Oil & Fuel SAE or Synthetic
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Based on the theoretical claim that synthetic lasts longer, synthetic oil makes practical sense in applications where you are using the machinery for hours and days and weeks of continuous operation. If you use it like most people and have to change the oil because of changes in season, it's just not economically practical. I say save your money and use the dino oil, diesels have been running on it for more then a century.
Diesels get the oil dirty, no getting around it. If you run your machine lots for hours on end then syn. is the way to go. If you use it sometimes then sae if fine. The best thing to remember is filter! Always use good quality filter and change it every time.
Rob
Rob
davesl708
Elite Member
I use syn. in my BX for both engine and hyd/trans fluid. Much smoother operations. Works much better in cold weather. Runs quieter.
I use small quantities so cost difference is minimal.
As Rob111 said, Filter, Filter, Filter.
Filters are cheap and the cost difference between the cheap filters and the best is also minimal when you are protecting an expensive machine.
I use small quantities so cost difference is minimal.
As Rob111 said, Filter, Filter, Filter.
Filters are cheap and the cost difference between the cheap filters and the best is also minimal when you are protecting an expensive machine.
Looking4new
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My theory is that synthetic oil flows better at lower temps and I use it in my Kioti, Jeep and generator. The Kioti gets 0W40 Rotella T 6, the Jeep Castrol 5W30 and the generator as well.
I use 0w40 Rotella T6 in about everything now. Engines start easier in the winter, and I make up some of the extra money I spend on Synthetic by having only one oil type on the shelf (no wasted partial jugs). I use the T6 in my two Grasshopper mowers that have Kubota diesels too, and they run all summer, full throttle.
moship
Veteran Member
+1 for Rotella T6 full synthetic 0W-40 in all my diesels (truck, tractor, gator, etc...). During start-up it is desirable to have oil flow as quickly as possible and this becomes worse at low temperatures. The price is fairly reasonable compared to conventional oil and discount places like Walmart.
BTDT2
Silver Member
I use nothing but synthetics in systems that have high change intervals like transmissions, differentials, etc but use good quality 'dino' oils in my engines because of the frequent change interval requirements.
SLIMSHADIE
Silver Member
I was using reg Rotella and switched last fall to syn Rotella 5w40. I can tell a difference, easier start up. Cost is minimal.
Paystar
Elite Member
I ran the Kubota 10W30 in it for the first two oil changes. Now I run Rotella T6 synthetic in it, same as all my other stuff. I don't extend my drain intervals, I just like that it is way easier to start and smoother running in the cold climate I get here.
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
+1 to all those recommending synth, especially Rotella T6. I put it in my tractor at 100 hours and it runs much better in cold. Specs say it will run better in hot too. I put in in my Cub lawn tractor and generator as well.
Toyota wants synth in my truck and car, why is it not good for my other machines?
It's the way to go.
Toyota wants synth in my truck and car, why is it not good for my other machines?
It's the way to go.
sandyc
Veteran Member
I use synthetic in both of my kubota tractors as well as my genny and my Ford Escape . Better cold weather starts imho
davesl708
Elite Member
I was going to ask Kubota Corp the question why they do not recommend syn for the engines. In order to ask a simple question you have to give them name, address, phone number and email. Email should be enough.
Not worth asking just to get a bunch of junk mail, emails and phone calls/text.
I found this on Kubota Engines website.
Can I use synthetic oil in my Kubota engine?
A: Kubota recommends oil with an API rating of CF or higher. If the synthetic oil meets those standards, it can be used in Kubota engines.
TMR
Gold Member
Correct me if I am incorrect...isn't synthetic ALSO "SAE"? I am not sure Kubota was recommending dino oil to the exclusion of synthetic oil...just need to be sure whichever you use dino/synthetic meets the oil classification and weight suggestions. TMR
MonRiver
New member
Yup.
SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers. They give specific requirements that oil needs to meet to get their SAE stamp. Synthetic and Dino oil both get SAE approvals.
Looking4new
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In the spring I will be changing the Jeep over to synthetic oils for the rear ends, transfer case and transmission.
varmint
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I also use Rotella T-6 syn. diesel oil. Wally world has it at a great price, so why think about using anything else? Just be sure the weight is as required. Helps in cold starting, etc.
Kubota recommends their syn. hydraulic oil for their tractors, and everyone seems to love that, too. Like someone already said, use good filters, and change 'em.
Kubota recommends their syn. hydraulic oil for their tractors, and everyone seems to love that, too. Like someone already said, use good filters, and change 'em.
Copperhead
Veteran Member
I have grown a fondness for the synthetic blends. Best of both worlds. Actually, each base oil group has certain characteristics that are a positive. Be that as it may, the additive package of an oil makes up 20-25% of any oil you buy. The add pack is as critical, if not more so, than the base oil itself. Since base oils have come a long ways since the turn of the century and the gaps between them are shrinking considerably. I only concern myself with the additive package makeup of oils I use now.
And of course, some synthetics are more synthetic than others. Enter the Group III, Group IV (PAO), Group V discussion. If you want the best of all three, Royal Purple uses a blend of all three Groups. Castrol uses Group III, which many claim is just uber-good dino oil with a false "synthetic" label. There was a big court case on it with Catrol vs Mobil; see articles, below. Red Line Oils are all from ester, which is in Group V.
One thing that seems to be agreed upon is the additive packages (which is what sets oils apart) are usually the better quality and in better quantities, in the higher end (more expensive, ie. synthetics) products.
Here's some reading:
Understanding Differences in Synthetics
Understanding the Differences in Base Oil Groups
Automotive Perspectives: There are only two Real Synthetic Oils in America
One thing that seems to be agreed upon is the additive packages (which is what sets oils apart) are usually the better quality and in better quantities, in the higher end (more expensive, ie. synthetics) products.
Here's some reading:
Understanding Differences in Synthetics
Understanding the Differences in Base Oil Groups
Automotive Perspectives: There are only two Real Synthetic Oils in America
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