Kubota mini-excavator hydraulic fluid spec for UK?

[Hereward]

Hello, I have just bought a 2005 Kubota 1.5t mini digger and I am changing all fluids and filters. The final drive gear cases had no oil in either of them but that's a different story.

The technical manual I found online states to use either ISOVG32, 46 or 68, which I assume covers all viscosity bases with regard to different climates? I just want to confirm that it would be okay to use ISOVG46 hydraulic fluid in the UK climate?

Any other quality parameters to consider?

Thank you.

[TCX]

Hi,yeah no real climatic or other issues in UK,46 grade ok,was there any contamination,metal on bung when you checked final drives?

[Hereward]

Cheers.

No metal shavings apparent in the final drives and she tracks fine with no noises. I will keep changing the gear oil after every outing until the stinking black treacle improves. It's such a quick oil change, amazes me that people can't be bothered, especially given the cost of replacement drive units.

[TCX]

Wouldn't worry too much on a 15 year old machine,think final drive oil change every 1000 hours?

[Hereward]

I am a bit OCD when it comes to looking after my machinery. I want to get this digger to a good servicing baseline then I can relax a bit.

Releasing final drives from their grave:




I have since done two final drive gear oil changes in the space of about 3hrs of engine run time and less than 300m of travel. This is the second drain down:



I have the ISO 46 hydraulic fluid and suction and return filters ready to fit, so that's the last piece of the puzzle for now:



Cheers

[TCX]

Strong little machines Kubota,anything that age will have bit wear,wouldn't worry change oils n should be good