Reasons to use Super UDT

[familyman]

Today I did my 50 hour UDT and filter change. Instead of using Kubota Super UDT I used Traveler brand UDT from Tractor Supply, because it was much cheaper and because someone here had posted that they use it all the time and like it.
I immediately noticed that the power and response were lessened. I can take guesses at why this is so, but I thought I could live with it until some serious digging with the BH and FEL were hampered enough to annoy me.
After digging for a while with the FEL, I got off the machine and found that the BH had drifted nearly to the ground! This has never happened since I bought it.
Needless to say, my next servicing will include Super UDT to get my performance back!
/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gifHas anyone else had a similar experience? /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Charley

 

[gugy]

Charley,I'm sorry I can't give you a answer but not for anything I want to hear the replies to this one.
Gugy

 

[sneaky_pete]

I'm a terrible cheapskate, but IMO oil and hydraulic fluid are the wrong places to economize. The cost of the best products are still inconsequential compared to the investment in a good tractor and repairs down the road.

Kubota Super UDT may be synthetic and the best stuff going, but I guarantee they don't refine or make it themselves, they buy it from an oil company. If you're going to use aftermarket products, stick with the major oil company name brands and you can't go wrong, especially with their fully synthetic products which are far superior to any conventional oil.

TSC buys theirs from some oil company too, but with very low grade specs so they can sell it cheap. Dealer-branded stuff excepted, you usually get what you pay for in oil and lube products.

Pete (in the oil business)

 

[familyman]

Of course your're right, Pete. I've always felt that way and bought that way, especially when it comes to engines and automatic transmissions.
My dealer said that when it came time for service there was no reason to go with Super UDT, just use regular UDT. I took him to mean that the benefits of Super UDT would not be appreciated in a "gear" machine. Live and learn! : /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Charley

 

[Alan L.]

I wasn't even aware that Super UDT is synthetic. My understanding was that the main benefit is it doesn't stiffen up in cold weather, and that there is no benefit for us down here in Texas, at least during the summer. My tractor currently has Super UDT in it, but I have also put regular UDT in there.

 

[Junkman]

My take on this is that if regular UDT were good enough for the tractor that Kubota would install regular UDT in the tractors instead of the higher priced Super UDT. I also don't understand why dealers say that you can use a different product in the machines of a lesser quality than that which was originally installed at the factory. One of the problems that I have experience in the past is knowing what tractors come factory filled and what tractors are shipped dry and filled by the selling dealer. If it is factory installed with Super UDT, then I would use Super UDT as the replacement unless I found another product that stated that it was a direct replacement for Super UDT. I have also never understood the logic of spending between $15,000 and $40,000 for a tractor and then complaining about the maintenance costs of the oils. If you can afford the tractor, then you should be able to afford the proper oil for it. If you (the figurative "you", and not any one poster) are a cheap skate, then why didn't you buy some off brand tractor that will run on motor oil in the hydraulic system. It would be more to your way of thinking cheap. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[familyman]

I'll let everyone know in a few months if the change back to Super is worth it. The difference with the cheap stuff was noticeable right away today. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[familyman]

The Kubota manual specifies that either Super or regular UDT may be used in the L2800.
As I stated, the dealer suggested that I use regular UDT in my machine, and a TBN poster recommended a particular brand, well known to most of us. That's not being cheap, it's being logical. It was also, unfortunately, a mistake.
Based on your reply to me, you have the impression that I am a "cheapskate", and that my way is to think cheap. Also, if you read my post, you will note that I didn't complain about the cost of maintenance. Maybe you should go take a Midol and stop calling people names. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[Junkman]

If you read what I have posted, you will realize that I didn't call you or any one else cheap. Here is my statement.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If you can afford the tractor, then you should be able to afford the proper oil for it. If you (the figurative "you", and not any one poster) are a cheap skate, then why didn't you buy some off brand tractor that will run on motor oil in the hydraulic system. It would be more to your way of thinking cheap.)</font>

As for using UDT or Super UDT, my reply was specifically regarding the tractors that were originally shipped with Super UDT from the factory. It's all a matter of priorities.
Good lubrication is a good investment. You can't foresee all the variables when buying an off brand oil.
Now, why don't you take the Midol and put your glasses on... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[Dargo]

I've been changing the UDT in my tractor and Kubota RTV. The first, and main reason I used Kubota brand was that I was told by my dealer that if I had a failure during the warranty period and I had not used Kubota brand, my warranty would likely be void. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif That was a big enough reason. Between the Super UDT and regular UDT, it has been stated that the Super UDT flows better in cold weather. Well, that would be an exact characteristic of synthetic oil. It does not thicken with cooler temps. Also, if it is synthetic, it would not allow proper break-in of components. That would explain why it would not come from the factory with Super UDT as opposed to regular UDT.
In my personal experience, my Kubota RTV had gotten to where it was darn near impossible to get out of gear once I'd driven it. For example, If I drove it around my place in "M" range and then stopped and decided to put it int "H" range; forget it. I could break the lever off before it would move. I'd literally have to shut the engine off and then get it out of gear. I changed the transmission filters and filled it up with Super UDT at 25 hours, and have not had a single problem since!
You are right, Kubota does not make their own oil. However, when it is under warranty, it is their bat and their ball; so if you want to play with them you have to abide by their rules. Anyway, the Super UDT fixed a problem (a VERY annoying problem) for me, so I'm happy. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif