OEM Tractor Oil vs Shell, Valvoline, Amsoil, etc.

[WVH1977]

I know this has probably been beat to death on here but does OEM Tractor oil have something magical that Shell Rotella or other standard oils do not have? They are always more expensive and "specially formulated" for their diesel engine.

What would happen if you put John Deere oil in Kubota tractor, etc? Is this a scare tactic to get you to pay more for the OEM oil to your tractor or is there something in the special sauce that makes their oil the best for their tractor?

Are all these diesel tractor engines that much different that you should use only theirs?

 

[RandyT]

My Kubota in my skid steer calls for 10w30 and claims the use of 15w40 can result in engine damage. Went to the local Kubota dealer to get their special oil, and they tried to sell me Kohler 10w30 which has a diesel rating.

 

[jyoutz]

My Kubota in my skid steer calls for 10w30 and claims the use of 15w40 can result in engine damage. Went to the local Kubota dealer to get their special oil, and they tried to sell me Kohler 10w30 which has a diesel rating.

The manual for my Kubota MX6000 calls foe 10W30 below 32 degrees and 15W40 about 32 degrees.

 

[mjonesnh]

My New Holland specified 10w30 as an oil that could be run year round. Ran T4 Rotella 10w30 for around 10 years, then changed over to T6 Rotella 5w40 as the the T4 was hard to get sometimes. Tractor used both oils without complaint as both weights were listed in manual so I would think any brand diesel oil in weight specified would be ok

 

[bdhsfz6]

In some cases, the only difference between OEM oil and others is the warranty. With new machinery, it's best to check the fine print to see if it's voided by the used of non OEM under spec products.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

How will a dealer know if you used their brand of oil? I mean, I’m not obligated to have them change it for me?

Does Kubota oil taste different than Rotella?

Not sure who makes TYM oil, but I use Rotella T6. If it’s good enough for my sport bikes, it’s good enough for the tractor.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

You can also look at the spec's of the oil's. Then compare them to the manufacturers. I myself use a good grade of oil, non manufacturer...

 

[bdhsfz6]

How will a dealer know if you used their brand of oil? I mean, I’m not obligated to have them change it for me?

Does Kubota oil taste different than Rotella?

Not sure who makes TYM oil, but I use Rotella T6. If it’s good enough for my sport bikes, it’s good enough for the tractor.

If there is an expensive failure under warranty, the dealer, or tractor manufacturer, can test the oil to see if it meets specs.

I change my own oil but buy OEM product from the dealer and keep the receipts just in case. After the warranty expires, I use other brands that meet spec.

 

[Portuguese Farmer]

My Mitsubishi manual states the oil/lube numbers only and doesn't mention anything about syntethic.I do know that some engines require a certain rating and additives for the seals.

 

[RjCorazza]

I have never used OEM engine oil in any machine that I've ever owned. I do use known quality brands, and ensure that they have the correct API classification and viscosity spec that the oem recommends.

 

[JeepHead]

I switch over to Rotella T6 5w40 in my new Kubota and will run that from now on.

 

[RandyT]

In some cases, the only difference between OEM oil and others is the warranty. With new machinery, it's best to check the fine print to see if it's voided by the used of non OEM products.

See Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Can't void a warranty based on the used of non OEM parts.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

I think that frequent oil changes (in my case yearly) may be as important, if not more so, than which OEM oil or which quality after-market brand such as Shell, etc.

I try to change engine oil & engine oil filter each year before the tractors sit all winter. Might not be necessary but peace of mind is worth something.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Back when the NX was first purchased went to get oil filters.
Was asked if I needed oil. Told him I had T6 and he said even better.
Diesel rated oils have additive package for that application.
So cannot see how tractor would be different.
Diesels all operate on same combustion principle and will require specific additives.
As long as the lubricant is properly rated, i would rest easy.
And do change oil in the NX every year, regardless of hours due to thermal cycling and hard work.
Much cheaper then engine repair work for sure.

 

[bdhsfz6]

See Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Can't void a warranty based on the used of non OEM parts.

For parts, yes. For fluids or additives which may not meet the necessary specs, this law does not apply.

You can't run peanut oil in your crankcase or put gas in your diesel and expect the manufacturer to pick up the tab when it breaks.

 

[RandyT]

For parts, yes. For fluids or additives which may not meet the necessary specs, this law does not apply.

You can't run peanut oil in your crankcase or put gas in your diesel and expect the manufacturer to pick up the tab when it breaks.

You are correct it doesn't cover incorrect fluids or incorrect replacement parts for that matter. But if fluids with the proper ratings are used then they can't deny warranty because you used Rotella or Delo instead of Kubota branded oil.

 

[ning]

I recall using Rotella T6 in my previous oil change and it making the engine clatter much more quiet. I didn't have any on hand for my last oil change, used Delo, and the clatter is making me cringe above 2100rpm. I need to find some cheap T6 and change the oil stat!

 

[RjCorazza]

You are correct it doesn't cover incorrect fluids or incorrect replacement parts for that matter. But if fluids with the proper ratings are used then they can't deny warranty because you used Rotella or Delo instead of Kubota branded oil.

Correct. If they require OEM branded oil for warranty, then they must provide the oil free of charge.

 

[WilliamBos]

In some cases, the only difference between OEM oil and others is the warranty. With new machinery, it's best to check the fine print to see if it's voided by the used of non OEM products.

That is illegal, Magusson-Moss warranty act forbids this.

 

[jyoutz]

I recall using Rotella T6 in my previous oil change and it making the engine clatter much more quiet. I didn't have any on hand for my last oil change, used Delo, and the clatter is making me cringe above 2100rpm. I need to find some cheap T6 and change the oil stat!

I’ve also noticed quieter operations with Valvoline extreme synthetic diesel oil, 5W-40. If you have a local Cummins shop, they sell this oil cheaper.