I have a relative that spent some time in third-world countries after college. I was told some seemingly shocking stories about the "lubes" (and I'm using that term loosely) used in vehicles in those forsaken places. And yet those tractors and trucks still run. Certianly they degrade a bit quicker and probably wear more and don't last as long. But if they had any sensible serivce, they'd last forever. They are abused by neglect and wrong lubes, etc. And yet they continue to run.
By contrast, any lube here in NA that meets current API specs, given any specific application, is nothing to worry about at all. BITOGers spend way too much time fussing of the silliest of things. Generally, we over-maintain our equipment, and fuss over nothing. This thread, about what oil to use in a Kubota (one of the more robust small tractor brands out there), is essentially meaningless in the overall lifecycle of the tractor. I recall a similar debate about a year ago; where a guy was trying to decide if he "needed" synthetic in his Kubota in NJ, IIRC. Really? As if the lifecycle of that tractor (used only to mow a field) was going to be irrevocably harmed by the use of "normal" oil?
For this thread, and this tractor, is there any REAL expectation that either a CJ-4 or CI-4 lube will result in any tangible shift in lifespan of the equipment? NO!!!!!! It will be pampered; it will probably be used for far fewer hours than it's design life will attest to.
I cannot see his owner's manual, so I cannot comment about his claim of:
Quote:
It says CJ-4 oils are not to be used ...
Does it specifically rule out CJ-4 lubes, or does it just not list them as acceptable? Two entirely differnt issues there. To rule out CJ-4 as "not to be used" would infer that CJ-4 was tested and found unacceptable; I find that hard to believe. What is more likely is that CJ-4 was not tested, and therefore is not recommended. And because he does not see it on the "approved" list, he presumes it to be "not used" as if something evil would happen if CJ-4 were used. I believe Kubota simply doesn't care, and doesn't spend time worrying about this silliness.
I run multi-year OCI cycles in my Kubota and my Dmax and Scag. No harm done. I run my Kubota on CJ-4 and have had no ill effects, and fine used oil analysis.
Allow me to quote myself from some time ago ....
Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Two BITOGers could argue the merits of differences in Skim and 2% milk, relative to the viscosity of fat content, relating to the ability to swallow one's breakfast cereal ...
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