15w-40 or 5w-30 ?

jhortonvt · Jul 19, 2005

I am doing the 50 hr service on my JD 4310, and the manual says I can use 15w-40 or 5w-30 for the engine oil. I plan on buying Amsoil synthetic (I'm also getting the synthetic Hydro transmission oil).

So which should I get?

If season makes a difference, I live in northern VT and this oil will probably be in for a few seasons as I don't put a ton of hrs on. So I'd like the best year 'round oil-one more reason I plan on using synthetic.

Gatorboy · Jul 19, 2005

You being in the north, I would probably go with the 5w-30.

gsxr1100 · Jul 19, 2005

Either oil is fine if you use a synthetic. Most group 3 are like -27 below and the group 4 and 5 are -45 to -60 (for both).

I used Amsoil 15w-40 for years up in MA without a problem. Trying Series 3000 for 1-year then testing. See if it is worth it.

Both there 15w-40 and their 5w-30 are within 9 degrees to on eachother. Either one is fine. Even there Kinematic Viscosity is within reach...

SeymourBota · Jul 19, 2005

I'm 50 miles to the east and 10 miles south of the Canadian border. Running the Series 3000 5W-30 in my B2410- perfect year-round!!!

GerardC · Jul 19, 2005

I use Rotella 15w-40 and have never had a problem starting my Kioti. As you know, this past winter was well below zero (w/wind chill) in our parts and it still started right up and ran like a champ.

jhortonvt · Jul 19, 2005

Thanks guys,

I'll be ordering the 5w-30 (sounds like either would be fine though) for the engine and 7 gals of the hydro tranny oil. Then it's off to the garage for a couple hrs of tuning up.

arthr31 · Aug 23, 2005

hi there,
ive done a bunch of searching and reading, but still have a similar question... I'm getting ready to do some maintenance on my tractors- of course i'll be changing the oil. i have a stock of two oils that i could use, rotella 15w-40 or kubota 10w-30. Which should be best for me (my tractors). Or, should I be purchasing something else altogehter?

Oh yea, the tractors are both yanmars, 3cyl, lots of hours on 'em. Also, one thing that has perplexed me for awhile is which would be better in the cold? Where I am in MA it'll get into the single digits pretty often come dec-feb...

ok, one last one... if i change oil on one of the tractors, and then put it into storage, do i need to change again after sitting for a few to 6 months? Thanks! -art

cowboydoc · Aug 23, 2005

Either oil you are using would be just fine. Just follow mfg. recommendations. Yes you do need to change the oil, especially after storage for six months if the engine hasn't been ran much. It's actually harder on equipment not using it. The main reason you need to change the oil is because of condensation.

gsxr1100 · Aug 23, 2005

Well I much disagree here (gee, go figure) since my bike and tractor sit for a long time throughout the year. Bike sits from Oct to end of April (same summer oil) and no issues with water in oil ever. And that is with 1-year drains for the last 12 years. Want the oils tests?

My tractors only gets used about 35 hours last year (1-year) and again no water via oil test. Only gets used very little since I have more imporatnat things to do in my life then use my tractor; like my kids and my “fun time”. Come to speak of it, since testing my oils I have never had a water/condensation issue. Always below <0.5 (lowest the machines go). It is a problem in today’s market, sure but that is about #8 on a list of 10 things.

gsxr1100 · Aug 23, 2005

Art,
Both oils you selected are a dino oil. For the small increase step up to a synthetic here. The pour point for Rotella is –33 F. So the real pumping temp (which you engine really sees) would be like –13 F. Again up in Mass (where you and I live) that is pushing it here; I would not use it here but that is me. That is almost boarderline and in some hill towns, this oil will not work.

I have not preferance but either use a thinner oil, or step-up to a synthetic.