Fluid Requirements for ATV Mudding.

by Bonnie
(Jax , Fla.)

I have a 2005 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i with the enclosed wet brake in the rear differential. Is there a less expensive alternative to the recommended Kawasaki rear diff lubricant?

World of ATVs answer:

That's a good question Bonnie, and as it turns out, one that gets discussed a lot among Brute Force owners!

The good news is that there are some good substitutes for the Kawasaki ATV oil, but the bad news is that they may not cost that much less.

The recommended synthetic oils tend to be more expensive, but we've got to say we think they're worth it in the long run.

ATV mudding puts more stress on diffs, so they tend to run hotter and may be more prone to damage if there is any weakness in them at all. The synthetic oils will generally run several degrees cooler, and have better wear protection.

Mobilfluid 424 is listed as an alternative in the Brute Force manual if you don't want to use the Kawasaki oil. It should be available at most good parts stores or tractor supply houses.

Amsoil Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil SAE 5W-30 (ATH) is listed as equivalent to the Mobil oil. Most tractor supply stores will carry it.

A few other brands mentioned by Brute Force owners were NAPA, Case, and Kubota. They all have tractor/hydraulic oil that is compatible with wet brake systems. Just make sure the specifications are the same as the Kawasaki recommended lubricant.

Hope that helps.