Oil Changes

[PSU4ME]

Just wondering what kind of oil you guys use? I've always used Mobil 1 10w30 but John Deere calls for their "turf guard" stuff. Anyone think it's wrong to switch out from the tractor brand?

[ericgautier]

I just changed my oil today on the eXmark. Used Rotella 20w50.

[ericgautier]

Hmm, for some reason I can't edit my post. I meant to say... Rotella 15w40.

[tlinden]

I get the Honda kit at home depot when it goes on clearance in the fall. Includes the spark/air filter/oil.

[Riverpilot]

Home Depot, at least in my area, sells John Deere oil. Of course world HQ is right across the river from me, so... lol

I'd do one of 3 things. Call the place you bought the Deere from and ask them. They, hopefully, are going to know what works and what doesn't from their experiences. 2) Go to a forum that commercial guys frequent and see what they're using. Or, 3) Use the JD oil for the first few changes, if you can find easily.

I know... lot of help. lol

[PSU4ME]

Hmm, for some reason I can't edit my post. I meant to say... Rotella 15w40.

That's the heavy duty stuff.....Diesel engine area!

Seems like you guys stick close to the MF oil and for how often I'm changing it, it's probably not a big deal to stick with it as long as it's quality. I love Mobil 1 and change it out in my truck every 3k because Wally World has it so cheap!

I found a place online where I can get a case (12) for $4.75 a quart which is a little better than M1 at WW so I guess I'll stick with the turf gard.

Thanks and happy mowing!

[Swamp_Fox]

I've run Amsoil in everything I own and it's never let me down.

[PSU4ME]

I've run Amsoil in everything I own and it's never let me down.

Yeah we run amsoil in our 97 powerstroke but I don't use my tractor heavy enough to warrant a superior oil like that. Odds are I'm changing it out each your due to the "annually" recommendation vs the hours.

[ericgautier]

That's the heavy duty stuff.....Diesel engine area!

Read it a long time ago on lawnsite and a lot of the pros who uses that oil on their eXmark mowers have good things to say about it so it stuck on me. They put 500+ hrs in a season with no issues. I get the 5 gallon jug and do oil changes as I please throughout the season.

[Swamp_Fox]

Yeah we run amsoil in our 97 powerstroke but I don't use my tractor heavy enough to warrant a superior oil like that. Odds are I'm changing it out each your due to the "annually" recommendation vs the hours.

I always seem to have a half quart or so leftover from changing my trucks oils, which I save up over the winter, usually by spring I have enough for the little tractor. I also add Archoil friction modifier to the oil as well, so I use a bit less oil on account of that. I'd highly recommend the Archoil to those wanting max life out of their engines, be it automotive or otherwise. The oil pan had to come off of my last Duramax and the tech said all of my bearings and cylinders were representative of an engine with a quarter of the miles on it.

[PSU4ME]

I put the friction modifier in the rear but not the engine. Do you use your tractor heavy?

The dealer wrote me back and said "you won't have any issues using Mobil 1 over the turf gard". Honestly all oil these days are great and it's more about being consistent with what you use, change it appropriately and check the levels often.