Oil & Fuel 2210 oil consumption vs oil quality

[megotatractor]

Hi, my question is basically how much difference can there be in different brands of oil with the same API rating? Deere recommends API at least SG for this machine. I am using 15w40 with API of; CI-4,CH-4,CG-4,CF-4,CF/SL,SJ. wtf does all that gobbledegook mean? A couple years back I noticed an alarming increase in oil consumption. Found broken dipstick tube bracket and replaced, oil consumption back to nearly zero. This summer oil consumption is back up. I am wondering if this is because of the oil I'm using or is it simply the machine working harder than ever due to excessive rain and subsequent rapid grass growth? I am mowing three times a week just to keep the darn mosquitoes unhappy and harrassed! Air filters are good, though I wonder if JD's replacement schedule is realistic, I've blown them out and they still show light through them. I wouldn't call the current oil consumption "alarming", just cause for watching it more closely. Just down about 1/3 of the way from the top of the xxxx "safe" area after a month of heavy use.
thanx

 

[VABlue]

Do you park it where you can see an oil stain if it's dripping any? Do you see excessive smoke (or any smoke after startup)? If not, it seems like normal oil usage. Although I'm no mechanic - so don't take this as gospel!

Did you try posting this question in the 'lubricants' thread? You're likely to get hundreds of replies there!!