JD1070 Front axle oil 80W90 or 80W140???

[Anonymous Poster]

My JD manual says that either weight can be used for my 4X4 tractor given the temperature range it operates.

Is there any advantage of one over the other?

Does anyone know what weight is used for the factory fill?

Should I buy on price or is there a compelling reason to use a synthetic like Redline or Royal Purple?

 

[OkieG]

My JD parts guy stocks both oils. He says the 80w90 is older and the 80w140 protects better in the heat. He only recommends the 80w140.

I can't imagine that a synthetic would be worth it in this application, if any additional cost is involved.

OkieG

 

[JATO_RaT]

I would tend to agree with synthetic not being nearly as beneficial in this application. Low speed and relatively low heat are why I say this. I know that new Ford truck differentials come from the factory with synthetic in the differential now. Towing, high speed and long change intervals are why. For your tractor, either will work fine. Many tractors use hydraulic fluid in the front axle now, my Kubota L48 does. It actually allows for either. I chose to use hydraulic (Super UDT) which is what came from the factory. The hydraulic system surely takes as much or more of a beating with my HST tractor then the front axle. Using 80-90W or 80-140W will work beautifully.