Castrol 0w40 a3/b4 for tractor?

[mo1]

I just figured it was not appropriate for use in a diesel, let alone a tractor diesel. I started to rethink that and decided to ask to make sure.

I looked at the product data sheet and it is rated as API CF for diesel engines and API SN for gasoline engines, and ACEA A3/B4 for passenger car gasoline and diesel engines. Now, CF is an old spec for diesel engines introduced in 1994 and the current spec is CF-4. According to the American Petroleum Institute, who develops those ratings, they state that CF oil generally is not appropriate for a 2009 and later engine. However SN is a current spec for gasoline engine oil. ACEA ratings aren't as often used in the US but an oil designed for a heavy-duty diesel engine gets an "E" rating like E6 or E9, which this oil lacks.

I tried to look for a manual for the Branson online and couldn't find anything, so I can't tell you exactly what it requires. My tractor of a different brand than yours was made the same year as yours and it states an API CJ-4, CK-4, or ACEA E6 or E9 oil must be used. I suspect this Castrol oil is probably a gasoline engine oil that meets some older and lighter-duty specs for diesel oils. I would NOT use this in your tractor unless you see in your manual that an API CF or ACEA A3/B4 oil is specifically acceptable.

 

[North to Alaska]

I looked that up too.
Owners manual says nothing about it but the service manual says CG. CG is a higher rating than CF. CG is for engines meeting 1994 emission standards. CF is 1990.
As I started researching this more it became clear the main difference between these standards is emissions and how they can effect exhaust emissions parts.
The Branson has a passive DPF. It relies on maintaining a high heat continuously to clean itself out.
So no, Castrol is not an appropriate oil. Heck, a CG rated oil really isn’t the best either.
The soot caused by the oil will likely cause issues and eventually ruin the dpf (or def if you have that).
However, I will eventually remove the DPF off of my tractor and replace it with a simple muffler. Right now I am not having a problem with it and it can stay.
By the way, the Branson does not have a computer so it could care less if the DPF was still on. It will likely have more horsepower too.

 

[mo1]

I looked that up too.
Owners manual says nothing about it but the service manual says CG. CG is a higher rating than CF. CG is for engines meeting 1994 emission standards. CF is 1990.
As I started researching this more it became clear the main difference between these standards is emissions and how they can effect exhaust emissions parts.
The Branson has a passive DPF. It relies on maintaining a high heat continuously to clean itself out.
So no, Castrol is not an appropriate oil. Heck, a CG rated oil really isn’t the best either.
The soot caused by the oil will likely cause issues and eventually ruin the dpf (or def if you have that).
However, I will eventually remove the DPF off of my tractor and replace it with a simple muffler. Right now I am not having a problem with it and it can stay.
By the way, the Branson does not have a computer so it could care less if the DPF was still on. It will likely have more horsepower too.

The CJ-4 spec was introduced to limit the amount of sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur (collectively, referred to as "SAPS") to avoid clogging up EGR and DPF/DOC systems. Previous specs such as CI-4 are not necessarily low-SAPS formulations, they may not meet current wear specs, or have some other component that is "out of spec" compared to current specs.