UDT FOR BLOWER GEAR BOX

john haylow · Dec 4, 2012

I'm going to change the oil in the gear box of my 6' blower. I was thinking of using Kubota UDT.

Any thoughts?
John

94BULLITT · Dec 4, 2012

I would use whatevere the manual specifies.

Buckgnarly · Dec 4, 2012

I'd run a 90W gear lube, unless manual states otherwise.

john haylow · Dec 4, 2012

They call for gear oil. I just thought that since UDT is used in the front diff of a tractor it would be fine in the blower, and better at getting around in the cold than gear oil.
John

94BULLITT · Dec 4, 2012

It is designed to be run in the cold and if they specify gear oil I would run that.

number two · Dec 4, 2012

Interesting thought!Since UDT has EP additives for gear use it could be OK.They have survived for decades on gear oil as recommended.For no more than it takes,I pamper mine with 75W90 synthetic gear lube.

smweatherman · Dec 4, 2012

I believe the UDT is a GL-4 lube and therefore satisfies the requirements for the Kubota front axles. In fact, Kubota recommends GL-4 for the front axle even if using gear lube (bevel gears I guess). Many, but not all 80w90 meet both GL-4 and GL-5 specs. GL-4 and GL-5 are different specs, i.e. GL-5 did not supercede GL-4.

I am not familiar with the snowblower gearbox. I would want to know if it required a GL-4 or GL-5 lube. If GL-4 then the UDT should be fine. If GL-5 is required based on manual or type of gearbox then I would want to use a GL-5 or GL-4/GL-5 gear oil, not the GL-4 UDT.

Clear as mud I am sure.

API Category GL-4 designates the type of service characteristic of spiral-bevel and hypoid gears in automotive axles operated under moderate speeds and loads. These oils may be used in selected manual transmission and transaxle applications.

API Category GL-5 designates the type of service characteristic of gears, particularly hypoids in automotive axles under high-speed and/or low-speed, high-torque conditions. Lubricants qualified under U.S. Military specification MIL-L-2105D (formerly MIL-L-2015C), MIL-PRF-2105E and SAE J2360 satisfy the requirements of the API GL-5 service designation.