Cub Cadet Hydraulic Transmission Fluid Substitute

Your transmission system will inevitably develop problems over time and the primary culprit here is the transmission fluid. 

The cub cadet hydraulic transmission fluid is often recommended as the best transmission fluid for your mower engine. However, it is quite expensive and you might be looking for a substitute that is cheaper and works effectively at the same time.

In this article, I share some of the best, inexpensive substitutes for the cub cadet transmission fluid, and also highlight typical transmission problems you may come across and their potential solutions.

What Kind Of Fluid Goes In A Cub Cadet Hydrostatic Transmission?

The fluid recommended for Hydro-Gear transmissions and pumps is 20W-50 motor oil or 15W-50 synthetic motor oil. 

However, be sure to change the fluid after the first 75 hours of operation and then every 400 hours of use to keep your mower performing optionally and to avoid transmission system issues.

The Best Cub Cadet Hydraulic Transmission Fluid Substitutes

Some of the best transmission fluid substitutes you can use for your Cub cadet hydraulic transmission system include:

1. Triax Agro Utto Supreme Transmission

This is the best overall substitute for your cub cadet hydraulic transmission fluid. It is the best in terms of longevity, performance, and compatibility.

The Triax Agro Utto Supreme is a fully synthetic fluid and it replaces about 99% of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fluid which is quite commendable. 

It performs well in your cub cadet without causing wear or damage to the engine. This fluid isn’t the cheapest but it is definitely cheaper than the OEM and performs satisfactorily.

2. Triax Trans Zero Transmission Oil

This is the second transmission fluid substitute that you can consider for your cub cadet. It is budget-friendly and works effectively for its price.

The Triax Trans Zero Transmission oil leaves no deposits or build-ups around the transmission system and performs almost as well as the OEM. 

It also comes in smaller quantities (1 quart) to help you avoid spending unnecessarily on large sizes of oil you might not be needing. 

3. Triax Agra Utto XL Transmission

The Triax Agra utto XL is another commendable substitute for your cub cadet. It is the only substitute transmission fluid with a synthetic blend. It combines the affordability of synthetic fluid with the efficiency of conventional fluid.

This is a top-tier option from the company’s line of premium lubricants. Performance-wise, it performs outstandingly well. It also doesn’t leave any deposits in the transmission system and is above average in terms of longevity.

However, there are a few shortcomings to address. Unlike most of the other transmission fluids, it is not a vivid pink color. It has a red color instead. Therefore, it is difficult to determine when this fluid becomes stale. 

The company did this to make it easier for you to locate leaks quickly. It works well for this purpose but you would have to take note of the use hours since you might have a hard time recognizing if it is stale or not.

4. Shell Rotella T6 Oil

Another effective substitute I recommend is the shell Rotella T6. It is a fully synthetic oil that is cheaper than the OEM but functions very effectively.

It works without producing wear or leaving deposits in the transmission system of your Cub Cadet. 

It keeps your transmission system clean and void of any sludge buildup. It is also a solid option in terms of longevity and performance.

5. Stens Shield Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid

In addition to having a sleek appearance, the Stens Shield fluid is oxidation and corrosion-resistant. Even premium fluids fall short on a few of these characteristics. Thus, it is the best in this regard.

Aside from that, this is one of the all-season fluids for your hydrostatic transmission system. It lacks unique characteristics and advantages that you would not find in the others but it provides all the basics.

It doesn’t cause wear or build-up in the transmission system and can serve your cub cadet adequately for quite some time. If you want to purchase something nice without breaking the bank, this can be a good option for you.

Why Should You Opt For A Substitute?

It is best to use the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fluid for your transmission system. Here are a few reasons you might opt for a substitute include:

1. Substitutes Are Cheaper

If you have done a complete fluid replacement previously, you would know how expensive the transmission fluids are. 

The primary reason people look for an alternative to the OEM fluid is that it can be quite expensive and substitute fluids are usually cheaper. 

You can get a good substitute fluid that gives you almost the same performance for about half the price of the OEM. This is why most vehicle owners look for substitute transmission fluids for their engines.

2. Substitutes Are Easy To Find

In terms of availability, substitute fluids are the better option. Check your nearby stores and online marketplaces and even your neighborhood garage. The shelves are usually stacked with substitute fluids as opposed to OEMs.

Even experts occasionally employ alternatives to original equipment manufacturers because they are mostly available. 

Therefore, substitutes are superior to OEM options in terms of the availability of substitutes for transmission fluids.

Cub Cadet Transmission Problems You Might Come Across

Pumps and motors are two components of cadet hydrostatic transmissions. And eventually, they will encounter some issues.

I share some typical problems with cadet hydrostatic transmissions and offer potential solutions to each of these problems.

Some common transmission problems you may come across on your cub cadet and their respective solutions include:

1. Air Contamination

The most common issue with transmission systems is air contamination. The hydraulic fluids become contaminated and less effective when air enters the hydraulic system either due to a broken pump or a system breach. 

You will notice that your hydraulic system has been contaminated with air if it is shifting slowly from one speed to another for no reason.

There are two ways in which air might become contaminated in a cadet hydrostatic transmission.

• Aeration

Aeration occurs when air enters the system from an outside source, such as a loose connection or leakage.

• Cavitation

The process of cavitation, in which the pump draws out and explodes the dissolved air in the hydraulic fluid, is another method through which air might enter the system.

Fix: 

Your hydrostatic transmission is susceptible to severe damage from both aeration and cavitation. 

Purging your hydrostatic transmission to get rid of trapped air is the solution to air contamination.

2. Fluid Contamination

Another typical issue with Cub Cadet hydrostatic transmission is fluid contamination, which, like air contamination, is brought on by system leakage.

The fluid quality declines and system performance is impacted when hydraulic fluid is polluted. Fluid pollution may also contribute to temperature problems in the transmission system.

Fix:

Replace contaminated hydraulic fluid for optimum performance.

3. Hot Hydraulic System

Operators frequently lament that their Cub Cadet hydraulic system is running too hot. A hot hydraulic system can hinder lubrication and result in fluid leaks.

Also, transmission gears and shafts tend to get damaged, worn out, and malfunction under very high temperatures. 

It can also result in low machine performance, high fuel consumption, and lower lifespan of mechanical components.

Fix:

• Check the oil level and the heat exchanger
• Clean the cooling fans and air filter using a brush or a clean rag.

4. Extremely Cold Hydraulic System

Your system is seriously endangered if the hydraulic system in your Cub Cadet gets excessively cold. The hydraulic fluid gets thick and can’t get to the pump as a result of the cold.

The hydraulic system will eventually lose its ability to dissipate heat, which will harm the transmission system.

Fix:

• Fill your transmission fluid with some anticoagulants to stop it from becoming too thick.
• Check for sources of air contamination, seal it and purge the system.
• If the problem persists, visit the nearest mechanic shop to avoid severe damage.

5. Transmission Pump Failure

Your hydrostatic transmission pump can experience system failures due to factors like dirty or stuck cooling fins, broken parts, and incompatible components.

The efficiency of the transmission pump declines over time. As it ages, its ability to swiftly provide pressure declines and this affects the vehicle’s ability to shift.

While driving, you will usually notice the shifting difficulty or complete shifting failure in the worst-case scenario.

Fix:

To fix this issue, the transmission oil pump typically needs to be changed because it is worn out. In some circumstances, this problem can also be fixed by removing and rebuilding the oil pump.

Importance Of Routine Maintenance Of Your Transmission System

Your transmission’s lifespan can be easily increased by performing routine maintenance like changing the fluid at the right time, replacing the air filter, and checking the engine oil regularly. 

Failure to perform routine maintenance on your transmission will cause catastrophic wear to internal parts, including the hydraulic system, which is the brain of the hydrostatic transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A lot of cub cadet owners opt for substitute hydraulic transmission fluids because they are cheaper and easier to come across.

We have made the job easier for you by highlighting the best substitute fluids you can use for your cadet to provide optimum performance and keep your engine in good working condition.