A quick bit of history regarding a typical part of my "rolling test bed" for oils;
A truck or tractor that isn't around for more than a few short years doesn't really tell the story in my eyes. Long term results do. Here's 3 examples of what I believe to be sufficient "testing" on my part.
1. 1971 MF150 that's been here since new. Oils used range from original oem spec sae 30 of various brands, mostly "generic" (UNICO brand) from our local Co-op, to Pennzoil 15-40 in recent years, hydraulic oils ranging from original left in tractor for more than 10 years, to NAPA brand hy-tran, and now Pennzoil hy-tran. Filters changed at regular intervals (100hrs on engine/400 to 500 on tranny/hydraulics)
2. 1979 Deere 2440. Bought new also. I used "generic" (UNICO) sae 30 motor oil for the first 1500 hrs. Then switched to NAPA or Pennzoil, sae 30 for balance of first 16 years, then switched to 15/40 Pennzoil. Deere Hy-tran (original) for roughly 15 years, then switched to NAPA Hy-Tran since. (Hydraulic system completely purged and filters changed when wet brakes were changed 4 years ago)
3. Deere 265, 17 hp Kawasaki, hydrostatic tranny. Motor oil has been mostly Pennzoil 10/30 or 10/40, tranny oil is still ORIGINAL from 1991, with a pint added at each filter change. Engine oil and filter changed 2 times per season. Tranny filter changed every other season. This one HAS been abused by my standards.
NEVER have bought any synthetic oils, NEVER felt the urge to buy the most expensive oils. Changes are done, with the exception of the lawn mower tranny, at recommended intervals. I DO use a good quality filter, take all neccisary precautions to keep dirt and water out of hydraulic systems/trannies, and don't unneccisarily over-load engines.
With 36 years and 29 years of farming on 2 of those, and 16 years of mowing grass (with the hammer down!) there is no signs of excessive wear, premature failure, or even a significant amount of "normal wear" on any of these examples.
My point?
I use a "good grade" of oil, but an affordable oil, and keep the filters changed. Always have. No need for high tech super oils. Keep system clean, and filters changed. No extraordinary "loading" of engines or trannies. (no abuse) and KEEP THE FILTERS CHANGED!
Oils made to required oem spec by a company that has a good solid reputation and a rigid maintenence program..... Anything beyond that is an investment with diminishing return if any return at all IMHO.
