My BX2350 recommends oil changes every 100 hours. I generally change the oil in the outdoor equipment I use all year in the fall (so the acidic byproducts of combustion don’t remain in the crankcase too long) and again in the spring (in case the crankcase contains any condensation from operating in a cold weather environment). I will not use the tractor for a full 100 hours in either season. Is it recommended that I stick to my regular routine of fall and spring OCI or use the Kubota 100 hour OCI?
Kubota oil change intervals
- Thread starter Magnatic
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I would have to say if you don't put large amounts of hours on the bota that your season changes sound good. I have a RTV-900R that will be two years old in october this fall. I use it for work on the farm and to cut wood and stuff. I just parked it for the day in the barn about an hour or so ago and the HM was reading 689.7. I have ran mobil 1 0W-40 in mine since I bought it with 16.8 hours on it. I run the oil to 100-150 hours and dump it. I also run a wix oil filter. A six dollar filter sure beats a 9.50 plus tax dealer oem filter. Also I love the 0W-40. I was kinda skiddish at first but after running it that first oil change I will never use anything but it again. It gives me quick and easy starts even in the coldest of the cold days in michigan winters. I have had used it somedays that were five below and it starts great. I remember that the coldest day that I used it was thirteen below. All you have to remember on those cold days is to let it idle for a minimum of ten minutes to allow the hydro's to get ready
Magnatic,
I think you are wise to follow your spring/fall OCI. I did exactly the same with our 2155 Kubota for 15 years. If you are putting on less than 50 hours +/- per year, a used oil analysis might tell you that an annual change is suitable.
The manual's OCI of 100 hours is just a starting point, I like to think. Each person has to adjust the OCI to their conditions.
My bigger John Deere's have a 200 or 250 hour OCI. With only 130 hours use per year, I only change them annually.
Good luck with your bota.
I think you are wise to follow your spring/fall OCI. I did exactly the same with our 2155 Kubota for 15 years. If you are putting on less than 50 hours +/- per year, a used oil analysis might tell you that an annual change is suitable.
The manual's OCI of 100 hours is just a starting point, I like to think. Each person has to adjust the OCI to their conditions.
My bigger John Deere's have a 200 or 250 hour OCI. With only 130 hours use per year, I only change them annually.
Good luck with your bota.
Magnatic, I like what you're doing ... except skip that spring change.
The oil is fine sitting in the crankcase over the winter and any condensation that formed will boil off the first time you run the thing for 30 minutes or more. Save yourself the money, oil and the trip to the recycling center.
--- Bror Jace
The oil is fine sitting in the crankcase over the winter and any condensation that formed will boil off the first time you run the thing for 30 minutes or more. Save yourself the money, oil and the trip to the recycling center.
--- Bror Jace
I have to say that I to agree will Bror Jace
I have two Kubotas, probably a little bigger than most. My M5700 and MX5000. The MX5000 is 4wd, has a loader and is new. We use it for raking and baling hay. The M5700 is used for mowing and baling.
Since the MX5000 has a little light use I use Shell Rottela synthetic 5w-40 in it (first oil change was yesterday at 50 hours)
The M5000 works hard. So I have switched to 15w-50 synthetic in it. I think the greater protection is more important than start up flow.
I thought of going 100 hours but I just can't do it. The tractors work hard in dusty conditions and I think 50 hour oil changes are worth the cost.
I use Kubota oil filters and they cost about $ 7 each.
Then there is hydraulic fluid. Those filters are $ 40 each.
Since the MX5000 has a little light use I use Shell Rottela synthetic 5w-40 in it (first oil change was yesterday at 50 hours)
The M5000 works hard. So I have switched to 15w-50 synthetic in it. I think the greater protection is more important than start up flow.
I thought of going 100 hours but I just can't do it. The tractors work hard in dusty conditions and I think 50 hour oil changes are worth the cost.
I use Kubota oil filters and they cost about $ 7 each.
Then there is hydraulic fluid. Those filters are $ 40 each.
Bror, and others, we really don't know what his hours accumulation over the seasons actually is.
Are you saying that he should go on hours only, regardless of use conditions and weather?
If he accumulates 70 hours through August, does an OCI, then puts on only 5 hours until next spring, I agree with your recommendation.
If, like me he puts on 70 through August, and then another 60 or more through the winter (lots of cold starts, etc.) then I think the spring/fall is better, if only to make me feel better about a $20K machine.
I try to pick the middle of the road on this maintenance stuff. Just my opinion.
Off topic - Cicero - those Kubota hydrostatic filters prices are outrageous. BUT, when I compared the WIX equivalent at less than $10 dollars, the Kubota "seemed" MUCH heavier and better constructed (visually, who knows the truth?). I use and respect WIX, but in this case the differences scared me towards the OEM Japanese filter.
Are you saying that he should go on hours only, regardless of use conditions and weather?
If he accumulates 70 hours through August, does an OCI, then puts on only 5 hours until next spring, I agree with your recommendation.
If, like me he puts on 70 through August, and then another 60 or more through the winter (lots of cold starts, etc.) then I think the spring/fall is better, if only to make me feel better about a $20K machine.
I try to pick the middle of the road on this maintenance stuff. Just my opinion.
Off topic - Cicero - those Kubota hydrostatic filters prices are outrageous. BUT, when I compared the WIX equivalent at less than $10 dollars, the Kubota "seemed" MUCH heavier and better constructed (visually, who knows the truth?). I use and respect WIX, but in this case the differences scared me towards the OEM Japanese filter.
In the summer I will put enough hours to warrant a change in the fall. The winter, however, is a different story. We don't get that much snow so I don't think I will even put 20 hours on it. It's the spring OCI that I'm concerned about.
In Canadian dollars, my Kubota oil and hydraulic fluid filters are about $15-18 each.
In Canadian dollars, my Kubota oil and hydraulic fluid filters are about $15-18 each.
Magnatic, I missed in your first post that you use your equipment in the winter ... although in your last post, you mention that it is only sparingly.
I guess with 20 hours or less, I'd still skip the spring change ... or I'd maybe switch to changing oil every 9 months, regardless of hours. It sounds like your equipment doesn't sit idle for 3-4+ months at a time in well-used oil. That's the part I'd have a problem with.
--- Bror Jace
I guess with 20 hours or less, I'd still skip the spring change ... or I'd maybe switch to changing oil every 9 months, regardless of hours. It sounds like your equipment doesn't sit idle for 3-4+ months at a time in well-used oil. That's the part I'd have a problem with.
--- Bror Jace
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