Would you spend the money to run synthetic oil in equipment that rarely sees winter u

[4570Man]

I’ve got T6 oil in my truck which really didn’t make the improvement I was hoping for on cold starts. I’ve got T6 in my lawnmower ( diesel) which was probably a waste considering it’ll never be ran in the cold. Next up my backhoe is due a change and if it’s cold there’s a very slim chance I’ll be using it. Use T4 or T6?

 

[def38]

I’ve got T6 oil in my truck which really didn’t make the improvement I was hoping for on cold starts. I’ve got T6 in my lawnmower ( diesel) which was probably a waste considering it’ll never be ran in the cold. Next up my backhoe is due a change and if it’s cold there’s a very slim chance I’ll be using it. Use T4 or T6?

The use of synthetic should IMO be predicated on your OCI habits. I change my M-F engine oil pretty regularly and so, I don't use synthetics. Also, the Delvac 15w-40 I use is an excellent HDEO in its non-synthetic grade. If you extend your OCIs, then you are exposing your engine oil to more shear, more heat and more opportunity for oxidation and viscosity change. In this case, synthetics have the advantage. As for ambient temperatures and cold starting, I would follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding viscosity.

 

[oosik]

I bought my M6040 new in 2009. The service manager recommended that I use EXACTLY what the manufacturer recommended - 15W40 non- synthetic. I change oil/filter every year. I've gone over to Rotella 15W40 non-synthetic. It's available here at the auto parts store - don't have to go into Spokane to get something else.

 

[4570Man]

It doesn't get cold in Tennessee. Go above the 45th parallel, and you might change your mind. :thumbsup:
I changed to synthetics long ago, mainly because I could stock one oil for everything I own.
I find that the cost really isn't that much more.

It gets to 0 sometimes. If water is frozen it’s pretty cold by my standards.

 

[RjCorazza]

Since the question is "would you spend the money to run synthetic oil in equipment that rarely sees winter use...", then I will answer yes. I use full synthetic in all of my equipment, including 2 diesel zero turns that sit through the winter.

That's just my preference. Opinions vary.

 

[Rustyiron]

I may be an "old fart" in my thinking, but I put little stock in brand names & synthetics as long as the oil meets the specs., I'm dumping it in and getting it out at or under the recommended mile/hour intervals. The exception is factory specifications, my little Tacoma specs synthetic and that's what it gets.

 

[LouNY]

I am a firm believer in synthetics that work better, protect better and can last longer.
Started using them in the mid 70"s and about 10 or so years ago started using them in most engines and gear boxes.

 

[radios1]

the only time you don't want to use synthetics are during the engine break-in period. synthetics reduce wear so much that it would take a lot longer to break-in the engine.

 

[genusCastor]

Not intending to whiz in anyone's Wheaties, but this subject has interested me since "synthetic" oils started to become popular.

Years ago I did some research and learned manufacturers could throw the term "synthetic" around in advertising, it didn't mean their oil was 100% synthetic. It meant their oil could be a blend that had some synthetic oil in it, how much was not required to report.

Recently I went shopping for hydro/transmission fluid. At the Kubota dealer I saw their Super UDT2 hydraulic oil with "Superior Synthetic Performance" emboldened on the front label. It doesn't say "synthetic oil" anywhere on the jug like I used to see on oil that was not 100% synthetic. I'd guess this has no synthetic at all in it. I couldn't find a spec sheet, and the Kubota website doesn't explicitly state it is synthetic. Lots of marketing jargon but nowhere does it state this product is 100% synthetic. Just that it has "Superior Synthetic Performance," whatever that means.

For these (and other) reasons, I've never bought into the synthetic hype, so it doesn't bother me that the Kubota UDT2 is not synthetic, but the advertising is still designed to deceive.

FWIW, I started using Rislone additive back in the late 80s. Through the years my oil change schedule has been every 10,000 mi, using standard oil and a quart of Rislone. I keep vehicles a long time, I've had several with over 250,000 miles. Currently my 2003 Trailblazer has 315,000 mi. It just started using a little (less than half a qt) oil between changes.

Works for me.
YMMV

- djb

 

[MoMower]

Meh, run what you want. I run Amsoil in everything I own. As a PC, it’s not more costly enough to matter. I use it because I believe it is a quality, well/extensively tested product.