Oil & Fuel Fluid and Filter Changes

[Will_C]

I change the oil in my B2620 and my RTV every spring. The tractor gets around 100 hours use and the RTV about 50. I never was comfortable with the yearly time spread, even though the hours are less than the Kubota service interval. Last month, I switched to Rotella T synthetic. I don't know any research that proves synthetic is better for a year between changes, but I feel better. By the way, the Rotella was cheaper than the Kubota oil I was buying from the dealer. Will

 

[Gary Fowler]

There is something fishy about a test saying synthetic oil is worn out at 4000 miles. Even conventional oil is not quote "worn out at 4000 miles". I change my oils in the autos according to the on board computer which per the manual is calculating using conventional oils and they go for around 7500 miles with my normal usage. I also try to change them yearly regardless of mileage or computer status. Even my dealer (Chevrolet) said not to change the oil prior to the computer requesting it and that was per warranty requirements on my 100K mile warranty. I trust the manufacturer more so than a local so called ASE certified mechanic whose sole purpose is to repair vehicles and do maintenance work and I would to his face call him a bald faced liar if he tried to tell me I had to change my oil at 4000 miles when using any oil much less a synthetic.

I use the synthetics for cooler running and better gas mileage more so than for extended oil changes mainly because since retirement, I don't put that many miles on my vehicles. I use it in my tractors simple because I can use the same Shell T6 full synthetic in everything from my Honda motorcycle to the Honda automobiles and even my boat and lawnmowers so I don't need to stock a whole bunch of different oils.

 

[big bubba]

agree w/above poster by and large. also use T6 in all 4stroke engines i have. 4k interval change does seem excessively overkill in changes for vehicles...but in a situation for example where there are frequent cold starts w/o sufficient time for engine warm up over a year's time on a tractor, imho the only way for the OP to really know is to get an analysis. we can sit here and offer our seasoned advice & experience, but let the lab satisfy the OP's curiosity. all it would take is maybe one or 2 tests for that answer. then let him go from there (btw i haven't ever had a test done, nor lost an engine due to oil failure)

 

[Rockin' G Ranch]

Thanks for all of the replies. I used my tractor last year about 1-2 times a month for a few hours each time. In no way did I ever put it in a strain or overheat it. I like the idea of getting the fluids tested to determine if it is time to change it. Where can I send my fluids to get tested?