Kubota L3130 Tractor: synthetic oil?

[Tick Magnet]

I have a Kubota diesel with about 1800 hours on it and it's due an oil change. Specs in the manual call for engine oil API CD, CF, or CF and SAE 10W-30 or 40. I'd like to switch to a synthetic for diesels engines but when I look at something like the Shell Rotella the designation doesn't match these API specs. I've always run a conventional oil but winter is coming and I thought a synthetic might be easier for a cold start up. I do have the ability to put several magnetic block heaters on in advance of cold starts. Should I stick with conventional motor oil or can I go full synthetic or is a synthetic blend better? And, brand?....many thanks.

 

[mattwithcats]

Shell Rotella T6 full synthetic in 5W-40 or the hard to find little brother, 0W-40...

Shell Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic

Learn more about Shell Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic blend heavy duty diesel engine oil l and how it provides protection that promotes better fuel economy, improved wear performance, and more. View product details here.

rotella.shell.com

Look at Advanced Auto for the 0W-40...

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

 

[mattwithcats]

You can use a Wix 51515 oil filter instead of the Kubota HH164-32430...

Look on Rock Auto, but watch the shipping...

Can also be found as Napa Gold 1515

 

[MacManus99]

You can use a Wix 51515 oil filter instead of the Kubota HH164-32430...

Look on Rock Auto, but watch the shipping...

Can also be found as Napa Gold 1515

This is good info. I found the Wix equivalent for the Kohler filter on my OPE, better quality filter at a significant savings.

 

[dlundblad]

They really need to update their oil recommendations.

Dad and I have been using 5w40 in his L4330 (same platform; bigger engine) for years.

I have a 2018 L and it has the same outdated specs, but I use 10w30 for the warranty.

 

[tc1446]

I changed from a blend to T6 syn this summer on my Kioti K30, 3 cyl diesel with 600 hrs on it. Used all summer for mowing; has not used any oil. Did not use any with prev convent or semi's either.

 

[tnt_motorsports]

I have a Kubota diesel with about 1800 hours on it and it's due an oil change. Specs in the manual call for engine oil API CD, CF, or CF and SAE 10W-30 or 40. I'd like to switch to a synthetic for diesels engines but when I look at something like the Shell Rotella the designation doesn't match these API specs. I've always run a conventional oil but winter is coming and I thought a synthetic might be easier for a cold start up. I do have the ability to put several magnetic block heaters on in advance of cold starts. Should I stick with conventional motor oil or can I go full synthetic or is a synthetic blend better? And, brand?....many thanks.

Is the tractor stored inside a heated garage or do you have a block heater as mentioned? If so then I would personally stick with conventional, which is likely semi synthetic now. It seems like the oil has worked for you so far.

Just my $0.02