Well.. I personally am new to owning a tractor, thus I realize some of you have invested heavily in major equipment and are feeling like oil is a minor investment in comparison to the overall equipment. When Monster states he is more concerned about return on investment? That is a relative term depending on how you apply it. Are you running your equipment in extreme elements hot, and cold. Are you concerned about running your oil as long as you can to maximize on the money you spent to buy it so you can gain on your return on investment?
If that is really what is important to you, then suggest the following. Run Amsoil with new filters in your truck, ( not sure how many hours apply to a tractor for a tractor). I would run the truck as I do on mine for 12K or so. Change the filter, and when changing the filter to a new one catch some of the oil, and send it in for analysis. YOU, will find in normal operating conditions, that it is still good, and well within tolerances. You have to remember that Synthetic Oils, do not break down in extreme temperatures.... especially heat. That is why they were invented, the airline industry in the 50's were having major problems with regard to the development of turbine engines, although Amsoil, came about as a result of American Tanks in Germany wouldn't turn over in the sub zero temps, and well you can imagine the problems that caused.
Really, I only change the oil at 12, or 13K, is because I feel guilty, like man just change the oil.
It's not because the oil is breaking down and no longer doing what is was designed for. I have a 2004 F150 FX4 with 110K on it, runs perfect, less than a dozen oil changes in its entire life, always Amsoil. I have raced cars, I use this in all my motorcycles, etc.. I do use Rotella, Mobil 1 on occasion, but mostly because it is on sale, and I live in Hawaii, so as someone here mentioned, it is expensive to use, when buying off the shelf, as there are only 2 retailers here on island. So again, as a dealer, I usually try to work a deal with Amsoil, (out of Portland), to drop ship a large order onto the boat for me.
On one last note, regarding and experience. My truck always has run well, and after awhile, you kind of forget to check the oil, as well its synthetic, and does its thing. Well, as Ford Trucks age, I'm told they do loose oil, and no one is quite sure if it's the PCV valve, minor blow by etc. So I was surprised after checking the oil (ONCE), thank God, and nothing showed up on the stick. I added 2 Qts. to bring it back to normal. The only hint, was that I thought I heard a slight drum roll on the tappets,mwhich triggered the thought "Maybe" I should check the oil. Truck still runs perfect 20K later.
That's, why I am a believer
