Oil & Fuel Viscosity

[PHILIP8N]

I just re-read my 2009 Kubota manual. I must say, it is outdated, poorly thought out, and needs to be revised. It says: Temps above 77F, use SAE30, 10w30, or 15w40. Temps between 32F to 77F, use SAE20, 10w-30, or 15w-40. Temps below 32F, use SAE10w, 10w-30, or 15w-40. I use and suggest the attached viscosity recommendations from Caterpillar for off road engines. Philip.

 

[creekbend]

Kubota Engine America - Compact Diesel Engines

Yes, many of our customers use 15W40 engine oil in their Kubota diesels.

Thanks for posting the Link.

 

[WilliamBos]

I just re-read my 2009 Kubota manual. I must say, it is outdated, poorly thought out, and needs to be revised. It says: Temps above 77F, use SAE30, 10w30, or 15w40. Temps between 32F to 77F, use SAE20, 10w-30, or 15w-40. Temps below 32F, use SAE10w, 10w-30, or 15w-40. I use and suggest the attached viscosity recommendations from Caterpillar for off road engines. Philip.

Thank you so much for posting tjis. I am amazed at the broad range thst 5W40 covers, and how limited 10W30 is.

Guessing it is safe to assume I can run 5W40 synthetic year round.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Actually 15w-40 is to only weight most people have to consider with a diesel tractor and is the only weigh needed if on uses a block heater in freezing weather.

 

[WilliamBos]

Actually 15w-40 is to only weight most people have to consider with a diesel tractor and is the only weigh needed if on uses a block heater in freezing weather.

15W40 is not recommended for winter use up here, just too thick. Even GM recommends 5W40 in the winter months up here.

 

[sandyc]

Well, I happen to look at the gallon jug I have of the 05W-40 and it says "recommended as replacement for 15w-40". So, Kubota allows 15w-40 according to my manual then I guess I can use it. Maybe the synthetics have a wider range or something. At least 60-75% of my tractor use is during the winter months (in Maine that's Sept thru June) so I am going to opt for the Mobil 1 as it would appear to have some good cold properties.

 

[WilliamBos]

Well, I happen to look at the gallon jug I have of the 05W-40 and it says "recommended as replacement for 15w-40". So, Kubota allows 15w-40 according to my manual then I guess I can use it. Maybe the synthetics have a wider range or something. At least 60-75% of my tractor use is during the winter months (in Maine that's Sept thru June) so I am going to opt for the Mobil 1 as it would appear to have some good cold properties.

Is that on an M1 Jug?

 

[sandyc]

yup...it's on the 05W-40 jug. Amazon has a picture of it as well!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

For a working tractor it is not the 0, 5, 10 or 15W that is of consideration but the last number. For most diesel engines as long as it is 40 then what becomes before it is a non issue if is recommended for your temperature zone.

 

[kuboman]

Unless you spend a lot of time maxed out in hot climates a 30 weight oil is ample. Most of these machines spend their lives at not much more than idle. All a heavy oil does is cause internal engine drag and fuel efficiency.:2cents: