Has anyone used gear oil in front axle (instead of the hydraulic oil that the manufacturer recommends) AND had an issue?

[disney]

Florida rodent (resident) so not likely to have any issues with gear oil being to thick when below freezing... Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

You won't get any issues using either. Gear oil is preferred for some high speed applications, but I wouldn't be concerned with it in a tractor. At the low speed of most tractors (8 to 25 mph range) hydraulic oil does just fine.

 

[TractorTech]

As a dealer in Southern California, we used gear oil in the front end to minimize weeping of thinner hydraulic oil in the hot weather

 

[Hoobie]

My manual recommends either Kubota Super UDT or 80/90 gear oil. I use gear oil. 1500 hours no issue.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

As a dealer in Southern California, we used gear oil in the front end to minimize weeping of thinner hydraulic oil in the hot weather

Like this, it’s hot in the barn

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I worked at Kubota and used gear oil every time. Stayed in better.

 

[Hay Dude]

I used Super UDT 2 and developed problems when hot. The stuff pours like water! Switched to gear oil and the leaks became less noticeable.

 

[big bubba]

if concerned being "too thick" (not an issue at all given your location) you can also use 75/90wt. full synthetic is pricier, i use this product in my truck. it's conventional.
few $ cheaper on Amazon

https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/gear-oil/p/valvoline-high-performance-75w-90-gear-oil-limited-slip-1-quart/373222_0_0

 

[milkman636]

Florida rodent (resident) so not likely to have any issues with gear oil being to thick when below freezing... Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Been using gear oil in the front end of my 35hp tractor for over a decade now. Like your tractor the manual says use either. So far no issues.

I also have hydraulic/trans fluid in the front end of my 23 hp tractor. So far I’ve had no issues with that one either. I opted to go this route on the small one because I had plenty on hand, and it seems to be good enough for the gears in the rear end. I am also conscious of what I have in there and probably over-cautious of not putting my front axle in any kind of overload or binding situation. I tend to use the larger tractor for the abusive stuff.

 

[Patches]

I've used Mobil 1 75/90 synthetic in the front axel of my Kioti since new;2005 and no issues during Maine winters