Snowblower gearbox oil

[dlundblad]

I have a front PTO driven snowblower for my Kubota garden tractor, both of which are 35-40 years old. Maintenance wise, the manual specifically says gearbox service isn't required. It does not have a drain and fill plug or breather vent but it looks like I can remove a cover and just replace a gasket.

Say I wanted to service it, would any old xxw90 gear oil be sufficient?

Attached is a parts diagram of the gearbox.

 

[emmett442]

Some use 90 weight gear oil, some use 00 grease. You'll know which when you open it up.

Don't fret it too much. Snowblower gearboxes aren't terribly picky. It seems they're happy as long as there's something in there.

 

[old1]

+ 1

 

[Kamele0N]

Use NLGI 00 or 75w90....watch out just that gearoil would be "yellow metal safe" since gears and worm are usually made our of brass...

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted by Kamele0N
Use NLGI 00 or 75w90....watch out just that gearoil would be "yellow metal safe" since gears and worm are usually made our of brass...


Didn't realize there'd be yellow metals in it.

 

[Kamele0N]

I said "usually"....my Simplicity snowblower has brass gears an worm inside its gearbox....yours could be different.....

Edit: nowadays GL5 gearbox oils are usually" yellow metal safe "anyway...

 

[emmett442]

Usually the wheel gear is sacrificial brass and the screw gear is steel. In most cases, the wheel is both cheaper and easier to replace...

 

[mattwithcats]

GL4 gear oil can be a little hard to find.

I like the Mobil 1 Delvac 50, but it is expensive.
https://lubricants.mobil.com/en/mob...ids/mobil-delvac-1-transmission-fluid-50

Motorcraft makes a GL4 full synthetic, XTM5QS, look on Rock Auto...
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/transmission-manual,fluid+/+chemical,transmission+fluid,13630

 

[Lubener]

Unless you have to take it apart to repair it, I would leave well enough alone.