L-39 owner checking in

Builder · Feb 22, 2006

Hi. I'm a previous L-354x4 , Ford 555 4x4 and Kubota DT245 owner. Just got my L-39 a few weeks back and getting it broken-in.

If you have any experience with the L-39 to share, especially on break-in, I'd love to hear it!

Thanks.

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2006

I kept the rpms under 1,800 for the first 50 hours operating the FEL & BH, and then changed the oil out using Amsoil 10W-40 full synthetic.

Haven't had a single problem, works like a charm @ 280 hours now.

Spraying white lithium grease on the BH joysticks controls is a good idea to start out with, make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight too so that nothing is loose.

It is a great compact TLB for sure.

Builder · Feb 22, 2006

Does Kubota care if we use synthetics in their diesels? They shouldn't, but I thought it was worth asking.

Muleskinner · Feb 22, 2006

No problem with synthetics. I use Kubota super UDT in mine. Delo 400 15X40 in the engine with factory filters.

The biggest thing with a new engine, or any engine for that fact, is to make sure it is warmed up before you work the machine. Don't over work it and vary the RPM's for the first 50 hours. My L39 is a great machine. I found some loose nuts and bolts on the FEL and ROPS when I first got it, so check it over good.

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2006

I've used synthetics in all of ours since the first 50 hour change out with no problems, the L-3130 consumes zero measurable oil @ its 100 hour changes and it has 860 hours on it now.

Builder · Feb 22, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( No problem with synthetics. I use Kubota super UDT in mine. Delo 400 15X40 in the engine with factory filters. )</font>

Thanks! I take it these are both synthetic oils? I'll be coming up on 50 hours soon and plan to DIY on the 50 hr break in service.

Muleskinner · Feb 23, 2006

The Delo is not a synthetic oil. The Super UDT is. I change my engine oil every 50 Hrs, so I just use dino oil in the engine.

KennyV · Feb 23, 2006

Where can you get synthetic Super UDT? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif KennyV.

Muleskinner · Feb 25, 2006

Kubota dealers. Make them order it if they don't stock it. They will try to tell you the regular UDT is just as good, but that's wrong. Super UDT is 100% synthetic, not dino.

KennyV · Feb 25, 2006

The reason I asked where you found synthetic SUDT is that my local Kubota dealers have it but it is not synthetic… it’s a multi-grade while UDT is a straight weight, both being dino… Is the special order SUDT synthetic /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif? KennyV.

Builder · Feb 25, 2006

Any issues with using synthetic in a young (50 hrs) kubota diesel? I know some say not to use syn in the beginning because it doesn't allow the engine to break in properly.

Muleskinner · Feb 25, 2006

That's interesting. My dealer, actually two of them, told me SUDT was a synthetic product.

Muleskinner · Feb 25, 2006

There are many who would say no to using synthetic in the engine that early and many, including me, who would say use it. The rings are seated in by 50 hours. I use Delo 15-40 in my Kubota engines. But I change my oil and filter every 50 hours. Oil is cheap insurance.

Builder · Feb 25, 2006

I tend to agree with you and i also like to change oil frequently, so i might stay with dino since syn is more expensive.

JimMorrissey · Feb 28, 2006

Yeah, as Sky said.....check the nuts and bolts on the hoe valve assemblies. I found mine loose twice and one actually broke off after about 50 hours on continuous use. Parts are still back ordered. Lith spray grease is a good idea. Just keep an eye on it.

I run SUDT and Synthetic in the engine (after break in). I really didn't do anything special...just ran it without abuse.

Builder · Feb 28, 2006

Do you remember what synthetic you used? Was it a Kubota syn?

JimMorrissey · Mar 1, 2006

Builder....I'm using Rotella T Synthetic. It's the Rotella product that comes in the blue bottle. It's about twice as much as the regular Rotella oil. I'd been through hours of discussion on here before I made my decision and frankly I think my post drove off one of the frequent member (GSXR), due to some heated discussion with other members. Anyway, the Rotella T Synthetic is a good synthetic oil, maybe not the best, but I change it every 50 anyway.

The transmission is full of Kubota's synthetic hydro oil "Super UDT". At least that's what I've been told. I don't get all into oil analysis and the nitty gritty of oil specs. I've just trusted those who do (on TBN) to recommend a good oil that's reasonably priced. It's better than what I used to use.

So in a nutshell.....The engine is running Rotella T Synthetic and the Transmission/Hydraulic system is running SUDT. Hope that helps.

Builder · Mar 1, 2006

OK, I run Shell Rotella T dino in all my diesel trucks. Had no idea they even made a syn!

WALT · Mar 2, 2006

I'll second the reccomendation from Jim. I have used the Shell Rotella Syn, 5-40w in my F-250 PSD, BX 2200 & L-39 since it was marketed 2+ years ago. Before that I had used the Rotella 15-40w.
I change it at the suggested service intervals.
I also use the Super -UDT trans fluid. I have 100 hrs on the L-39 &
1000 hrs on the BX 2200 without any problems.

WALT