Kubota UDT (Universal Dynamic Tractor) Hydraulic Fluid is a proprietary multipurpose lubricant formulated specifically for Kubota agricultural equipment.
Kubota UDT functions simultaneously in several critical components: hydraulic systems, final drive and differential, transmission (including hydrostatic transmissions), and wet brake and clutch applications. At its core, it’s an API GL4 gear lubricant with specialized additives to manage wet clutch and brake performance.
UDT is an older specification, which is now replaced by the current Super UDT2 (SUDT2).
The primary advantage of universal fluids (over OEM) is significant cost savings. Kubota UDT is expensive, and Super UDT2 can run around $150 per 5-gallon bucket over the counter. Generic and major brand UTFs cost substantially less.
Many oil manufacturers claim that their products can meet Kubota’s requirements such as Amalie, Shell, and Triax. But which is the best pick?
This article will help you find the best Kubota UDT Hydraulic fluid equivalents.
Kubota UDT Hydraulic Fluid Equivalent
There are several Kubota UDT hydraulic fluid equivalents to choose from. Some will produce poor results, while others will give excellent outcomes. In this post, I will concentrate on three suitable and effective alternatives.
Amalie Ultra All-Trac 245 Hydraulic Fluid
Shell Rotella Heavy Duty Tractor Fluid Gallon Pail
TRIAX AGRA UTTO XL Tractor Hydraulic Oil
Amalie Oil Co. Ultra All-Trac 245 Hydraulic Fluid
Amalie Oil Co. Ultra All-Trac 245 Hydraulic Fluid
Amalie Ultra All-Trac 245 UTF is a premium universal tractor fluid that meets the specifications for Kubota UDT and Super UDT. It’s designed for use in various models of farm equipment, off-highway machinery, industrial tractors, final drives, power take-off units, wet brakes, power steering units, and hydraulic systems.
The fluid uses state-of-the-art chemistry, high-quality base stocks, and shear-stable viscosity modifiers to offer a performance level equal to or exceeding current OEM standards.
This formulation is suitable for use in major OEM equipment including Kubota, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, International Harvester, White Farm, John Deere, Deutz-Allis Chalmers, Ford-New Holland, J.I. Case, and Massey Ferguson.
Ultra All-Trac 245โs formulation prevents excessive chatter and grabbing in wet clutch and brake applications while inhibiting sludge formation. It provides anti-wear protection for pumps, gears, and bearings with proven protection for these critical components.
Cold-temperature performance is excellent, with the low pour point and manageable Brookfield viscosity enabling operation in cold climates.
The 245 viscosity grade is available in several configurations: 330-gallon tote, 55-gallon drum, 5-gallon pail, and 4-1 gallon containers.
Our verdict: Amalie Ultra All-Trac 245 UTF delivers smooth clutch and brake operation, strong wear protection, and reliable flow even in freezing conditions. If you want one fluid that performs across your whole fleet, Amalie Ultra All-Trac 245 does the job without compromise.
- Gives superior protection against wear under the most severe operating conditions
- Provides excellent rust and corrosion protection
- Offers excellent shifting and significantly less noise
- Ensures optimal component service life
- The availability is always a problem
Shell Rotell Heavy Duty Tractor Fluid
Shell Rotella Heavy Duty Tractor Fluid
Shell Rotella HD Tractor Fluid is a premium quality universal tractor fluid that meets Kubota UDT specifications. Like All-Trac 254, Shell Rotella is formulated for use in transmissions, hydraulic systems, oil-immersed brakes, and other ancillary systems fitted to agricultural tractors and off-road equipment.
Shell Rotellaโs formulation incorporates a friction modifier for proper noise-free operation that is critical for smooth clutch and brake engagement. It is ideal for tractors and other equipment using a common fluid to lubricate the transmission, differential, and hydraulic systems.
Additionally, Shell Rotella is suitable for Caterpillar powershift transmissions requiring a TO-2 fluid and mobile equipment using Sundstrand hydrostatic transmissions. It also works well in mobile and industrial hydraulic systems operating over a wide temperature range.
Compatibility
Aside from being compatible with Kubota UDT, Shell Rotella HD Tractor Fluid is also suitable for use in the following applications:
Case MS-1207 (Hy-Tran Plus), John Deere JDM J20C, Ford New Holland M2C134-D, Massey Ferguson M1141 (Permatran III), Caterpillar TO-2, and ZF TE-ML-03E. It also meets specifications for Agco, International Harvester, Vickers, Volvo, White Farm, and most major tractor manufacturers’ hydraulic and transmission requirements.
Our verdict: Shell Rotella delivers smooth, noise-free clutch and brake performance, strong wear protection, and consistent hydraulic response across a wide temperature range. Itโs no wonder why itโs the most popular alternative to Kubota UDT that you can use without worrying about anything.
- Makes sure that wet-brake operate quietly
- Ensures a good response and pumpability at low temperatures
- Supplies good anti-wear properties for optimum protection of gears and hydraulic components
- Offers dependable and long-lasting performance
- High price
Read More: What Type of Oil To Use In Kubota Diesel?
TRIAX AGRA UTTO XL Tractor Hydraulic
TRIAX AGRA UTTO XL Tractor Fluid
Triax Agra UTTO XL is a synthetic blend premium tractor hydraulic and transmission fluid that meets Kubota UDT specifications. Itโs formulated for transmissions, final drives, wet brakes, differentials, and hydraulic systems of farm tractors and construction equipment that use a common fluid reservoir.
This zinc-free formulation is designed as a combination lubricant and power transmission fluid (UTTO) that meets the needs of all modern tractors for high-performance operation.
Triax Agra UTTO XL features exceptional extreme pressure (EP) and anti-wear performance. It is designed to minimize or eliminate “chatter” while permitting the wet brakes to hold properly. Superior additive balance assures smooth engagement of the power take-off clutch.
It also delivers outstanding thermal and oxidative stability with exceptional copper component protection (copper is commonly used in motor oils to prevent seizing and corrosion). Additionally, the formulation includes a nitrogen-based cleaning system to keep sludge and varnish from forming.ย
Compatibility:
Triax Agra UTTO XL is recommended for most farm tractors, combines, construction equipment, and severe service hydraulic systems, including late-generation Fendt Variable Transmissions (Fendt VARIO).
Aside from being compatible with Kubota UDT, Triax Agra UTTO XL meets specifications for Case MS-1207, John Deere JDM J20C, Ford M2C134-D, Massey Ferguson M1141 (Permatran), Caterpillar TO-2, ZF TE-ML-06K, Fendt Vario, and Allison C-4. It also covers AGCO, CNH, Denison, International Harvester, Vickers, Volvo, White Farm, and most major agricultural equipment manufacturers’ hydraulic and transmission requirements.
Our verdict: Triax Agra UTTO XL is a solid cost-effective alternative to proprietary fluids for most farm and construction applications, especially for equipment that requires Kubota UDT specifications.
Furthermore, if you are looking for the cheapest option, this fluid is your good pick without worrying about quality.
- Reduces noise and makes the tractor run more smoothly
- Minimizes overheating of the hydraulic system by good thermal transmission
- Features outstanding cold flow qualities to help the equipment function well
- Prevents the formation of sludge and deposits
- Exhibits high load-carrying capacity
- High price
- Not full synthetic
Kubota UDT Fluid Specs
What is UDT Fluid?
You might be wondering what UDT fluid means. UDT stands for Universal Dynamic Tractor Oil. And it is a high-performance lubricant for agricultural machinery. This operational hydraulic fluid is the same fluid used to lubricate the transmission. It is a specially formulated oil that has been designed to protect against wear and tear, while also providing excellent anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties. UDT Fluid can be used in a wide range of applications where a tractor oil is specified.
While UDT fluids are specialized for agricultural equipment, passenger vehicle engines require different formulations. Learn more about modern passenger car motor oils in our guide on High Performance Lubricants PCMO Series.
Kubota UDT Fluid Specs
UDT is a type of tractor fluid that stays smooth and protective across hot and cold temperatures, flowing easily in winter while still thick enough to protect moving parts in summer. Itโs roughly similar in thickness to ISO 68 hydraulic oil and was recommended as a modern replacement for the older, heavier 80W oils used in older Kubota tractors.
Letโs get into the the technical details:
The key physical properties published for standard UDT include a kinematic viscosity of 55 cSt or less at 40ยฐC and 8.8 cSt or greater at 100ยฐC. The viscosity index sits at 137 or higher, while Brookfield viscosity measures 4,800 cP or less at -20ยฐC. The pour point is -37.5ยฐC or lower, and the fluid contains 0.12% zinc by weight.
In traditional viscosity grading terms, UDT sits closer to the low end of an ISO 68 grade. Older Kubota L-series tractors were originally recommended to switch from 80W oil to UDT.
Read More: Best Oil For Honda Lawn Mower
Kubota Super UDT2
UDT is the older specification. Kubota has since introduced improved formulations: Super UDT (SUDT), which is now obsolete, and the current Super UDT2 (SUDT2).
Kubota lists UDT as an acceptable alternative to the currently recommended SUDT2, and the fluids are fully compatible with each other. However, SUDT2 represents a significant upgrade. It’s approximately 75% synthetic with lower viscosity and dramatically better low-temperature performance. For example, UDT has a kinematic viscosity of 55 cSt or less at 40ยฐC, while SUDT2 measures just 45 cSt or less.
Low-temperature fluidity is another area where SUDT2 excels. It features dramatically improved viscosity characteristics critical in cold weather. SUDT2 has a much lower Brookfield viscosity at cold temperatures than UDT (30,000 cP versus 70,000 cP at -40ยฐC), helping with hydraulic filterability and flow in the cold.
Kubota developed specific in-house tests to validate performance characteristics beyond standard industry metrics, including tests for friction characteristics and water tolerance to ensure the fluid resists sludge that can clog filters. The additives used in the oil are the most important factor in performance, often outweighing the base refinery product. SUDT2 has higher zinc content than UDT (0.17% versus 0.12%).
Kubota UDT Hydraulic Fluid: FAQs
What’s the risk of using a UDT equivalent vs. the OEM products? What are the benefits?
Using a UDT equivalent instead of Kubota’s proprietary fluid is a trade-off between cost savings and potential performance issues. The main risks center on compatibility uncertainty and reduced performance in sensitive transmissions like hydrostatic (HST) or Glide Shift (GST) systems, where some users have reported harsher shifting, reduced traction on hills, and torque loss when switching to generic fluids.
The primary benefit is substantial cost savings. A 5-gallon bucket of Super UDT2 runs around $150 from dealers, while quality equivalents can cost around $75-1005 for the same amount.
Many users and dealers have run reputable UDT equivalents for years or decades without problems, particularly in older gear-drive tractors where performance differences are less noticeable.
Can I interchange Kubota UDT, Super UDT, and Kubota Super UDT2?
Yes, all three fluids are interchangeable and fully compatible according to Kubota. Kubota currently supplies only Super UDT2 as their proprietary formulation, but UDT remains listed as an acceptable alternative.
The differences become more obvious in hydrostatic (HST) and Glide Shift (GST) transmissions. Itโs best to use SUDT2 modern or complex transmissions.
Can I mix Kubota UDT and Super UDT?
Yes, UDT and Super UDT are fully interchangeable and can be mixed without issue. Kubota’s product literature explicitly states that Super UDT is “fully interchangeable with standard UDT fluids,” and even the current Super UDT2 formulation is specified as “fully compatible with UDT fluids.”
Mixing them will give you performance characteristics somewhere between the two fluids.
Can I mix UDT and UDT2?
Yes, UDT and Super UDT2 are fully compatible and can be mixed. Kubota specifically states that Super UDT2 is “fully compatible with UDT fluids.” While they recommend SUDT2 for all tractors, UDT remains an acceptable alternative.
Mixing them won’t damage your system, but you’ll dilute the performance advantages of SUDT2.
Kubota Super UDT2, UDT Super, and Kubota UDT are interchangeable
Final Verdict
Here’s what dealers won’t tell you: many farmers have been quietly running quality UDT equivalents in their rental fleets and service tractors for years without issues. The performance gap between a good generic UTF and Kubota’s proprietary fluid matters most in the first 30 seconds of cold startup and during the most demanding hydrostatic operations. This means weekend hobby farmers will likely never notice the difference that commercial operators absolutely will.
Of all the products discussed above, the Shell Rotella HD Tractor Fluid is the most recommended by many Kubota tractor owners. As I said earlier, this fluid is what you can use without any worry.
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Thank you Kevin