Oil & Fuel SAE or Synthetic

[oldpilgrim]

+1 to all those recommending synth, especially Rotella T6. I put it in my tractor at 100 hours and it runs much better in cold. Specs say it will run better in hot too. I put in in my Cub lawn tractor and generator as well.

Toyota wants synth in my truck and car, why is it not good for my other machines?

It's the way to go.

 

[oosik]

The local Kubota dealer recommends dino oil in all tractors and synthetic for all hydraulic powered units.

 

[sandyc]

I use synthetic in both of my kubota tractors as well as my genny and my Ford Escape . Better cold weather starts imho

 

[davesl708]

The local Kubota dealer recommends dino oil in all tractors and synthetic for all hydraulic powered units.

I was going to ask Kubota Corp the question why they do not recommend syn for the engines. In order to ask a simple question you have to give them name, address, phone number and email. Email should be enough.

Not worth asking just to get a bunch of junk mail, emails and phone calls/text.

I found this on Kubota Engines website.

Can I use synthetic oil in my Kubota engine?

A: Kubota recommends oil with an API rating of CF or higher. If the synthetic oil meets those standards, it can be used in Kubota engines.

 

[TMR]

I know that the Kubota manual states that engine oil is as follows: Below 0ｰC (32ｰ) SAE 10W, 10W-30 or 15W-40. Does anyone use synthetic oil instead of SAE type? Is there a benefit to using synthetic oil?

Correct me if I am incorrect...isn't synthetic ALSO "SAE"? I am not sure Kubota was recommending dino oil to the exclusion of synthetic oil...just need to be sure whichever you use dino/synthetic meets the oil classification and weight suggestions. TMR

 

[MonRiver]

Correct me if I am incorrect...isn't synthetic ALSO "SAE"? I am not sure Kubota was recommending dino oil to the exclusion of synthetic oil...just need to be sure whichever you use dino/synthetic meets the oil classification and weight suggestions. TMR

Yup.

SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers. They give specific requirements that oil needs to meet to get their SAE stamp. Synthetic and Dino oil both get SAE approvals.

 

[Looking4new]

In the spring I will be changing the Jeep over to synthetic oils for the rear ends, transfer case and transmission.

 

[varmint]

I also use Rotella T-6 syn. diesel oil. Wally world has it at a great price, so why think about using anything else? Just be sure the weight is as required. Helps in cold starting, etc.
Kubota recommends their syn. hydraulic oil for their tractors, and everyone seems to love that, too. Like someone already said, use good filters, and change 'em.

 

[Copperhead]

I have grown a fondness for the synthetic blends. Best of both worlds. Actually, each base oil group has certain characteristics that are a positive. Be that as it may, the additive package of an oil makes up 20-25% of any oil you buy. The add pack is as critical, if not more so, than the base oil itself. Since base oils have come a long ways since the turn of the century and the gaps between them are shrinking considerably. I only concern myself with the additive package makeup of oils I use now.

 

[nikerret]

And of course, some synthetics are more synthetic than others. Enter the Group III, Group IV (PAO), Group V discussion. If you want the best of all three, Royal Purple uses a blend of all three Groups. Castrol uses Group III, which many claim is just uber-good dino oil with a false "synthetic" label. There was a big court case on it with Catrol vs Mobil; see articles, below. Red Line Oils are all from ester, which is in Group V.

One thing that seems to be agreed upon is the additive packages (which is what sets oils apart) are usually the better quality and in better quantities, in the higher end (more expensive, ie. synthetics) products.

Here's some reading:
Understanding Differences in Synthetics

Understanding the Differences in Base Oil Groups

Automotive Perspectives: There are only two Real Synthetic Oils in America