CC 5252 Engine Oil

[Mike5252]

I have reviewed all the previous posts substitutes for CC oil/filters, but wasn't able to find anything discussing what engine oil everyone is using.

Is there a consensus on the best non-OEM engine oil to use in the Kohler engines?

To recap other posts, I'm planning to substitute the Drive System Fluid Plus transmission fluid with Mobile 1 - 15 W 50 and using Fram oil/air filters that x ref to the Kohler/CC part #'s, but any suggestion for the engine oil would be helpful.

Thanks,

 

[wojnaroski]

Mike, I have always used Penzoil in everything I own, from car/truck/lawnmower/tractor. Never had an engine that used oil. I change often, oil and filters are cheap as compared to repairs.

Alan

 

[wojnaroski]

Mike,

I will use the Mobile full synthetic in the 5254 hydro from now on, as recommended to me by the folks at Hydro-gear. Penzoil for everything else.

Started using the spray white lithium grease on all moving parts. Available everywhere, Lowes/Wal-Mart/Farmer's Co-op. Doesn't make as much of a mess as oil everywhere.

Alan

 

[wojnaroski]

Mike,

How long have you had your 5252? Are you satisfied? I was going to get that model, but switched to the 5254 because of the folding rops and I needed the 4wd because of the "extreme" sloped on my yard.

What attachments are you using?

Alan

 

[Hard]

To recap other posts, I'm planning to substitute the Drive System Fluid Plus transmission fluid with Mobile 1 - 15 W 50 and using Fram oil/air filters that x ref to the Kohler/CC part #'s, but any suggestion for the engine oil would be helpful.

I would not use a Fram oil filter for anything. They are made very cheaply. I would either use the OEM oil filter (I know they are more money and you can't buy them at wal-mart) or try to find another brand, maybe WIX makes an oil filter for your gas engine, air filter too. Try a NAPA auto parts for WIX filters.

As for oil, I use a synthetic in my diesel but any good brand that meets the specs of your gas engine will be fine.

As far as substituting the Cub Drive System Plus transmission fluid, if you are still within your warranty period you better check with your dealer and Cub Cadet to make sure that by substituting another fluid that you don't give Cub Cadet a reason to void your warranty if you have a transmission problem. I am VERY, VERY familiar with tranny problems on a 5000 series tractor.

I know that you should be able to put in any fluid you want in your tractor that meets the Cub specs but it does not work that that easily if there is a tranny problem. I use only Cub filters and fluids on my tractor with the exception of motor oil and I know that practice has worked to my benefit during my warranty period. Paying more for a few filters and some tranny fluid now could save you a lot of $$$ later.

 

[JTKub]

Mike,

I will use the Mobile full synthetic in the 5254 hydro from now on, as recommended to me by the folks at Hydro-gear....

I know several of us have researched high and low in regards to an a/m substitute for CC drive system fluid plus, but I dont understand the Mobil1 recommendation. The CC/HG OEM stuff is a Shell product (Shell TTF-SB). Shell and Mobil are competitors?!? Why would HG recommend a competitors product? I bet it works perfectly, it's just odd to me.

G/luck
Joel

 

[wojnaroski]

I thought that I have made this clear in an earlier post. Here goes again. I have spoken directly with Hydro-gear on this subject.

When a unit, such as the ones in the 5000 series, leave the factory, they are filled with Mobile One. That is unless the purchasing company specifies that they be enpty. The are not filled with a Shell product. CC puts the Shell product in them.

When I explained about the Cub Cadet Fluid Plus, he laughed. He did say that some companies may add additives but that they are not necessary for the Hydro-gear unit to operate properly. Again, if filled by Hydro-gear, it is Mobile One.

I provided this information as I received it. No misunderstanding or confusion. Straight from Hydro-gear. I have no interest in what anyone uses or doesn't use. Just don't like all the confusion.

Remember, this only applies to the 5000 series.

Alan

 

[wojnaroski]

Joel,

I have read your posts with interest. Keep posting, always informatiove.

Alan

 

[Hard]

I thought that I have made this clear in an earlier post. Here goes again. I have spoken directly with Hydro-gear on this subject.

When a unit, such as the ones in the 5000 series, leave the factory, they are filled with Mobile One. That is unless the purchasing company specifies that they be enpty. The are not filled with a Shell product. CC puts the Shell product in them.

When I explained about the Cub Cadet Fluid Plus, he laughed. He did say that some companies may add additives but that they are not necessary for the Hydro-gear unit to operate properly. Again, if filled by Hydro-gear, it is Mobile One.

I provided this information as I received it. No misunderstanding or confusion. Straight from Hydro-gear. I have no interest in what anyone uses or doesn't use. Just don't like all the confusion.

Remember, this only applies to the 5000 series.

Alan

When/If you have your trans problem with your 5000 series I'm sure Cub will make it crystal clear that you should have used their Drive Plus fluid in the trans. Maybe you won't have a trans problem and it will never be an issue but to try so hard to find replacement filters and fluids to save a few bucks just doesn't make sense to me. These tractors are just to expensive to cut corners on especially during the warranty period. If it gives you a satisifed feeling to buy cheap Fram filters in wal-mart and save some money on trans fluid fluid have at it. Maybe you should have bought a lawn tractor at wal-mart to.

Nothing better to do than to do in depth research on finding cheaper filters and fluids to use in your tractor???????????

 

[JSharp]

I would not use a Fram oil filter for anything. They are made very cheaply. I would either use the OEM oil filter (I know they are more money and you can't buy them at wal-mart) or try to find another brand, maybe WIX makes an oil filter for your gas engine, air filter too. Try a NAPA auto parts for WIX filters.

I have to agree with this. I wouldn't use a Fram on anything. I also looked at the OEM Kohler filters for my 2554 and wasn't all that impressed. Better than a Fram, but not in the same league as a Wix IMO.