Crazy Idea? Please weigh in.

Shopping new fluid for my splitter. Was contemplating switching to ATF as I do a bit of below freezing spliting. Was shopping various oils and whatnot when an idea came to me...

Can I use the Super UDT2 oil that comes out of my tractor in my splitter??

Normally I shun most used oil uses rather than for a brush pile or fence. Anyone who's bought it knows how much it costs. When I change it, it doesn't smell burnt, doesn't appear thinner than when new and only darkens slightly when compared to new fluid. Log splitter is not a complicated system. I wonder if the oil is OK for the pump and cylinder? If so, I'll hold off till next service of the tractor and repurpose it's hydro oil.

Am I nuts? (wait don't answer that)

Any validity to my thinking?

 

Do it. I don’t think it will hurt a thing.

 

Id do it without concern.

 

Filter it through a cloth in the funnel and use it...

 

UDT2 is hydraulic oil?
What weight?

 

Not sure on weight but yes. It's a hydrostatic drive / hydraulic fluid as it performs both jobs in a tractor. As well as lubes the gears.

 

https://kubotacustomercare.custhelp...name/Kubota+Super+UDT2+Fluid+PI+Sheet+(1).pdf

 

Here's their info.

Kubota | Parts - Lubricants - Farm Equipment

 

Seems like it would work...especially in a simple system like a log splitter.

I was surprised to read this info that came with a new pump that I just ordered for a splitter project from Rugged Made...I would have expected that a splitter would be fine with "universal" oil.
"Be sure to use AW-32 10-Weight (ISO 32) or AW-46 20-Weight (ISO 46) light hydraulic fluid or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. This pump is not designed for use with “universal” or "tractor" transmission oil, such as "303". The use of incorrect fluid may damage the pump and void the warranty."

 

I have Deere low viscosity Hygard in my splitter, it's a 20 weight.

 

Personally I would not put used oil in something else.
Yeah I get it , simple system as far as hydraulics go but I would shop around for the recommended fluid and bite the bullet for new oil.

Not like you change the hydraulic like motor oil , a hydraulic change will probably go for years before the next service.

Again This is just my opinion. YMMV

 

I got cheap junk in mine.

 

Trying to get more from the 400 hour old oil that runs me $300...$.75 per running hour. Cost of new regular oil for splitter is not really a factor in my exploration of this option. This is me attempting to be frugal and 'green' at the same time.

 

Having to rebuild a hydraulic system from being frugal isn’t worth it when they cost $1000+.

 

What log splitter pump is $1k? I just paid $140 for a 16GPM 2 stage from Rugged Made...

 

Hydraulic SYSTEM.

past experience has shown me a contaminated system because a pump decided to shred itself due to contaminated oil; lines, cylinders etc all need to be flushed and or replaced because the metal is dumped throughout the system and just continues to destroy future pumps/ cylinder seals. That just adds to future problems.

 

oil itself is fine its the additives that die. the additives are basicly friction modifiers , anti foaming, and a few other details. they do break down.

 

I consider the cost as part of doing business so to speak.
This is similar to let's say a fuel cost or truck maintenance for someone that might deliver wood as an example.

If I buy a new saw for $500 and cut 10 cords a year this works out to $50 cost per cord , that $50 on a cord is a fraction of what it would cost to fill my oil tank and that saw will pay for itself in the savings from not buying oil. Yes there are other hidden costs , gas , bar oil , chain or two ; you get the picture.
Cost of maintenance on equipment be it a splitter or other equipment is just part of the cost of ownership that often gets overlooked.

 

This is why the tractor only gets OEM fluid and filter.

The question that I really need ask is: Will (clean) used SuperUDT2 damage a splitter pump?

 

As was said..

the additive package in the oil is depleted..

If you really want to reuse “waste oil”…

get a furnace for it. Or sell it to someone who does have one.