Front Axle UDT OR Gearlube?

[MarkLeininger]

B2710: noticed in the manual that the front axle can use either UDT or 80/90 Gearlube. That seems strange, those two don't seem equivalent to me in terms of viscosity. UDT pours pretty easy, gear lube is a little closer to honey. Gear lube is pretty cheap, UDT is priced like they flew it in from another planet. Am I missing something?

 

[MOPAULY]

Dunno. When my BX24 was delivered it was low in the front. I just filled it with gear lube, per the manual. Haven't done my 50 service yet but based on my call to the dealer it's gonna cost me a bunch.

 

[hutch4472]

My L35 manual says the same. When I drained it gear oil came out so I re-filled it with 90wt. I dont like how thick it is and I will probably change to UDT or at least 80wt soon as I get a chance. Hutch

 

[john_bud]

The new manuals call for SUDT. I just filled it with the same stuff as the transmission. UDT at 50 hours then change to Amsoil at the next change then SUDT at the last change. Spendy, but what ya gonna do?

Also, the service is really easy. No rocket science. Just a lot of fluid. Doing it yourself will teach you a lot about the machine and give you more confidence in it. Why spend the $$ to have the dealer do it?

jb

 

[Double 00 Soul]

Excellent question! I asked three different people at the same dealer without getting a definitive answer except from a parts man. He was adamant that I had to use UDT in the front axle. I told each person that I had changed to 80W-90 during the hot summer months. My question was whether to change back to UDT for the cold Minnesota winter. Another person at the same dealer said it didn't matter and yet another said I'd probably be all right keeping the gear lube in. Isn't that great? I'm convinced the only way to be sure is to contact Kubota.

 

[Dusty]

In the colder climates, the SUDT will offer better lubrication at the lower temperatures than a gear oil. The reason that it specs either, is the front axle isn't under any strain like a rear differential is. Today, the belief is that light oils lubricate better than a heavy oil or grease does. In keeping with these new theories, I would use the SUDT. Go with the modern times.
Dusty

 

[Double 00 Soul]

In the colder climates, the SUDT will offer better lubrication at the lower temperatures than a gear oil. The reason that it specs either, is the front axle isn't under any strain like a rear differential is. Today, the belief is that light oils lubricate better than a heavy oil or grease does. In keeping with these new theories, I would use the SUDT. Go with the modern times.
Dusty

You're right on with my thinking Dusty, that was why I asked the question at the dealer. Maybe I was just being lazy and cheap, while the manual specifies both, it just makes sense to use the lighter UDT/SUDT in the MN winter.

 

[MarkLeininger]

I have enough SUDT left from my transmission change to use in the front end. Chicago winters are cold too, and I've never liked using gear lube in anything that I need to run in the winter.

 

[MadReferee]

During my last service at the dealer on my B2710, they put SUDT in the front axle. Service manager said that is all they use.

 

[Marcussen]

My dealer said all they use is Kubota brand 80W90 gear oil for front ends.
15W40 engine oil and UDT for other fluids.
I used the 80W90, 10W30 engine oil (diesel rated) and SUDT.
I am sure SUDT, UDT, or gear oil would all work fine in the front end.

 

[john_bud]

The reason that it specs either, is the front axle isn't under any strain like a rear differential is.

Dusty

Just for clarification, the rear differential is lubricated with the same fluid that is in the transmission. UDT or SUDT. It does not have a separate fluid like a truck or car.

jb

 

[_RaT_]

B2710: noticed in the manual that the front axle can use either UDT or 80/90 Gearlube. That seems strange, those two don't seem equivalent to me in terms of viscosity. UDT pours pretty easy, gear lube is a little closer to honey. Gear lube is pretty cheap, UDT is priced like they flew it in from another planet. Am I missing something?

This question is asked about 6 times a year here and the answer is always the same. It seems some folks like gear lube because they think it offers better protection. My question would then be, from what? I would much prefer UDT. Easier to drain and carry any impurities out with it, does not smell and your almost always going to have some left over from the hydraulic fluid change anyway.

 

[Toolguy]

My dealer recommended 80/90w gear oil so that is what I use in my B3030. They said it makes the front ends a little quieter. Maybe, but I doubt if it makes any difference what you use unless you are in Alaska. Most large vehicles, on or off the road, use gear oil somwhere in the drivetrain.

 

[Dusty]

My dealer recommended 80/90w gear oil so that is what I use in my B3030. They said it makes the front ends a little quieter. Maybe, but I doubt if it makes any difference what you use unless you are in Alaska. Most large vehicles, on or off the road, use gear oil somwhere in the drivetrain.

Like you could really hear any noise from the front end over the sound of the diesel engine.

 

[_RaT_]

Like you could really hear any noise from the front end over the sound of the diesel engine.

If you could hear it, you would have exceptionally selective hearing. Dealers out here use UDT even with our mild climate. I am inclined to agree. Thick gear oil seems like it makes good sense, but for a front drive axle with very, very low RPMS, there is essentially no shock. The colder the climate, all the more reason to use a low viscosity lubricant. Your hydraulic and transmission system takes considerably more load then the front axle/gears and all with UDT or the equivalent.

 

[N80]

Mine (L4400) came with SUDT in the front. Manual calls for SUDT or UDT up front. At 50 hour service I put SUDT in the tranny and the front. I like it simple.

 

[SkyPup]

Like you could really hear any noise from the front end over the sound of the diesel engine.

I'Ve always liked using SUDT in all the front axles because it makes it just a teeny tiny bit noisier when 4WD is engaged and I like to hear the sounds of the tractors working harder, although I have to use my stethoscope to actually listen to it....

 

[Sully2]

Mine (L4400) came with SUDT in the front. Manual calls for SUDT or UDT up front. At 50 hour service I put SUDT in the tranny and the front. I like it simple.

My question is.."How do you know it did"? Because someone told you so?? Or..??

Kubota in their infinate wisdom..??..didnt even bother to change the COLOR between UDT and SUDT. A rather "STUPID" move if ya ask me.

My B3030 when delivered seems jerky in movement and I checcked the HYD fluid and it wasnt even on the dipstick! Called the dealer right away and he THEN told me they had blown a HYD line in the shop...checking the loader out and some "doo-dah" back in the shop hadnt filled it. ( He also hadnt scraped the paint off the zerks on the FEL...makes it kinda tough to grease it!!!)

They sent their mobile repair guy dont the next day and he greased the FEL..and added TWO GALLONS of "UDT" to the hyd system and he told em the dealership didnt even STOCK "SUDT" because people didnt want to pay the extra $$$ for it..?

My 3030 is 13 months old..so it aint like its an "old" model at all..and MY owners manual says "UDT".."SUDT"..or "80-90 weight gear oil" in the front end..???

 

[Sully2]

If you could hear it, you would have exceptionally selective hearing. Dealers out here use UDT even with our mild climate. I am inclined to agree. Thick gear oil seems like it makes good sense, but for a front drive axle with very, very low RPMS, there is essentially no shock. The colder the climate, all the more reason to use a low viscosity lubricant. Your hydraulic and transmission system takes considerably more load then the front axle/gears and all with UDT or the equivalent.

I contacted 3 different Kubota dealers about the fluids for mine..and they all told me UDT OR 80-90.. NONE said a thing about using the SUDT at all..??

 

[N80]

I contacted 3 different Kubota dealers about the fluids for mine..and they all told me UDT OR 80-90.. NONE said a thing about using the SUDT at all..??

Maybe they haven't read the manual.

Regardless, sounds like your dealer stinks. But that doesn't mean mine does.