SUDT2 versus Universal Hydraulic Fluid

[ovrszd]

It's my opinion that the old tractors did not operate in the close tolerances of newer equipment. They could get by with a less effective lubricant. And operators did not expect them to work as soon as cranked cold. Warmup was expected. Today we are all in wayyyyy to big a hurry to warmup.

 

[rScotty]

It's my opinion that the old tractors did not operate in the close tolerances of newer equipment. They could get by with a less effective lubricant. And operators did not expect them to work as soon as cranked cold. Warmup was expected. Today we are all in wayyyyy to big a hurry to warmup.

Richard, did you ever do that oil analysis on the SUDT2? Just curious....

I hear so many positive reports on these new synthetic oils that I'm again tempted to go that way in the M59 for the hydraulics & tranny.
What has been stopping me so far is remembering the last time I made that same decision and the bad results when my Kubota dealer sold me counterfeit oil. That kinda shook my confidence.....and my pocketbook. Luckily we figured out what was going on in time to save the M59 hydraulic pump from self-destruction. It sure suffered some wear though. And yes, that whole episode still irks me.

I wonder what brand oil would be more reliable? Some main-stream brand for synthetic hydraulic oil? Or am I being twice a fool to even consider changing again?
rScotty

 

[dsgsr]

I use, and have always used John Deere Low-Visc Hy-Gard In all the tractors I have (had). Over 7K hrs. and not problem, I don't know who makes there oil but will bet JD keeps a tight rein on the spec's. Also, It cost less than SUDT2

David

 

[gwdixon]

Richard, did you ever do that oil analysis on the SUDT2? Just curious....

I hear so many positive reports on these new synthetic oils that I'm again tempted to go that way in the M59 for the hydraulics & tranny.
What has been stopping me so far is remembering the last time I made that same decision and the bad results when my Kubota dealer sold me counterfeit oil. That kinda shook my confidence.....and my pocketbook. Luckily we figured out what was going on in time to save the M59 hydraulic pump from self-destruction. It sure suffered some wear though. And yes, that whole episode still irks me.

I wonder what brand oil would be more reliable? Some main-stream brand for synthetic hydraulic oil? Or am I being twice a fool to even consider changing again?
rScotty

For what its worth, I replaced the hydraulic oil in my L48 TLB (1200 hrs) with Amsoil synthetic hydraulic oil rated as 5W-30...the expensive stuff...$200 for 5 gallons. So the total was $600. Free shipping.

The BH never worked better and the fluid does not thin out when hot. Very pleased with the product. I'll likely never change the hydraulic oil again given the life of synthetic oils.

AMSOIL Synthetic Hydraulic Oil and Lubricants

 

[ovrszd]

I use, and have always used John Deere Low-Visc Hy-Gard In all the tractors I have (had). Over 7K hrs. and not problem, I don't know who makes there oil but will bet JD keeps a tight rein on the spec's. Also, It cost less than SUDT2

David

Hmmmm... I use Hy-Gard in the Grader. I don't know Hy-Gard to be a synthetic oil. But maybe I'm wrong??

 

[dsgsr]

Didn't say it was a synthetic. Just have had good luck with it in Tractors, JDx3-Kubota-International.

David

 

[ovrszd]

I know Hy-Gard to not like cold weather. I've had the "restrictor" light come on when pushing dusty snow which coats the valves and cools the oil. Also when cranking the machine cold the buzzer will go off and the filter restriction light come on for a few seconds until everything gets to moving. I don't think synthetic would do that. But I've not spent the money to run that test. Grader holds 40 gallon of hydraulic fluid.

I agree that Hy-Gard is a quality product. Wonder who makes it??

 

[wmonroe]

But I've not spent the money to run that test. Grader holds 40 gallon of hydraulic fluid.

40 gallons! I would need a bigger catch pan.

 

[wmonroe]

Does anyone know what Kubota fills the grand L's with at the factory?

 

[xring100]

I know Hy-Gard to not like cold weather. I've had the "restrictor" light come on when pushing dusty snow which coats the valves and cools the oil. Also when cranking the machine cold the buzzer will go off and the filter restriction light come on for a few seconds until everything gets to moving. I don't think synthetic would do that. But I've not spent the money to run that test. Grader holds 40 gallon of hydraulic fluid.

I agree that Hy-Gard is a quality product. Wonder who makes it??

40 gallons i just choked a little.
I thought the 17 gallons our tractors hold was expensive.

i have the SUDT2 in my M8540 its slightly better but in cold weather but around say <10 °F i still have to warm up for 10 minutes or i get pump whine and both the main shift and even the range select are extra sticky. At 600 hours I'll got to AMSOIL or install a heater into the side case drain. maybee I'll do both i hate pulling the drain plug. I also have a Fumoto valve to install.