Oil & Fuel recommendations for engine oil

[questadg]

Any suggestions for engine oil for a 3820? I do not live close enough to dealer to buy the Branson brand (although I suspect that is just a name brand w/ the Branson name on it). Also, what are your thoughts on mineral vs. synthetic?

[gldwing57]

I like Shell Rotella for diesels..I manage a company with a fleet of 25 buses and have had great success with the Rotella over the 17 years I have been here

[questadg]

Thanks for the info! Is there a weight spec or just Rotella for diesels. Sorry to appear so ignorant but it's my first diesel tractor.

[52wej]

Rotella T 15W-40 is what most use and it is a good product. I have used it in farm tractors for more than 30 years and use it in my Century 2535 now. W Jones

[bp fick]

If you live in an area where winter temperatures hit single digits, you might want to consider the benefits of Rotella 5w-40. It is synthetic and will allow quicker flow rater for those frozen times. You pay a little more for the benefits. Even available at Wally World. Winter is coming.

[herd]

Ok, using synthetic oil sounds like a great idea and Rotella should be easy to find. My dumb question is this: it will be my first oil change in a JD5203 and while I will change filter and drain crankcase, I am sure there will be some residue. So the question is, is this synthetic oil compatible with the regular oil residue that will be left in the engine?

tks.

[bp fick]

Deere, I believe, does not want anything run in them until they hit 90-100 hours except their own, break in oil. Seems rather odd, but if there is a warranty issue involved, I would protect my warranty.

In my own machines, once I hit 50 hours, it has Rotella 5w-40. I like the synthetics and I like the price. The availability is a bonus. There is no way I want 15w-40 in my crankcase when the temperatures hit -10. In the summer? 15w-40 is great. If you live in a milder climate, you would have less issues.

Synthetics and dino's blend. No issues. They even make oil that is synthetic blend, not straight.