L3130 HST TRANSMISSION OIL

inveresk · Sep 27, 2016

My manual advises use of UDT, UDT2 or GL-4 transmission oil. GL-4 oils vary considerably in viscosity. I'm coastal BC, similar climate to Seattle, so what viscosity would be appropriate?

Grandad4 · Sep 27, 2016

Here in the States, Kubota owners are most likely to use the recommended "Super UDT2" factory transmission fluid, although some favor other non-Kubota premium fluids, such as Amsoil. These are all premium-priced fluids that seem to promote smoother, more consistent HST operation and seem to work well regardless of the climate. It looks as if Kubota Canada has somewhat different names for their fluids and I don't have any idea if your choices are comparable to those offered south of the border. Maybe a dealer would have more information. All I could add is the opinion that choosing top-quality fluids for use in my tractors has always made sense to me.

number two · Sep 27, 2016

Isn't the good stuff in Canada called Premiun UDT?
I always forget!
I can't imagine using GL-4(gear oil)in the transmission on your tractor.
Maybe in the front axle is cool.
Kubota hydros like and are worthy of the good stuff!

bdhsfz6 · Sep 28, 2016

Here in northeastern Pennsylvania, the temperature ranges from -10 in winter to the mid 90's in summer. The local Kubota dealers in the area say to use UDT2 or Super UDT2 fluids. For garage kept tractors, UDT is also permissible. When my L3430 HST was new, I used UDT since the tractor was kept indoors. I don't remember why but I switched to UDT2 when I did the first oil change. HST tractors are well known for their gear whine and I noticed a distinct increase when using the less viscous UDT2. I also noticed a slight increase in the bleed down rate for the FEL and 3pt hydraulic cylinders, likely due to the slightly thinner UDT2 oil. Neither of these issues are a problem for me so I continued to use UDT2 in the L3430 until I traded it last spring. I also use UDT2 in the new MX5800.

I have no experience with the GL-4 oils so I can't help you there. I do suggest that you use a premium oil recommend by Kubota to prevent the possibility of voiding any warranty that may be in effect.

sixdogs · Sep 28, 2016

Super UDT is worth it for me and better that UDT. I tried a couple different brands and SUDT made the least noise and shifted the smoothest. I can't even imagine GL-4 in that beautiful hydro.

stoyan79 · Sep 29, 2016

Since I switched to Amsoil, tranny seems to be running cooler and less whinier.
None of the Kubota fluids are synthetic and that was the deal breaker for me.

sixdogs · Sep 30, 2016

stoyan79 said:
Since I switched to Amsoil, tranny seems to be running cooler and less whinier.
None of the Kubota fluids are synthetic and that was the deal breaker for me.

Maybe double check that on Kubota SUDT2.