Finally found one

[Thomasone]

Almost gave up looking for a Kubota mower, almost, was real close to buying a new Deere with a smoking Kawasaki, "they all smoke on start up Tom, its normal".... I really hate the JD dealer 'tude, "you expect us to sell it for $3.00 under list!", buy it or not, either way is fine with the Deere folks.
Well now I can go like this to JD

Finally own a Kubota, a REAL one with the diesel, found an '06 125 hr, GR2100, in near pristine condition, always garaged when not in use-$4800 WITH the power bagger that I don't think was used more than once-Forgot, AND Kubota replaced the complete hydro late last summer as a good will gesture to the original owner.

Two questions; is either 10-30 or 15-40 syn engine oil acceptable and which would be best for an area that can get hot-mid 90's, we have a number of diesel vehicles and I have access to both viscosities Amsoil brand, diesel oils. (Viscosity is the issue not the brand, though I always enjoy the Amsoil debate-its my favorite now, I, at one time, always called Amsoil-Scamsoil, but now believe that it really is the best diesel oil out there: zero consumption in the PSD's whereas everthing else we tried did lose just a little in 5k miles)
I do NOT work for Amsoil nor am I a distributor and I do not profit in any way form sales; I am just a believer now and will not use anything else in any diesel vehicle I own the 15-40 HD diesel/marine is shear proof in the 6.0 Ford Powerstroke, shear PROOF.

AND, I have found a great Kubota dealer who is willing to take in the 54" deck and bagger towards a new 48" deck which is what I think I really want but am curious as to whether or not anyone thinks that the smaller deck would work better, worse or the same as the large one.

 

[Bulldog]

Finally, Another Amsoil believer. I can fully understand your faith in Amsoil and I had to prove it to myself as well.

If I was you I would run the 30 weight oil. If you want the very best you can get go with the 5w30 HDD oil. Myself I am switching over to the 10w30 diesel oil in all my stuff just to cut down on the cost. All the 15w40 will do for you is rob fuel economy from you because you don't need a oil that heavy. The 10w30 is one of their newest oils and it will work in your powerstroke also. Compairing the 15w40 to the 5w30 in my powerstroke I gained 4 to 5 MPG more in fuel milage using the 5w30 HDD.

I don't work for Amsoil either but I am a dealer just for the simple fact that I can get the oil cheaper for my own use and I would highly recomend that you consider it for yourself. It will save you quite a bit of money doing it that way plus you will get a monthly magazine from Amsoil that has a lot of good info in it.

Congrats on getting to tell JD to stick it. I don't like dealing with them either. All I can say about them is that they are living on their past name because they for sure don't have the best product line on the market. Most expensive maybe but not the best.

As far as the mower deck goes, I can't see where 6 inches would make much difference unless you have a clearance issue. I mowe with a 72" myself and wish that I had a 90". I hate mowing so the quicker the better. I saw what I really want the other day in a book. It was a bat wing finishing mower that cut 18 feet wide but I guess that will have to wait till after the lottery win.

Good luck with your new Kubota.

 

[Thomasone]

Bulldog, thanks for the info. There is just enough Amsoil 30 10/30 diesel in the jug to fill the Kubota so I will start with that and see, I am of the same opinion that the lightest oil is the better choice and I did try the 10/30 in one psd and while all of it stayed in the engine I did not notice any increase in fuel economy so we switched back to 15-40 at the next change. What nearly everyone does NOT realize about Amsoil heavy duty diesel/marine oil is that part of the formulation is to have the oil cling to surfaces alot longer than other oils-it is designed for equipment which -may- sit for a while between uses making it the ideal oil for two applications; consumer ag equipment and recreational vehicles.

With Amsoil the dipstick reads the same at 5k as right after the change, and that is all I need to know; about a quart less with every other oil I have used; including Del 1 and Rotella. Not that using a quart in 5,000 miles is any big deal but NOT using a quart in a Powerstroke in 5,000 miles is a huge deal.

I did sign up for the preferred customer program for the cost savings, even with shipping I can buy Amsoil for less, slightly, than any other full synthetic on the shelf.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, with the exception of viscosity and those values associated with the additive packages there was very little difference in the wear numbers with the oil analysis of other brand oils compared to Amsoil. Yes the numbers were better but marginally so. But again, only when I use either the 30 10/30 or 15-40 Amsoil product do I see the same level on the stick when its time for a change and to me that means something is very different about the oil.

 

[ipz2222]

bulldog, "batwing mower",, I saw one on the back of a rollback yesterday. My wife was with me and she said, " I want that". I told her to get a second job.

 

[Bulldog]

Land pride make one that is 22 ft wide. I could mowe with my 9000 with that one and really get done in a hurry.

 

[Bulldog]

Thomasone,

I have never tried the 10w30 diesel oil yet but I have a barrel on the way as we speak. I have always run the 5w30 HDD in my diesels so far but it really is expensive. But, if I loose all my MPG gain by changing over to the 10w30 I will switch back to the HDD. I gained 4 to 5 MPG with the HDD and I change it every 10,000 miles. During that time it saves me around $500 depending on current pump prices.

My truck has 240,000 on it now and it doesn't burn any oil even on the 10,000 mi. change intervals. That is hard to beat in anybodies book if you ask me.

 

[Thomasone]

Bulldog, my thinking is the same as yours: with regard to the Amsoil product; they do advertise it as -both- a 30 weight and a 10/30 never could figure that out. And I have been told, by people who are supposed to be smart, that ALL engines get their best efficiency with oils no higher than 30 weight, and further more that all mileage testing is done with these oils in the crankcase....

The important thing I learned about Amsoil and what I want to pass along to everyone else here is that in my experience, Amsoil is the only oil which does not get 'lost' in our Powerstroke, the level I fill it to at the change is the level I have at the next change. BUT-I do drive very carefully and any towing is limited to a small enclosed utility trailer with a bike in it. I am not talking about an outrageous use of oil with other brands, perhaps a quart in 3-4k -its just I, as you, have to come to the obvious conclusion about what no consumption v any consumption means and to me it really is huge (in the same engine under the same conditions).
In my opinion with over 42k miles, in a Ford PSD-6.0, rv/24'/E450 with just over a ton left before maxing out the gvw-Amsoil has impressed me which is why I switched completely to this brand.

The Ford 6.0-generally- has proven to be a very troubled engine: Do I wish I had a DMax, yes, do I wish I had a Cummins, yes-they are in my opinion superior engines BUT our '07 Ford has proven to be 100% reliable. It has run like a clock, not a molecule of glycol has been detected in four oil samples and the beast regularly returns upwards of 16 mpg-to me this is astounding. Compare this to the 9mpg, and that is generous, that we would be getting if it were the V10 and you can see the benefit.

I, however, am NOT advising anyone to go diesel in the expectations of getting their money back, because the reality is that this will NEVER happen. The reasons for going diesel are now non-traditional, its much, much better for the environment and in the case of the Kubota, more torque. When I engage the deck there is barely any decrease in engine rpm's, with the Kawaski there is a massive reduction in engine speed when the deck is started. Really the difference is astounding AND compared to the Kohler gassers the difference can be breathtaking.

Its really sweet to listen to the Kubota 3 cyl purr, hearing the deck snap to with virtually no change in engine speed-and not blowing white smoke on startup is of course a plus-all the kaws I have seen have done this, Kawasaki themselves told me it is 'normal' another reason that to me, made going diesel more of a no brainer. I was NOT going to spend big bucks to see a mower blow white smoke, plus I am a diesel guy.

Ironic really, Ford/Navistar finally got it right then discontinued-'07 was the change over, the 6.0-though someone recently told me that the 6 liter was 'reintroduced' with dpf's because the 6.4 did not fit into the E series.

Something odd happened last trip out, I gained a full 2 mpg, we also just busted 40k miles and this was very interesting to me as I have never owned a diesel vehicle which did not always give the same mpg at 100k as it did at new or with very low miles.
So, just to be certain I am going to try again the light oil again. The first time no mileage gain was observed so I decided I would rather have the heavier oil in the engine BUT now I really do have to know if mpg will increase.

I do check mpg the only accurate way; by filling until I can see a steady level in the filler neck-I have had computers be off by 4mpg and trying to get an accurate number by using 'the same pump' at first click is completely inaccurate.

At any rate, Amsoil will be used in the Kubota.

As mentioned I do not benefit financially in any way from Amsoil sales and would simply advise all member who have not tried it to try the product and form your own opinion-especially I would say to look into the marine/heavy duty diesel oil 15/40. As I mentioned part of the formulation for this product is the characteristic that the oil will cling to surfaces much, much longer than other oil. It was designed for applications that MAY involve an engine sitting for longer periods of time between uses. To me rv and consumer ag use makes this oil a perfect match.

A few short years ago there was NO bigger critic of Amsoil than me, now there is no bigger believer.

Thanks to the administration for allowing these posts.

 

[Bulldog]

Thomasone, it sounds like you have the prove it to yourself attitude like me. I have to see it for myself instead of taking someones word on it. I am very stubborn when it comes to change.

When you first put Amsoil in your Kubota did you notice a big reduction in the engine noise the first time you cranked it up? I was amazed when I put it in my L 3000 the first time.

Out of curiousity, which oils have you tried in your powerstroke? I have used the 15w40 marine and the 5w30 HDD. With the 15w40 I averaged 15 to 16 MPG and with the 5w30 I get about 19 or 20 MPG. Another big plus from the 5w30 is the winter time start ups. Everybody who has been around a 7.3 L knows how hard they are to start in the cold weather. Mine will start and it doesn't even have to be plugged up. I do use the plug just to make it easier on everything but I don't plug it up unless I plan to go out. Several times this past winter I would have something come up and need to go without having a early warning and therefore a cold start. Never one time did it fail to start and do it with ease. It has to be better on the internal components if they are able to move more freely.

Bottom line, I would much rather support a company that was founded by a decorated Air Force fighter pilot than to a rag head. With Amsoil you get the best of both worlds, Highest level of protection available and no rags needed. How can you beat that?

 

[Thomasone]

Bulldog, I don't know if the noise level, both in the Kubota and PSD, is less or a different pitch, but yes, the engines do sound -different-.

In the Fords we have used:
Delvac 1 which is a 5-40, used about a quart between changes
Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck oil, 5-40 (this is Del 1) a qt between changes
Ford synthetic blend, 15-40, used about 1/2 qt between changes
Rotella T a synthetic 5-40, 1 quart between changes
Amsoil 15-40 Heavy Duty Marine Diesel, no usage between changes
Amsoil 30 10/30 Diesel oil, no usage between changes
For some reason, heui ???, our psd does not like a 5/40; one would think that with using the engine oil to actuate the injectors a thinner oil would get it done better, especially on a cold start, but this is not the case: go figure.

We had 3 VW TDI's, only used Del 1, not a drop of oil used between changes
In our Freightliner 'Sprinter'-5 cyl, a work of art, 28 mpg- we only used Del 1, no oil used between changes

But with the Amsoil things get even a bit more interesting;
Across the board the wear metals were at least 20% (?) higher when we had oils other than Amsoil sent in for a uoa.

It is sort of cool to know that Amsoil was the first to develop a full synthetic oil for the consumer market and that it was done by by a pilot.

And I do agree completely that everyone should form their own opinion about engine oil in general, and Amsoil in particular; for years there was no bigger critic and now there are not many who sing the praises more than me.

 

[Bulldog]

Hi Thomasone,

That was a very information filled responce. I see that you were one who tried several different brands try to find what was the best for your fleet. I'm glad to see that Amsoil has been so good to you. It's amazing that just choosing the right oil can make so much difference. Just from what you said it sounds like you do oil analysis regularly. Although it doesn't surprise me that your wear was reduced by 20%, maybe some of the others will open their eyes and listen.

I think I have this right,
You have proof that Amsoil reduced your engine wear by 20%
By using Amsoil you have quit burning oil between changes which mean less pollution in our atmosphere
Everytime a purchase is made from Amsoil we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we just supported a true American founded company which is a rare thing now days. As a added bonus, the more we support Amsoil in so many words we are letting the big oil companies know that we don't need them and that they can go play in the sand with their rag head buddies.

Now lets see, Big oil does give us something but what is it:
A product that is behind the times
Actually allows extra engine wear
Causes you to burn more fuel which makes them even more money

Now tell me who really has your best interest at heart? It's easy for me to answer, how about you?

 

[rbphoto]

Interesting conversation, guys.

Anyone try a 5w40 full synthetic in their Kubota's yet?

I run Schaeffer's 9000 Full Synthetic in my 7.3 PSD with no oil loss in 10K+ miles.

I have enough to use in my Kubota and didn't know if anyone had experience with the 5w40.

Thanks.

Raymond

 

[Orange in WI]

Interesting conversation, guys.

Anyone try a 5w40 full synthetic in their Kubota's yet?

I run Schaeffer's 9000 Full Synthetic in my 7.3 PSD with no oil loss in 10K+ miles.

I have enough to use in my Kubota and didn't know if anyone had experience with the 5w40.

Thanks.

Raymond

I've started to use 5W40 becouse it works for both summer and winter. I Have had no problems with it at all and now just have to keep one oil around for both tractors. Wish I could find a better way to get Schaeffer's products in my area. Used it in all my farm tractors with really good results and there grease was the best in all mechanical equipment. As for Kawaskis smoking at start up thats the least of there problems. They hate cold weather and can't perform until they warm up completely. I replaced a John Deere 335 with the BX and don't miss Deere or Deere dealer at all.

 

[Bulldog]

Interesting conversation, guys.

Anyone try a 5w40 full synthetic in their Kubota's yet?

I run Schaeffer's 9000 Full Synthetic in my 7.3 PSD with no oil loss in 10K+ miles.

I have enough to use in my Kubota and didn't know if anyone had experience with the 5w40.

Thanks.

Raymond

The 5w40 will do fine in the Kubota but the w40 is not necessary. It won't do any damage to anything but your wallet. W40 is a little harder to pump than w30 is so it will burn more fuel and take just a little HP from you.

I'm currious as to what series Ford you have and how the oil you are using affected you MPG. It seems to make a big difference as far as MPG goes which truck you have.

 

[rbphoto]

The 5w40 will do fine in the Kubota but the w40 is not necessary. It won't do any damage to anything but your wallet. W40 is a little harder to pump than w30 is so it will burn more fuel and take just a little HP from you.

I'm currious as to what series Ford you have and how the oil you are using affected you MPG. It seems to make a big difference as far as MPG goes which truck you have.

5w40 is commonplace around here. 5w30 synthetic is not easy to find near me for whatever reason. All I've run in my truck for the last 5 years is 5w40 synthetic. I just switched from Rotella's synthetic to Schaeffer's due to the new formulation of the Rotella. Just not pleased with the changes to that product and my oil analysis backed up my suspicion. It's about time to pull a sample of the Schaeffer's and since I bartered for it, I'll likely use it in the G1900 for a while.

My '99 F-250 2wd x-cab gets 22mpg in mixed driving using b2-b20 fuel (depending on what's available), Schaeffer's 9000, tonneau cover, open exhaust, AFE II filter, van turbo with ATS compressor housing, and DP-tuner.com tunes.

I am still getting the Kubota ready for service, trying to fabricate a battery hold-down without weekend access to all the good toys @ the fabrication shop (Piranha press/punch/shear, scrap steel, etc.).

 

[Bulldog]

That is good milage in that truck. I see you have done several different mods to your truck. Did they help on the MPG by adding them on or could you tell any difference. I'm sure they made a big difference in the way it runs.

I have a 97 250 2wd crew cab and get about 19 or 20 mpg. I added a big equipment air filter, straight 4" exhaust and edge com tuner. When I got the truck it weighed 6400 and now it will average 7200-7500 depending on how many tools I have with me at the time plus can carry an extra 105 gallons of fuel. Loaded that heavy hurts my mpg some I'm sure.