BDU10 Hydro-Gear fluid

[Gerogesin]

I'm in search for a suitable hydrostatic oil for this unit. The manual calls for API SJ/CD 20W50. It also recommends 15w-50 synthetic oil as well. I'll attach the description in the manual.

Many have also recommended Rotella T6 15w40 which is difficult to get where I am from. The cubcadet factory fill is quite expensive.

I can get Royal Purple 15w40 locally and was wondering if that is suitable. Its a CK-4 CJ-4 oil.

 

[JTK]

If I remember correctly, my 2005 model year Cub 2544 used a BDU-10 series drive.

I used Shell Rotella-T 15w40 back then instead of the ~$45/gal Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus. This garden tractor held ~6 quarts.

According to the email correspondence I had going at the time with a fella from HydroGear, that's all the Cub fluid was anyway.

 

[gman2304]

Mobil1 15 w 50…sleep well and don’t give it another thought.

 

[Gerogesin]

Mobil1 15 w 50…sleep well and don’t give it another thought.

Returned the purple stuff and got mobile 15w50. Thanks!

 

[Merek]

I know Simplicity recommends either Mobil 1 15w50 or Castrol 5w50 for their zero turns, the Castrol is basically non-existent but you can get the Mobil 1 practically everywhere. A lot of the hydro units list Mobil 1 as suitable.

 

[Gerogesin]

I have been experiencing forward gear slippage when cold using the mobil1 15w50. The reverse gear seems to slip less when cold and when the unit is warm, both forward and reverse functions well. I will switch to 10w40 (Motul) to see if it improves. I've contacted hydro-gear directly is that is what they suggested.