Kubota likes keeping owners in the dark so probably more likely to put a lump of coal in my stocking.
Dan
Kubota udt alternative
- Thread starter Northerner20
- Start date
Dan
My dealer is a 2 hour round trip away. They have no evening hours and are also closed on weekends. I cry not for my dealer.
This whole synopsis of which hydraulic oil works best has been queried over and over. It is interesting to read the differing opinions and experiences, and certainly thought provoking. The posts from ones "who are in the know" always cause me to ponder. Am I doing the right thing with my little orange friend?
But, all that being said...since my tractor use is not demanding on this little 2004 BX23D, sticking with the SUDT2 doesn't seem all that burdensome. Now that I've gotten the hydraulic fluid leak stopped, the use of more fluid comes mainly at the time to change the fluid...lots of hours of use. Cost is always a part of my shopping ventures, but spending a bit more on Kubota fluid somehow doesn't cause my spidey sense to activate! Must be something wrong with me or the Kubota Kool Aid has taken a firm grip on my reasoning.
I only hope this little tractor somehow appreciates the TLC it gets and will respond appropriately when ask to do its menial tasks. As always, time will tell.
Tractor Gal
PS After posts to discuss engine oil, I did change to Rotella T6 diesel so maybe an old dog can be taught new tricks.
But, all that being said...since my tractor use is not demanding on this little 2004 BX23D, sticking with the SUDT2 doesn't seem all that burdensome. Now that I've gotten the hydraulic fluid leak stopped, the use of more fluid comes mainly at the time to change the fluid...lots of hours of use. Cost is always a part of my shopping ventures, but spending a bit more on Kubota fluid somehow doesn't cause my spidey sense to activate! Must be something wrong with me or the Kubota Kool Aid has taken a firm grip on my reasoning.
I only hope this little tractor somehow appreciates the TLC it gets and will respond appropriately when ask to do its menial tasks. As always, time will tell.Tractor Gal
PS After posts to discuss engine oil, I did change to Rotella T6 diesel so maybe an old dog can be taught new tricks.
You dont sound like a Koolaid drinker to meThis whole synopsis of which hydraulic oil works best has been queried over and over. It is interesting to read the differing opinions and experiences, and certainly thought provoking. The posts from ones "who are in the know" always cause me to ponder. Am I doing the right thing with my little orange friend?
But, all that being said...since my tractor use is not demanding on this little 2004 BX23D, sticking with the SUDT2 doesn't seem all that burdensome. Now that I've gotten the hydraulic fluid leak stopped, the use of more fluid comes mainly at the time to change the fluid...lots of hours of use. Cost is always a part of my shopping ventures, but spending a bit more on Kubota fluid somehow doesn't cause my spidey sense to activate! Must be something wrong with me or the Kubota Kool Aid has taken a firm grip on my reasoning.
Tractor Gal
PS After posts to discuss engine oil, I did change to Rotella T6 diesel so maybe an old dog can be taught new tricks.
I do drink the Kool-Aid with most things Kubota and don't have to justify my decisions to anyone.This whole synopsis of which hydraulic oil works best has been queried over and over. It is interesting to read the differing opinions and experiences, and certainly thought provoking. The posts from ones "who are in the know" always cause me to ponder. Am I doing the right thing with my little orange friend?
But, all that being said...since my tractor use is not demanding on this little 2004 BX23D, sticking with the SUDT2 doesn't seem all that burdensome. Now that I've gotten the hydraulic fluid leak stopped, the use of more fluid comes mainly at the time to change the fluid...lots of hours of use. Cost is always a part of my shopping ventures, but spending a bit more on Kubota fluid somehow doesn't cause my spidey sense to activate! Must be something wrong with me or the Kubota Kool Aid has taken a firm grip on my reasoning.
Tractor Gal
PS After posts to discuss engine oil, I did change to Rotella T6 diesel so maybe an old dog can be taught new tricks.
I only use Kubota UDT-2 in the MX and M and will continue to do so, even when the dealer who is 3 miles from my house moves to the other side of town (8 miles from my house) next year.I've spent a small fortune with Kubota over the years and the cost savings from buying brand X transmission oil over Kubota UDT2 means absolutely nothing to me. I stop by the local dealer regularly and it couldn't be any more convenient or enjoyable. That said, I would never criticize someone for using a non-Kubota equivalent product that meets Kubota specs. That's a perfectly reasonable decision. As for oil, I like Schaeffer's 9000 SynShield OTR Plus 5W-40 fully synthetic, but heck, I'm using two kinds of Kubota grease on the tractors and implements despite being told repeatedly that I only need one.
Old Hokie, I didn't want it to be so obvious.You dont sound like a Koolaid drinker to me
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
I don't put enough hours on my machines to worry about the 'cost savings", nor do I have enough time/interest to research the difference between oils, greases, or hydraulic fluids.
Kubota has already done the research and testing for me, so SUDT2 and Kubota filters it is.
Now if we are talking about nacho chips, then there is a Yuge price difference.
I was at Wally World yesterday and a bag of "Tostito nacho chips" was $5.09, and the "Great Value nacho chips" was $1.98.
I was shocked at the difference.
No brainer for me, Great Value it is....
Kubota has already done the research and testing for me, so SUDT2 and Kubota filters it is.
Now if we are talking about nacho chips, then there is a Yuge price difference.
I was at Wally World yesterday and a bag of "Tostito nacho chips" was $5.09, and the "Great Value nacho chips" was $1.98.
I was shocked at the difference.
No brainer for me, Great Value it is....
I can understand and even agree with your cost analysis.
But arent you even mildly interested in what that research and testing is and what it says you are getting ?
Thats the kind of detail that has guided me through both personal and professional life.
Dan
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
I would classify it as "mildly interesting" yes, but since I have no "first hand" knowledge, or actual "proof", so I don't get all "wrapped around the axle" about it.
I know Mobil oil is better than Crisco, but is Mobil better than Kubota or Amsoil? I haven't a clue.
I use Wally World full synthetic in my wife's van and recently switched to Rotella T6 5w40 for the truck after 270K using 15w40, and the tractor has been using Kubota oil and filters thus far.
I have noticed the truck seems to "turn over" easier since the switch to a 5w40 Vs. 15w40 but it is just a "sense" I get, I have no way to actually "prove" it.
I have kicked around the idea of using that Rotella 5w30 in the tractor, just so that I don't have to "stock" 2 oils for the truck and tractor.
Time will tell though.
You are stuck on brand names and missing my point.
The advantages/differences between the SUDT formulation and UDT and its third party counterparts was well documented by Kubota when they first rolled SUDT out in 1997. The red highlighting below is my emphasis.
1997-09-08
Development of High Performance Transmission/Hydraulic Fluid (KUBOTA Super-UDT)
Establishing the Specification and New Test Method 972788
The performance requirements documented in that SAE Technical Report are real and not overly complex. Kubota intially splashed that data all over their marketing literature. But then the actual R&D quickly went "poof" and now we get:
• KUBOTA Super UDT-2
For an enhanced ownership experience, we highly recommend Super UDT-2 to be used instead of standard hydraulic transmission fluid.
Super UDT-2 is a proprietary KUBOTA formulation that delivers superior performance and protection in all operating conditions. Regular UDT is also permitted for use in this machine.
I wonder why the change from actual technical specifications and objective performance metrics to OEM brand centric langiage. Could it possibly be the data is not as compelling to customers as sowing fear, uncertaintiy, and doubt?
Dan
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Or because Kubota realized that the minutia was of no benefit or interest to the vast majority of their customers or potential customers. Many have more pressing things to think about or worry about and are ok deferring to the manufacturer's suggested best practices without getting into the weeds of why one type of fluid is recommended over another.
The information is there for those that are interested in pursuing it, and for those that aren't, there's UDT-2.