Deere synthetic oil?

[bbraud6]

About to do my first oil change on 4120, 54 hours on clock. Talked to dealer he says either 15w-40 or 0w-40 full synthetic will work and are recommended. Also said the full synthetic allows you to extend the change interval. This is my 4th deere compact and always used deere 15w-40 with no problem. Just curious if anyone is using 0w-40 synthetic and how do they like it. Parts guy at dealer said price difference is not that much would be fine to use right out the gate on new engine.

 

[sixdogs]

I use Deere full syntheric 0W40 in five tractors and have for about four years. It is great in that winter starts are like summer and warm up is quicker. Because of my experience with synthetics in other vehicles I believe I have higher oil pressure and better coverage in stress activity for the tractor. Oil intervals are definately extended and where I would normally do one in mid summer i only hav eto do my annual oil change. So that basically cuts the price in half by extended intervals. I also see that the engines run cooler as well.

Not to butt in my my experience with Deere owner's manuals is that the change to synthetic should be after 100 hours and not before. I have seen this in print and is common knowledge among Deere guys around here. Unless I actually saw something in print that specifically mentions your model tractor, i'd go dino on the next change. You could also email Deere directly and they will address the issue. Just my two cents here and while I see you are from Louisiana, let me say i loved the time I spent there back in the early 1970's. Great food, lovely women and friendly people.

 

[bbraud6]

Thank's, that was my plan to use 15w-40 on the first change and synthetic from then on. I've used synthetic on my trucks in the past with good results but this would be the first time i use it on my tractor. Yes i love living in louisiana, weather has been great here lately, lows in the 40's highs upper 60's. Only drawback would be the occasional hurricane but being a lifelong resident you get used to them.

 

[greg_g]

Concur, use fossil fuel during the break-in period. Synthetics are slippery enough to actually inhibit break-in. But until the FT4 engines come out, I still think synthetics are a waste of money. Once particulate filters are introduced, the soot that has historically turned diesel engine oil black - becomes a thing of the past. If you want to shell out the bucks for expensive synthetics, that's your business. But for my money, regular 15W40 is good enough for any diesel compacts prior to FT4.

//greg//

 

[WilliamBos]

The cold starting is where synthetics shine. Run them as soon as you can, and for the little cost differance over dino, really worth the investment.

 

[WilliamBos]

Concur, use fossil fuel during the break-in period. Synthetics are slippery enough to actually inhibit break-in. But until the 2014 models come out, I still think synthetics are a waste of money. Once particulate filters are introduced, the soot that has historically turned diesel engine oil black - becomes a thing of the past. If you want to shell out the bucks for expensive synthetics, that's your business. But for my money, regular 15W40 is good enough for any diesel compacts prior to 2014.

//greg//

The oil still turns black because of the egr. DPF does not eliminate this. And many tractors already have egr's On them now.

 

[Paystar]

Will is correct. The DPF removes soot as it is exiting the exhaust. Engines with DPF mufflers are running higher levels of EGR which soot loads the engine due to the cooler combustion temps. That is why they had to upgrade oil classifications and quality for when EPA 07 took place.

 

[WilliamBos]

Will is correct. The DPF removes soot as it is exiting the exhaust. Engines with DPF mufflers are running higher levels of EGR which soot loads the engine due to the cooler combustion temps. That is why they had to upgrade oil classifications and quality for when EPA 07 took place.

That is why I prefer the SCR route, minimal EGR and maximum SCR, and the SCR does the rest. A much simpler more efficient solution.

 

[Paystar]

Exactly Will. I would never buy any dpf equipped engine without scr (urea.)
You only have to look at International trucks MaxxForce engines to see how mass egr worked out for them, lol.

 

[kuboman]

Keep in mind that by the time we are at final stage Tier 4 all the engines will have scr plus egr plus particulate filters. Enjoy your simple engines now.

 

[greg_g]

Keep in mind that by the time we are at final stage Tier 4 all the engines will have scr plus egr plus particulate filters. Enjoy your simple engines now.

And that's what I was talking about. I thought when I mentioned particulate filters, that DEF would be understood. I believe those other guys are talking about IT4 (interim Tier 4). Here's John Deere's implementation schedule for FT4 engines:
25 to 49 hp (19 to 36 kW)..........2013
50 to 74 hp (37 to 55 kW)..........2012-2013
75 to 174 hp (56 to 129 kW)......2015
175 to 749 hp (130 to 559 kW)..2014
750 (560 kW) and larger.............2015

//greg//

 

[WilliamBos]

Keep in mind that by the time we are at final stage Tier 4 all the engines will have scr plus egr plus particulate filters. Enjoy your simple engines now.

Anything under 25 hp will not have scr. Lots already have egr, and they have been using it on the HHP tractrs for a while now.

 

[bbraud6]

Thanks for the responses. I was planning on upgrading my old 3320 deere due to acquisition of more property and needing more tractor and hp. Pulled the trigger on a new 2012 4120 couple of months ago with 400cx loader and rear remotes to get ahead of full tier 4 emissions which my dealer said would be on 2013 deere compacts with an additional bump in selling price to compensate for the emmision technology. So far loving this tractor, much more grunt than the 3320. This is my first deere with the turbo powertech engine after owning deere compacts with the yanmar engine. So far i am loving this tractor!!!!!!!

 

[kuboman]

In spite of all the emissions crap the drive ability of the new engines is miles ahead of the engines of 20-30 years ago. The torque is quite amazing. It is just too bad things have gone overboard with emissions.JMHO

 

[WilliamBos]

In spite of all the emissions crap the drive ability of the new engines is miles ahead of the engines of 20-30 years ago. The torque is quite amazing. It is just too bad things have gone overboard with emissions.JMHO

I agree. I prefer the DCR route over the cooled EGR that JD uses. Either way, the engines are leaps abd bounds better than they ever have been.