Is Kubota only hydraulic fluid necessary?

[Kuboy]

Do I really have to go search for Kubota only hydraulic fluid in order to change it in my Kubota tractor? Is there something else that I should look for that would serve the same purpose?

 

[k0ua]

Do I really have to go search for Kubota only hydraulic fluid in order to change it in my Kubota tractor? Is there something else that I should look for that would serve the same purpose?

The consensus seems to be that the Kubota fluids are the best especially for the smaller and especially for the Hydro-static equipped tractors. Some owners reported sluggishness and more whine when using other cheaper fluids. If it is a gear tractor, I would think any good fluid that was approved for wet brakes would probably be OK. I will point out my credentials in the field of lubricants are easy to understand. I have none.

James K0UA

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have some fluid Called Extreme that I got from Atwoods for less than $40 for 5 gallons and it plainly stated meets or exceeds Kubota UDT. If you want to go with SUDT then go with the Kubota fluid and pay 3 times the price.
I even asked the Kubota dealers service manager about using universal fluid in my B26 TLB and the reply was as long as it isn't under warranty, go for it. Kubota does check for Kubota fluid according to the manager if warranty work is required and use that as a reason to deny the claim. According to him, any fluid with the specs meeting UDT will work and not harm the tractor. I think that is just a scare tactic to get you to pay $20 a gallon for their branded fluid.

 

[gwdixon]

Check out the "Similar Threads" at the very bottom of this page. Lots of information.

This topic comes up once or twice a month.

 

[art]

As a multi-line tractor dealer we often use Kubota's oils to end problems in other make tractors such as squealing, hesitations, responsiveness, as well as overall noise. We also have access to other brands as well as the case-new hollands oils and I respect the properties of there oils to a degree. The plus is what we have experienced in the shop to end problems. We often see Kubota hydro's going over ten thousand hours with no repairs and we don't see that in all machines. Could it be the initial machines quality of build, or quality of oil? I don't know but I do know if something works and does it for a long time, don't mess with success!

 

[mmorisoli]

I just did a 400 hour service on my L3940 and switched from Mobil 424 UDT fluid to the new Kubota SUDT2 fluid and it feels like a whole new tractor.

HST is smoother, quieter and I almost think more powerful than the Mobil 424

Yes it was $95 per 5 gallon bucket from my local Kubota shop but well worth it to me...

 

[TripleR]

I have used several different good quality brands over the years and didn't notice any difference. I haven't tried SUDT2 yet though and will in all likelihood put it in my L5740 when it is time for a change. My dealers only carry UDT, so I will have to special order it.

 

[Kuboy]

Thanks for all the interesting responses! I guess I'll walk into the Farm store and make a semi educated guess and gamble!

 

[jsranman]

I used both and found Kubota oil better but the NAPA stuff still worked. Napa oil made more noise and did not work as well (quickly) until it was warmed up

 

[Bluegill2]

The Kubota oil is well worth the higher price!

But run what ya want...