John Deere 3320 Compact Utility Oil Recommendation

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My father-in-law wanted me to post this to see what you guys recommend for his new tractor. It's mainly used for cutting wood, plowing snow, and work around the gardens they have. He would get enough hours to change the oil once a year. He would like to use a synthetic due to the winter use. Anyone have one of these and what brand/wt do you recommend?
 
I don't have a Deere but I do have a compact tractor. What are the recommendations in the owners manual? Some models (kubota) bar the use of CJ-4 oils in some models. My personal favorite would be Amsoil ACD 10w30, for higher film strength I would use Amsoil AME 15w40.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/acd.aspx

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ame.aspx

Not trying to strictly pimp amsoil. Rotella T syn is a very good 5w-40, delvac is a proven oil. If he plans to get all his oil at Walmart then Rotella or delvac is the way to go just check the back for certification. Most tractors are still requiring CI-4 oils.
 
From John Deere:
Quote:
Choose oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.

John Deere PLUS-50™ oil is recommended. John Deere TORQ-GARD SUPREME™ and oils meeting ACEA Specification E4/E5 may also be used.

Other oils may be used if they meet one or more of the following: API Service Classification CI-4, API Service Classification CH-4, or ACEA Specification E3.

Multi-viscosity diesel engine oils are preferred. Do not use break-in oils.


OMLVU17926_J778.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Most tractors are still requiring CI-4 oils.


Isn't the CJ-4 backwards compatible?
 
Yes and no. Some manufacturers are specificly stating in the owners manual CJ-4 is not allowed. More then likely its the lower phosphorous and zinc plus allowing oils that are globaly available that meet the spec. My Kioti specs an oil meeting a minimum requirement of CC or CD so if you own a Kioti in India you should still be able to find an oil meeting at least 1 of those specs or better.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/149027-api-engine-oil-ratings.html
 
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
John Deere PLUS-50™ oil is recommended. John Deere TORQ-GARD SUPREME™ and oils meeting ACEA Specification E4/E5 may also be used.


He said his JD dealer doesn't stock the JD oil. I want to say he told me the dealer sells Rotella but I'm not sure.
 
JD is good oil by all appearances but Rotella-T or Delo is more easily found, as good or better, and less expensive to boot. My recommendation would be either Rotella-T 10W30 or 5W40. I use the 10W30 in my utility tractor for year-around operation and find it a great, cost-effective oil for my small farming operation. It's not as easy to find as the 15W40 but can regularly be found on sale at several venues (Menards is where I get mine... they always have it in stock and it goes on sale at least once a year). I prefer the 10W30 for the "short-hop" type operation that my utility tractor often sees.
 
I concur with Jim on each of his points, including the fact that I, too, use Rotella 10w30 year round in my Kubota.

All the compact utility tractors from Deere use Yanmar engines, if I'm not mistaken. They have rightfully earned a solid reputation for reliability.

"Best" oil? That depends upon your point of view.

"Best Buy" oil? A common dino HDEO in either 10w30 or 15w40, used year round. Cannot beat the performance/dollar ratio. If your FIL is close in proximity (MN), I'd lean towards the 10w30. If he's towards the south, then the 15w40. Pick any decent brand name you like; it won't matter.

If people knew how equipment is treated (abused) in third world countries, they'd not worry about little things such as this. I understand everyone wants the "best" for their new little gem, but the reality is that the Yanmar could practically run on sewing machine oil and still labor on ... (I exaggerate, but not by much.)
 
What is the difference in operating characteristics between the conventional 10w30 and 5W40 synthetic at cold temperatures?

This isn't a case where the 10W actually works better than a 5W is it??
 
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
What is the difference in operating characteristics between the conventional 10w30 and 5W40 synthetic at cold temperatures?

This isn't a case where the 10W actually works better than a 5W is it??


Comparing conventional and synthetic is apples and oranges. But if you use Widman's viscosity graph comparing amsoil ACD 10w30 and DEO 5w40, ACD is thinner until -35C.
 
Originally Posted By: addyguy
Rotella T 5W-40 would cover you winter and summer, and is easy to get.


I agree.
 
I've used Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 (CI-4+ iteration) in the J-D/Yanmars in my 955 CUT and Gator for a few years - zero problems/excellent used oil analysis.

In the X595, also Yanmar diesel, J-D 0-40 does the deed. Also zero issues/excellent used oil analysis.

It's really strange that your dealer doesn't stock J-D lubes - they're usually a good seller and profit-maker.
 
I have a JD 3320. After doing lots of research I decided to give Amsoil a try. I am very pleased with the results. The seems much smoother and it eliminated the harsh knocking sound when starting it in cold weather.

I did not use the Amsoil hydraulic fluid as it cost about double what JD hydraulic fluid costs. I did not find compatible hydraulic filter on the Amsoil site for this tractor.

Your father in law can become a preferred customer for $10 for 6 months and save money versus buying from a reseller. In that time he can try out some of their other offerings.

I tried their waterless car was called Miracle Brite and love it for removing the diesel soot above the exhaust. It's the only thing I've found that really takes it off with minimal effort. Works great on glass, paint, black trim & chrome. Absolutely one of my favorite products!
 
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