No Rotella T6

[MossRoad]

How about a one-sentence summary?

Long sentence... Sorry in advance.

World-wide, lubricants come from refineries that primarily make fuel, only 6 refineries in the world make just lubricants and no fuels, so when COVID hit, manufacturing declined world-wide, which caused a decline in the need for fuels world-wide, and the fuel refineries which predicted a several year decline in the demand for fuels due to the pandemic did not foresee the rapid development of vaccines (which usually take 5 years) nor the quick rebound in manufacturing and demand nor the rebound in auto and air travel, so they screwed the pooch by making that call and shutting down fuel refinery production and putting the refineries into maintenance mode, which also killed lubricant production (remember only 6 refineries in the world make lubricants only), and now they're playing catch-up that will most likely last well into 2022, and it's a world-wide issue, so can't be blamed on current administrations in any country anywhere in the world, blame the rapid development of vaccines and a bad call by the energy industry, and that's about it.

 

[sea2summit]

Why are posts getting deleted?

 

[North to Alaska]

No 0w40 T6 available.
I went with John Deere plus-50 0w40.
Expensive at $45 a gallon but a lot cheaper than my alternatives here in Alaska.

 

[California]

What is it with these ultra-expensive motor oils for a diesel tractor?

Shouldn't a utility machine like a farm tractor sold in every corner of the world be spec'd to run on at least mid-tier fuel and motor oil?

I can see close specs for the fluid in a hydrostatic or even wet-brakes application. But the motor oil?

 

[stevewarner1957]

Well as expensive as tractors and diesel powered equipment is, I prefer to maintain it as best I can. The few extra dollars spent on oils and lubricants in my experience is money that is returned if/when you sell or trade it off. Full documentation is also necessary to maximize this return. At least this has been my experience. But you feel free to do whatever works for you

 

[number two]

For everyone using the very best oils available,is it time to pull an oil analysis sample and see if you can stretch your change interval?
Would it help to stop the run on the premium products?
Seasons Greetings!

 

[stevewarner1957]

For everyone using the very best oils available,is it time to pull an oil analysis sample and see if you can stretch your change interval?
Would it help to stop the run on the premium products?
Seasons Greetings!

I totally agree. That is common practice on large equipment and stationary engines. It’s best practice to monitor the status of the engine’s internal component wear with the analysis as well as proper oil change timing. I admit that I change oil to frequently in my Kubota equipment but the relative cost is low, at least it has been, to the cost of analysis.

 

[3Ts]

I totally agree. That is common practice on large equipment and stationary engines. It’s best practice to monitor the status of the engine’s internal component wear with the analysis as well as proper oil change timing. I admit that I change oil to frequently in my Kubota equipment but the relative cost is low, at least it has been, to the cost of analysis.

This seems to be the key. When you're only talking a couple gallons, it's cheaper and easier to just change the oil. When you're talking multiple 10's of gallons, then oil analysis is the cheaper and easier way to go.

 

[dennyd]

Do you have a Fleet Farm in yer area? They always have oil in my area anyway.

 

[5030]

Was at TSC yesterday. No oil except their traveller brand.

 

[California]

Was at TSC yesterday. No oil except their traveller brand.

It's not like the Before Times any more.

Looks like it will be a while, before things go back to what we remember. If ever!

 

[Hay Dude]

Some say its the “new norm”.
I say ”what’s old is new again” (late 70’s)

 

[5030]

Like I said in another thread, it's a non issue here because I have around half of a 55 gallon drum of 5-40 T6 in the corner of the shop but I will still use it all at some point and would be nice if I could find some more, just in case. My jobber don't have any either and hasn't had any. I've checked a couple times mow.

Might have to change to something else like Delo or Amsoil instead. I like the T6 but in reality, so long as it meets the engine spec, I guess any brand will do, other than TSC Traveller. I'm leery of that stuff.. Too cheap to be any good.

 

[California]

I like the T6 but in reality, so long as it meets the engine spec, I guess any brand will do, other than TSC Traveller. I'm leery of that stuff.. Too cheap to be any good.

That's all I've used since 2003 and 2009 in my elderly (early '80's) small Yanmars. TSC Traveller seems to at least meet spec from 40 years ago. Dunno if I would chance it in anything modern and expensive.

 

[Cycledude]

Was at TSC yesterday. No oil except their traveller brand.

My local TSC has several different brands of oil on the shelves but no Rotella T6, I’m sure in a month or two they will have T6 back in stock.

 

[Diggin It]

I also have been having a hard time getting T6. Yesterday Walmart had 6 gallons sitting on the shelf. Needless to say I bought all of them. I now have enough on hand to change the oil in my truck 1 time and the tractor twice.

Needless to say, THAT is why shortages happen. Horders.

 

[5030]

Needless to say, THAT is why shortages happen. Horders.

Don't consider that hoarding at all. I consider that as necessary to change your oil.

Now a couple cases of TP to wipe with is hoarding.

 

[MickeyDBC]

Don't consider that hoarding at all. I consider that as necessary to change your oil.

Now a couple cases of TP to wipe with is hoarding.

You obviously don't have a house full of teenage girls. Two Costco bundles is what I consider the minimum because they never tell you it is running low.

 

[Diggin It]

Don't consider that hoarding at all. I consider that as necessary to change your oil.

Buying for your next change due soon is one thing. Buying for two or three some time down the road is hoarding.

 

[Hay Dude]

Like I said in another thread, it's a non issue here because I have around half of a 55 gallon drum of 5-40 T6 in the corner of the shop but I will still use it all at some point and would be nice if I could find some more, just in case. My jobber don't have any either and hasn't had any. I've checked a couple times mow.

Might have to change to something else like Delo or Amsoil instead. I like the T6 but in reality, so long as it meets the engine spec, I guess any brand will do, other than TSC Traveller. I'm leery of that stuff.. Too cheap to be any good.

Even dealers are starting to run dry.
When I rolled into my local dealers, oil in convenient size containers (1’s and 2.5’s) are out of or low in stock.