
Messages
98
Location
Adirondacks, NY
Tractor
John Deere 4700 Woods Backhoe 750, 460 Loader, Woodmaxx SB-72
Hey guys, Does anyone know what Tractor Supply sells that is recommended for my JD 4700 front axle (4WD)?
I have a slow leak in the axle seals and I want to add the proper oil level.

Thank you!
 
   / Front Axle oil #2  
My 6530 came spec'd with Premium grade UTF in the front axle just like is used elsewhere in the common sump. That was in 2007 at 65 hp.

My 2400 is spec'd for 80W-90 and it's all over the paper work and the dipstick cap also has the numbers molded into it. That was in 2016 at 24 hp. Get the drift?

The front axle is a gear train and as such works better with gear oil and additives, especially extreme pressure like I did to my 6530 when I abused it and tore out the main support bearing on each side. Upon completing the installation, I asked the Branson guy in the Plainview facility if I'd be better off with gear oil. He said yes and mentioned 140 multigrade. Guess what's in it now? And guess how many failures I've had since? Unlike the rest of the tractor there is no common sump that feeds hydrostatic steering and possible hydro shuttle or full synchro tranny functions which need a thinner fluid the consistency of hydraulic fluid (but with the Premium additive package).
 
   / Front Axle oil #3  
The Operator's Manual for my Kubota L5060 calls out Super UDT-2 hydraulic fluid or SAE80-90 gear oil.

The tractor was shipped with Super UDT-2 in the front axle.
 
   / Front Axle oil #4  
The Operator's Manual for my Kubota L5060 calls out Super UDT-2 hydraulic fluid or SAE80-90 gear oil.

The tractor was shipped with Super UDT-2 in the front axle.

Note Well!

80-90 wt gear oil is about the same viscosity as 40wt lube oil. The additive package may be a bit different between "gear oil" and UDT.

I did read an article once where JD determined that using UDT extended seal life. Reducing leaks ;-)

I've always figured there is nothing in a front end that needs any different lubrication than what is in the back end.

One lubricant for everything would be the goal. ;-)
 
   / Front Axle oil
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Guys thanks for your input. I'm going to stick as close to the JD manual as I can.
 
   / Front Axle oil #8  
Note Well!

80-90 wt gear oil is about the same viscosity as 40wt lube oil. The additive package may be a bit different between "gear oil" and UDT.

I did read an article once where JD determined that using UDT extended seal life. Reducing leaks ;-)

I've always figured there is nothing in a front end that needs any different lubrication than what is in the back end.

One lubricant for everything would be the goal. ;-)

"I've always figured there is nothing in a front end that needs any different lubrication than what is in the back end."

Good, you keep on thinking that. Ever consider that it's cheaper to stock one type of oil on the assembly line? With that though why don't they just put it in the engine too.......Ha!
 

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