I’m looking for a quality oil for my Kioti CK 3520 tractor. This tractor is 35hp, so it has the emissions and regens are needed. The manual calls for 10-30, 10-40, or 15-40, API CJ grade above. I have no idea what “CJ grade above” means. I’m assuming that means CJ or newer/higher API. I’ll be using the tractor in 70-90 degrees 90% of the time. I might use the tractor to plow snow in my driveway once every year or two. I live near St. Louis, MO so we don’t get a ton of snow. I can readily get Delo xsp or xle, Delvac esp or extreme, rotella in both 5-40 or 15-40 weights. I’d like to get the best oil that I can out of these since I’ll only change it once every year or two bc it doesn’t get used much. I’ve tried to find research on these oils, but there isn’t info out there. Many people recommend rotella, but I did find one person that’s done uoa testing and found rotella to be inferior and noted that it foams/bubbles more. I have no way to prove/disprove this. Any suggestions? I’m assuming the full synthetics would be superior, but, most of the tractor manufacturers run semi synthetic. I’m not sure if there is a functional reason for this.
Delo XSP, Delvac ESP, or others?
- Thread starter cals400ex
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- Dec 13, 2024
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CJ-4 is the American Peteoleum Institute (API) license for heavy duty engine oil. It’s a generation older than what most heavy duty oils are now CK-4. These oils are fully backwards compatible so no need to worry there and every iteration is done to improve performance.
In January of 2027 lubricant manufacturers can get their HD oils approved to CL-4 oils which have been in development for 5+ years and are also fully backwards compatible.
For your application and infrequent use I’d pick your favorite flavor of 15W-40 and go from there. Whether it be from a major oil company, tractor store brand or your local favorite boutique blender as long as it’s API licensed (which you can google to find their license listing) you can be confident you’re using a product suitable for your application.
In January of 2027 lubricant manufacturers can get their HD oils approved to CL-4 oils which have been in development for 5+ years and are also fully backwards compatible.
For your application and infrequent use I’d pick your favorite flavor of 15W-40 and go from there. Whether it be from a major oil company, tractor store brand or your local favorite boutique blender as long as it’s API licensed (which you can google to find their license listing) you can be confident you’re using a product suitable for your application.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
my vote would be Delvac extreme 5w-40.
I'm a Delvac fan. Looking at the Mobil site shows that they changed up their Delvac lineup; no more 1300 or Extreme. Now their higher performance line is called Delvac Modern, with several options. I'd be inclined to try their Super Defense, if you can find it in your area.
Why Extreme over the esp 1?
I’m thinking that you’re in a different area. Im
In the US and I’m not seeing those options.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
i like full flavored oils. 100% personal preference.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Delo 600 ADF. CK-4 and almost no SAPS oil. It's semi-syn, but long OCI. It's fleet tested and developed specifically for prolonging time between DPF cleaning in fleet use.
The irony of calling an oil “modern” when it’s CI-4 rated.
Likely super defense is a rebranding of Delvac MX
Where is this info coming from? Never heard of Extreme 5w-40. The 1300 and Extreme are still on the US site.
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/about-us/mobil-delvac
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/about-us/mobil-delvac
What is that website?
Here is the Mobil HDEO web page:
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-businesses/heavy-duty-lubricants/engine-oils
I would probably use Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 5W-40.
I'm not sure if there is Delvac Extreme 5W-40. There is Delvac 1 ESP 5W-40 for sure.
Here are all Delvac Extreme oils:
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-businesses/heavy-duty-lubricants/engine-oils/mobil-delvac
Picture from today at Walmart.
Delvac 1 vs Delvac
Advanced Full Synthetic vs Synthetic
Advanced Performance vs Heavy Duty
Both with the same type of machinery.
The back of the jugs should list some of the specs / certs which might clear up the difference.
They cover the exact same specs just have different base oils and viscosity.
Pick your flavor of 5W-40 synthetics. I don't think you'll find a bad one with yearly OCI's and 100-150 hours/year changes. What I do suggest is use a 5w-40 or 0w-40 if you want easier winter starting. My Kubota would struggle with 15w-40 when it was really cold (single digits F). Cranks a lot easier with AMSOIL Signature Series MAX Duty 0w40. I use it year round with annual changes.
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