Originally Posted By: sdude2k2000
Originally Posted By: roadrunner1
If you have a Deere dealer nearby check out their "Plus 50" line of oil, I run 10w-30 in my 7.3 IDI along with my 6.0's(both 6.0's have been traded) and also my current 6.7.
They also offer a 0w-40, but its expensive. Personally I would run 10w-30 and forget about it. Deere also offers their own line of filters along with FleetGuard.
RoadRunner - are you able to get a decent price on the 10w30 Plus50II? My local dealers are over $19/gallon which isn't competitive compared next to Rotella T5 @ just over $16/gal, but I stock up when they have their rebate promos - like the $5 MIR offer they just had (making it just over $11/gal after said and done). I feel like you mentioned once that Deere has promos sometimes too, but I can't remember.
Deere usually runs promos (at least here in the states) in February. Don't compare price per gallon between manufacturers without an UOA to compare how much longer one oil can be kept in service vs. another. You can come up with a cost per mile per OC.
With your usage I am going to guess your intervals can be greatly extended, if its something you're interested in doing. The Deere Plus 50 line is intended as an extended service lube, the "Plus 50" means 50% over their own intervals, with a guarantee. Of course this pertains to their own line of engines, but with UOA there is absolutely no reason why you couldn't extend your intervals.
I have a 6076 (7.6L) Deere engine in a marine application, when USLD became the norm and Deere introduced the new Plus 50 II they extended the OCI to 500 hrs. on all of their legacy engines. As an example when my engine was built it had a factory interval of 250 hrs., or 325 hrs. if using Plus 50. That is one heck of an extension with no UOA required.
Back to my point, if one were to do a cost analyst per mile you may find that even if you're paying more up front you may get it back, plus some on the back end.