Oils

[Tinmann]

What do most of you use as far as motor oils in your Kubota's? I just purchased a new 3710 and was curious as to the oils that are used. I plan to use Delo 15-40 since I use it in my diesel pick-up. Also what brands are recommended in the hydro-statoc transmissions. What is the time or hourly change on the oils, new and later on. Does anyone use an additive in the radiators?

 

[Bird]

Oh Lord, Tinmann, I guess if you're a new member, we'll forgive you for bringing up this topic again/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif. It's been beat to death on the old board and you might want to go back to the archives and read some of those messages. There are a number of people convinced that you should use synthetics (especially Amsoil), and there's no doubt they're good. I just happen to be one of those who are not yet convinced they are worth the extra cost. The most popular oils in my area are the Delo 400 (15W-40) or the Rotella T (15W-40), and I, along with all my neighbors and brothers, use the Delo. If you bought the tractor new, it should have a manual with the service intervals specified, and I'd stay with them; especially the first 50 hour service. In the hydrostatic transmission, I'm using the Kubota UDT, although the semi-synthetic? Super UDT is undoubtedly good, for more money.

Bird

 

[gerard]

I have to agree with Bird for the most part except I'm convinced of the added value of synthetics, even more so for tractors than for cars, (due to the longevity associated/expected from tractors). I have a new L2500 coming up on the 50hour and am planning on going with all Amsoil synthetic for the engine and transmission/hydraulics. While the cost is more after the 50 the maintenance intervals are long enough that the cost is minor enough vs the potential benefits. I also agree that the 50 is probably the most critical to get out any filings after the break-in period. (Considering the cost of implements etc the added cost of a full synthetic certainly seems minimal and even among the "unconvinced", I haven't heard anyone say the synthetics are inferior to conventional.

 

[tbarber55]

I use New Holland oils in both my New Holland and Kubota
the NH has 2700 hours the Kubota 970 hours

 

[MChalkley]

Tinman, as Bird suggests, try doing keyword search on the old forum for more posts than you'll likely have time to read. Most of the longer ones, you'll notice, are Bird explaining why he's "unconvinced" /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

I know that Rotella T is considered by many to be one of the best petroleum oils, but I wouldn't use it in tractors for one simple reason. In the test results I've seen (which admittedly were commissioned by producers of synthetic oils) it ranks worst among the diesel rated petroleum oils in volatility. It loses a much larger percentage of its volume to evaporation than most others do, which thickens the oil whether it's used or not. In tractors, I think this is especially important, because many of them go long intervals with little usage and infrequent changes.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I am using Mobil Delvac 1300 Super (15w-30) on all my Kubota equipment. I have known several trucking and construction outfits who have had excellent results with this oil.

 

[Peter]

Re: Oils: diff btw Delvac & Mobile 1?

Hello. I've been through the oil war discussions as well and don't want to start one. I was just curious how you choose the Mobil Delvac 15w30 over the Mobil One Tri-Synthetic 10w30? I have just turned 50 hours on my 2710 and plan to use Mobil One 10w30. It is rated for both spark (SJ) and compression (CF) engines, and the tractor manual says use 10w30. I've heard that the Delvac is specifically for diesels but the regular Mobil One covers both. Comments?

Thanks.
Pete Reinhard

 

[MChalkley]

Re: Oils: diff btw Delvac & Mobile 1?

Peter, I think they both have the same ratings for both gas and diesel engines. The main difference is in the SAE weight, and that's not enough to be concerned about. So I guess it boils down to brand preference or cost(?).

Mark

 

[Peter]

Re: Oils: diff btw Delvac & Mobile 1?

Mark.
Thanks for the reply. And I forgot to clarify that I most likely will NOT switch to synthetic at this first 50-hour point due to the arguement you presented last year regarding break-in. I recall questioning how you arrived at "150" hours, but I agree with you in principal: make sure your engine is broken in before the switch. I'll change the engine oil with "regular" oil this weekend, but will put in the synthetic before we get the real cold weather next winter, regardless of the hour meter.
Regards.
Pete R

 

[Muhammad]

Ok guys, I think it's about time for an 'oil' topic - while I am at it, maybe a few other specific forums. Any comments/suggestions?

<font color=blue>>></font color=blue>Muhammad
<font color=blue>Forum Master</font color=blue>