No Rotella T6

[newbury]

Shortage of all kinds of oil. Time for a hydraulic oil change in my Kubota; I wanted the Super UDT2 in 5 gallon buckets. Dealer said he hasn't been able to get any - only Super UDT2 oil he had was what he had left from an order he put in last year.

Country's gone crazy this year and I don't understand what's changed to cause all these problems.

I JUST finished the 5 gallon pail of SUDT2 I bough back in 2010. So Sunday I ordered a 5 gallon pail from Messicks, got here Wednesday.

What is it with these ultra-expensive motor oils for a diesel tractor?

Shouldn't a utility machine like a farm tractor sold in every corner of the world be spec'd to run on at least mid-tier fuel and motor oil?

I can see close specs for the fluid in a hydrostatic or even wet-brakes application. But the motor oil?

My tractors and trucks tend to sit for a long time and have to be started when it's below freezing, without being able to easily get a heater to them. Like @Hay Dude's problem with a tractor parked in the field. Starting my diesel engines with 5W40 is a lot easier than with 15W40.

I was taught a long time ago:

"A pair and a spare"

It kinda applies to everything and preparedness, and is self-explanatory.

We try and keep X amount of supply in stock at all times in case there is an unforeseen immediate need for that stock. And we order replenishment anytime we get below X amount of supply, not when we've used the last of the supply.

We apply that to oil, filters, belts, bread, soup, flour, sugar, toilet paper, you name it. It makes life so much less stressful, and does not cost any more in the long run, as we're going to use it anyway.

"Be prepared" was my motto LONG before I became a Scout and Scoutmaster. And bargains on the internet offer unique opportunities.
Oil stores fairly well. Pre-pandemic I had built up a stock, glad I did.
Don't try it with raw eggs

 

[Robin Veerman]

Yes, it's also been difficult to find many maintenance items lately, not just oils. I've used Amsoil for many years in my tractors etc and I placed an order recently to have some spares and I got everything without issue. I really like the Heavy Duty line from Amsoil, not too expensive and can extend the change interval in a pinch too. Currently they have free shipping if ordering over $100. You have to create a preferred customer account first though? Here's a link to their diesel oils. Dutchy https://www.amsoil.com/c/diesel-engine-oil/5/?zo=331384

 

[Williy]

To become a member of Amsoil you
have to order so much a month to
qualify to be a member?

I only change oil in my tractor & truck
once per year so if that's the case I
can do with out it!

willy

 

[bmaverick]

I had a hella time finding Rotella T6 it at all the usual places, finally tracked down the last 2 gallons they had on the shelf at Home Depot.

Another thing I can't find anywhere is solar salt for the water softener. I see the rust-out stuff around, but I need the all natural salt for my system. Finally the other day, again Home Depot came through...had 4 bags, so I snatched them up.

For work, I'm getting ridiculous lead times when ordering industrial parts. For air valves, I got an estimated March delivery, with no expedited service option available. A supplier for other parts was telling me some things are getting quoted with an estimated October 2022 delivery (luckily nothing I order).

Many of the compact diesel tractors use 5W30 and 10W30, So the Shell Rotella T4 is my main staple. So far so good with no issues finding it.

 

[Robin Veerman]

To become a member of Amsoil you
have to order so much a month to
qualify to be a member?

No that’s negative. It’s a $20 annual fee to be a “preferred customer” with no minimum purchase amount. The free shipping promo is currently at a minimum of $49. I believe that now your purchases gain credits towards the annual fee. That’s new. Anyhow, I’m in Canada so anytime that I can get free shipping it works for me. Lately the Amsoil website shows a banner indicating possible shortages on some filters and lubes. So maybe availability is becoming an issue with Amsoil too?!

 

[oosik]

I bought eight gallons of T4 at O'Reillys a month ago. I suppose they had T6 also. Don't use T6 - didn't look.

 

[rScotty]

I think that what we are seeing is a complete change in our traditional retail system. The future may be one without stores with shelves.... won't that be a change when most retail will be order online and take delivery. I believe what we are seeing now is just the start of this change, but I bet the change is complete far sooner than we expect. It's changing right now.

Check this out: This Xmas week after no luck locally looking for a matched pair of big group 31 tractor batteries, I ordered them from an online battery warehouse. Ordered them Monday & they arrived this morning. That's 3 days, 150 lbs, 1200 miles, on my doorstep, std. shipping rates... and the lower cost more than covered the shipping.

 

[ovrszd]

My Grandson Googled it. Rotella oil is produced by a Netherlands company. Go figure.

 

[California]

I think that what we are seeing is a complete change in our traditional retail system. I believe what we are seeing now is just the start of this change, but I bet the change is complete far sooner than we expect. It's changing right now.

Agree.

Change is never expected - until it is suddenly underway.

 

[California]

My Grandson Googled it. Rotella oil is produced by a Netherlands company. Go figure.

Royal Dutch Shell!