Kohler Command Pro Oil Choices

Jordan_FX4

Jordan_FX4

$50 Site Donor 2022
Joined
Jul 5, 2011
Messages
218
Location
Central Illinois
Hi all, I purchased a new Cub Cadet XT3 this year with a 22.5hp Kohler Command Pro and was curious what everyone’s thoughts are on what I should run for my next oil change? The dealer gave me 2 quarts of Kohler syn blend 10W-40 and a filter when I purchased it, which I used at 25 hrs. I currently have some Rotella T6 5W-40 and a stash of older Royal Purple 10W-40 Synerlec (SL). Which of the two would be best, or neither? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Here’s the mower in question
348480E7-3A2D-453D-8161-1505F79B144E.jpeg
 
I would use either one with full confidence. I used RP 5W30 in Mom's JD 17.5 engine with oil filter mainly because the motor ran wide open all the time. I changed it every fall before I put it away for the winter. Overkill for sure, but what's 2qts??? I used a NAPA Gold 1348 oil filter.
 
I've been using 10w30 Havoline and 10w30 Amoco conventional that's probably 20+ years old in my mom's Husqvarna 155 Rider with a 15.5 HP Kohler and do an oil/filter change every 100 hrs. as recommended by the service schedule. I'm not sure what year model her Husqvarna is since it was bought used but, she's had it about 5 or 6 years. I think it probably dates back to the early 2000's. I may add as much as 4-6 oz. during that interval. I use various brands of 30w in my Cub Cadet with a 19 HP Kohler and used 30w in my previous 20+ year old 20 HP Kohler both on a 50 hour OCI. When the rest of the mower wore out I think the engine had about 800 hours and I was probably adding about 4-6 oz. between 50 hour OCI's. Most filters I use are made by Champion since it's some I bought at a store that was closing out filters years ago and I was able to buy them for about $ .25-$ .75 each. Personally I don't pay much attention to oil brands, I just make sure it's changed regularly. I've found in most cases something else on a car or mower is going to wear out making it not worth repairing before the engine does if it gets regular servicing. I retired an '88 Ford Escort back about 2011 or 2012 that had 518K miles. I didn't retire it because the engine wouldn't run but, because it needed other work I didn't feel doing and wasn't paying someone else to do.
 
Last edited:
While I'm not sure the spec your Kohler takes, the 22HP Kohler on my XT1 specifies 10w30 and I used Rotella T5 10w30 on the first oil change. I'm sure the T6 or RP will do just fine; sounds like this is more of a commercial engine that needs the bump in viscosity.
 
Shell Rotella T6 will work just fine...

You can use Wix 33031 for the fuel filter, metal verses plastic OEM...
You can use Wix 51348 or 51516 if there is room, oil filter...
 
Nice ride.
Any 10w30 will be more than ample
The big engine ZT's like Spartan spec T6 as well
For yours I like 10w30 and even ST in any form will give you all the protection you need
I like 10w30 Magnatec if you get it under $18
 
I would recommend using the T6 5w40. Or really any 5w40 HDEO.

I have a 27 hp Command Pro in my Gravely 260Z. I personally experienced some very poor quality Kohler oil filters. Talked to some commercial guys who recommended trying a Wix 51348. Its quality has surpassed the Kohler unit (it didn't take much), and its about half the cost. I don't know if the 27 hp is the same block as your 22.5, but it might be worth looking into. Just food for thought.
 
MacManus99 said:
I would recommend using the T6 5w40. Or really any 5w40 HDEO.

I have a 27 hp Command Pro in my Gravely 260Z. I personally experienced some very poor quality Kohler oil filters. Talked to some commercial guys who recommended trying a Wix 51348. Its quality has surpassed the Kohler unit (it didn't take much), and its about half the cost. I don't know if the 27 hp is the same block as your 22.5, but it might be worth looking into. Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

+1 on using the Wix 51348/Napa 1348. That is all I use on Kohlers now. The OEM filters are way over priced, they are basically $2 E-core filters.
 
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Lubener, thanks for the suggestion and compliment! This Cub is definitely a big leap forward in comfort. My yard is very rough in places, and even with a 54” deck it takes 2.5 hrs to mow so a good seat and power steering have made a world of difference.

Delta and Zee09, thank you for the input! My Kohler owner’s manual has a wide range of acceptable viscosities and 10w30/10w40 are both listed. The Cub/Scag dealer recommended 10w40 or 5w40 for the Command Pro engines which I already had on hand. I’m sure 10w30 would be fine as well though.
 
Mattwithcats, thanks for the filter info! I’ll pick up one of Wix fuel filters to put on there.

Macmanus and Jeepman, thank you for the ideas too! I forgot to mention that I already had two Wix 51348’s on hand to use. I agree that the Kohler filter looks like a cheap e-core, but since the dealer included it I figured it wouldn’t hurt to run for a break-in change.

On a side note, I’ve been a little bit tempted to try some more of the Kohler syn blend and get a UOA. It claims to be a high zinc synthetic blend and my dealer sells it for $3.4x/qt so very reasonable on the price.
 
Wix 51348 is three and a half inches long,
Wix 51516 is nearly five, and hold about 8 more ounces of oil...

Measure and see if the 51516 fits...

Look on Rockauto for good prices...
 
mattwithcats said:
Wix 51348 is three and a half inches long,
Wix 51516 is nearly five, and hold about 8 more ounces of oil...

Measure and see if the 51516 fits...

Look on Rockauto for good prices...
Click to expand...


Matt, the Wix 51516 will definitely fit on the Cub. I forgot that I had picked up a K&N HP-2009 (cross references to Wix 51516) for a JD 318 when it was on clearance at Wally World for $2.50. I wound up deciding On the Royal Purple for this OCI, so we’ll see how the RP does.

Side note: the HP-2009 still had roughly 2” of clearance from the hood when closed.

Thanks again for everyone’s help!

The filter in place
E2AC8E7C-369D-4E85-85B9-11301EC41C42.jpeg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

I_Hate_CVTs
Help me choose an oil! - Cub Cadet Riding Mower (Kohler KT745 26HP Twin)
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
jeepman3071
B
Troy-Bilt mower with Kohler Command Pro
Replies
13
Views
3K
fantastic
mendozer
New Mower, oil recommendations?
2 3
Replies
59
Views
7K
PontiacHO
J
Kohler Oil Filter Alternatives?
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
Bellavita
C
Synthetic 20W-50
Replies
9
Views
602
Cujet
Back
Top