Deere S140 Oil

[picklyrickly1073]

Just got this new S140 with a Briggs and Stratton 44 engine. I have a lot of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w-30, would this be a good oil to use? I plan to change at 8 hours and then probably just do it every year, assuming 20-30 hours annually. I’ve never had a riding mower so appreciate any insight on maintenance and oil recommendations. 5w-30 is on the “low” end of what the manual says which is why I asked.

 

[TnT_M]

FWIW I run 10w30 HDEO in my JD LT150 with a Kohler. I'm out of 10w30 so the next fill will probably be 15w40 HDEO. I would run 10w30 in your new mower if it were me. Understand, 10 people 12+ opinions...

 

[martinq]

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is a fantastic oil but the viscosity depends on your ambient conditions (which should be referenced in the manual).

Normally I would recommend a 10w30 or a 40 but it really depends on the operating conditions.

 

[Tdbo]

You probably will want to use the tractor in conditions that fit in the 10w30 and 10w40 range.
Oil is cheap, Deere's are expensive.
Use the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum in other applications, and use the 10W in the tractor.

 

[hemitom]

We used to run straight hd 30 weight in our old 10 h.p Tecumseh powered tractor draining the oil out after an hour or more of running it was like water .
It seemed to perform better when we switched it to 15w40

 

[lilspenny]

I suggest you play it safe and run a 15w40 in hot weather... If you are really doggin' it out by bagging heavy grass or mulching high grass 15w50. I would not run a 5w30 unless temp was below 40°. Damage cannot be undone, and engines aren't cheap. From my experience as an 18 yr professional landscape business owner better to go a little thick than a little thin.

 

[Creekside]

I have two recommendations:

1. Whatever is allowed for your ambient temperature in the owners manual

2. 15w40 HDEO.

2 is what I would do personally

 

[DCDG]

i would use a full synthetic 10W30 or a HD30 depending on temps

 

[CleanSump]

Euro oil. Get that HTHS up there for reserve.

 

[Lawnman23]

I have been running 15W-40 Rotella T5 in all my summer outdoor power equipment for the last few years. Just this season I switched to Valvoline VR1 20W-50 at the recommendation of member @Hohn

A 5W-30 is “fine” for light duty but not recommended for much more.

 

[Hohn]

I have been running 15W-40 Rotella T5 in all my summer outdoor power equipment for the last few years. Just this season I switched to Valvoline VR1 20W-50 at the recommendation of member @Hohn

A 5W-30 is “fine” for light duty but not recommended for much more.

I recommend the black bottle synthetic in particular, not just any VR1.

But I’m hoping you can report back soon with your experience.

 

[Lawnman23]

I recommend the black bottle synthetic in particular, not just any VR1.

But I’m hoping you can report back soon with your experience.

Sorry, yes you specifically used the Full Synthetic black bottle VR1.

I went economical for my trial with just the standard gray bottle conventional VR1.

I’ve mowed a few times with my push mower that now has it in it and it has performed without issue. Engine runs smooth and strong and just goes. I will be switching out my power washer later this season with it as well.

 

[Astro_Guy]

I am now in my twelfth season with a D140 which is the same machine but an earlier model designation. It presently has 343 hours of run time. Oil has been either Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w30 or 15w-40 Rotella T6 changed annually. Oil filters have been Fram TG3614 or Wix 51348. These are larger filters at about half the cost of the stubby little Briggs filter.

 

[UNC031]

Use a Euro 5W-40 year round. Do a 5, 10, and 15 hour initial change and than once a year if you are only putting 20 - 30 hours per year on it. You'll be amazed at the amount of metal sparkles in those initial oil changes.

 

[The_Eric]

Use a Euro 5W-40 year round. Do a 5, 10, and 15 hour initial change and than once a year if you are only putting 20 - 30 hours per year on it. You'll be amazed at the amount of metal sparkles in those initial oil changes.

I have a similar engine and changed mine out at 1 or 2, then 5, 10 and was amazed at the metal!

I would honestly recommend changing after an hour, then 2 and 5 as well as running a 40 or 50 grade of your choosing.

 

[picklyrickly1073]

I’ll grab some Rotella T6 15w-40 at Walmart, and will look at their filters too. I do seem to have room for a longer filter there for sure.

 

[wavinwayne]

I may be in the minority here, but I believe Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w-30, changed annually, will work just fine and the rest of that mower will wear out long before the engine gets tired.

 

[martinq]

I may be in the minority here, but I believe Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w-30, changed annually, will work just fine and the rest of that mower will wear out long before the engine gets tired.

I agree but I think the cost of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is wasted on a mower but go ahead and run it if you got it.
OPE engines don't require most of the tech that's in a modern API / ILSAC engine oil, especially if it's only used half the year. A diesel rated 30 to 15w40 engine oil is probably more economical but I can understand wanting to keep one oil for everything.

 

[Astro_Guy]

I’ll grab some Rotella T6 15w-40 at Walmart, and will look at their filters too. I do seem to have room for a longer filter there for sure.

@picklyrickly1073 You are unlikely to find a filter at Walmart due to the Fram bankruptcy and the fact that the 3614 is a popular size. You might find the M1-102A on the top shelf. If not the Carquest Premium at Advanced Auto is 85348.

 

[kschachn]

A Euro 0W-40 is available at Walmart for a very good price. Demonstrated oxidation resistance and sufficient HT/HS for most climates. It seems like a no brainer to me.