Super Tech 15W-40 Full Synthetic for Small Tractor, Zero Turn Mower, and JD Gator Diesels?

[HogWild13]

I have equipment with diesel engines on 3 pieces of equipment and each has a slightly different oil spec. Here they are along with the "recommended oil":

* Exmark Zero Turn Mower - 25 HP Kubota diesel: CD or CE 10W30 or 10W40
* John Deere Gator - 855mL Yanmar diesel: 15W40 diesel oil
* Case IH D25 Tractor - 25hp Shibaura 1.3L diesel: 15W40 (10F-120F temp range) or 10W30 (-10F-120F temp range)

I'm wondering if I can a suitable oil for all 3 of these diesel engines so I don't have so many different oils on-hand? None have turbos or common rail injection or any type of emissions equipment AFAIK. So I"m thinking I need an oil with good zinc levels.

But what weight oil should I use? I use the Gator year round. Just bought the tractor so unsure how much it will be used in the winter months but guessing not a lot. No mowing in the winter months but I do use the mower to chop and blow leaves in the fall.

I prefer synthetic oil and I like the zinc content of the full synthetic version of the 15W-40 Super Tech and I also like the price. Is the 15W thin enough for all 3 engines noting the specs given? Any info on cold viscosity for this oil? Or possibly the cold pour point of this oil? Maybe you have a better recommendation? Could Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 5W40 be a better option for colder weather starting? Not as economical, but not bad either.

 

[kschachn]

An oil with a 15W winter rating is fine for starting down to below freezing. It would depend on how good your battery is. If you're concerned about it being too cold then use something with a 10W rating (down to about 0F) or a 5W rating.

 

[fantastic]

Yes, You're presumably not running them in extreme cold so a 15w-40 ST is an excellent oil. Yes, I use that ST in my mower too. If you don't want to worry about rebates from Mobil the Super Tech is hard to pass up for a synthetic HDEO. It's an excellent bargain IMO.

 

[HogWild13]

Is this VOA for the Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 5W40 still what Mobil is producing? I know some mfg's change formulations over the years is why I ask...but in this VOA, it appears the Mobile has good amounts of zinc and and it's also a good base oil IIRC. I also like the 13.03 viscosity at 100C noting 2/3 engines listed above can run 30W oil.

 

[HogWild13]

This table compares the main differences between the additives in these two oils (but neglects the comparison of the base oils in each). This data is from VOAs posted here on BITOG.

The ST is a thicker oil, no doubt. How much would this affect the engines in cold weather is the question I guess. I sure like the extra zinc in the ST but like the base oil in the Delvac (which is a group IV ester full synthetic if I understand correctly).

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

From what I remember, the ESP 5w40's zinc content is ~1259 ppm. You'd be fine with either oil. I run ST 15w40 in my ZTR. Right now, M1 has pretty big rebates on their Delvac line. If you have a Rural King near you, they currently have the 5 Gallon pail of 5w40 ESP on sale for $100. Then, you can go to M1 and get a $40 rebate. You'd be in about $15 a gallon or less after tax.

 

[RedSpider]

I've been using the ST 15w40 full syn in my Kubota diesel for a couple of seasons now, and it hasnt blown up. It started up fine in the low 20's last winter, though that's not that cold so I didnt expect any issues either.

 

[fantastic]

This table compares the main differences between the additives in these two oils (but neglects the comparison of the base oils in each). This data is from VOAs posted here on BITOG.
View attachment 300716

The ST is a thicker oil, no doubt. How much would this affect the engines in cold weather is the question I guess. I sure like the extra zinc in the ST but like the base oil in the Delvac (which is a group IV ester full synthetic if I understand correctly).

The 15w-40 has a higher HTHS minimum requirement than a 5w-40. Now, I don't know what either is to be exact. ESP could be higher for all I know. The benefit of the ESP is being emissions friendly which is not something you're concerned about in your equipment.

 

[johnmyster]

The ST is a thicker oil, no doubt. How much would this affect the engines in cold weather is the question I guess. I sure like the extra zinc in the ST but like the base oil in the Delvac (which is a group IV ester full synthetic if I understand correctly).

I don’t think the base oil in that 2019 VOA is the same think you can buy today at Walmart. It’s good oil (IMO, best of the Walmart 5w-40 offerings) but it’s not that good. Happy to be proven wrong…in which case I’ll be stocking up.

IMO, Delo xsp 15w-40 is presently the king of Walmart oils, and the $30 rebate on the 3 gal box doesn’t hurt.

 

[HogWild13]

Fantastic, I'm fine with the ST for high temp, zinc content, etc. Since I do use the Gator in the winter and now may use the tractor I just obtained occasionally in the winter...it makes me lean toward the 5W40 ESP for cold weather operation. In my area, typical winter lows are in the negative region. 2/3 of the last 3 years we've hit -20F but that is lower than normal though we see negative temps every year. I guess my question is....wouldn't the ESP function about the same as the ST in spring/summer/fall and the ESP be better for cold winter weather operation? I wish I knew more about the ST at low temps...viscosity, low temp pour point, etc.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the ST when starting/operating at low temps.

 

[johnmyster]

2/3 of your applications list a 30 weight as an option, so I wouldn't hesitate to use the ESP for them given your concern for cold weather use. I doesn't seem ESP loyalists regard it as a downgrade on the hot end of operation from a 15w-40, even if HTHS, 100 C viscosity are a smidge lower. I'm sure it's a better oil than what the OEMs of your machinery had in mind.

ESP is currently discounted, $100 for a 5gal pail at Rural King. If you don't have RK nearby, TSC is $120 for the same and may price match. With present rebates, ESP can be had for $12 per gallon. I haven't had issues dumping from the 5gal to empty single jugs, but singles can also be gotten from WM and rebated.

 

[HogWild13]

johnmyster, I agree with your logic. While I love the ST FS 5W40 option...wanting to use the same oil in all 3 applications makes me lean toward choosing ESP since it is less viscous and flows better at low temps (with likely equal performance at high temps).

I'm not sure how by a 5 gal bucket and use it. Hoe do you guys using 5gal pails pour it and how do you measure it? If I had a good way to measure it, I might at least buy the 2.5 gal jugs.

 

[fantastic]

Fantastic, I'm fine with the ST for high temp, zinc content, etc. Since I do use the Gator in the winter and now may use the tractor I just obtained occasionally in the winter...it makes me lean toward the 5W40 ESP for cold weather operation. In my area, typical winter lows are in the negative region. 2/3 of the last 3 years we've hit -20F but that is lower than normal though we see negative temps every year. I guess my question is....wouldn't the ESP function about the same as the ST in spring/summer/fall and the ESP be better for cold winter weather operation? I wish I knew more about the ST at low temps...viscosity, low temp pour point, etc.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the ST when starting/operating at low temps.

If you're not worried about price then the ESP should work well for your needs all year.

 

[cptbarkey]

Usually 5 gallon pails come with spouts that you pull out. Pour with the spout facing the highest point to prevent spillage and glugging.
If you go this route, be prepared with a smaller container for what you actually need. Recycle an existing gallon jug, or I use a few of these, they are nice but a luxury:

8 quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006G3W418?th=1

5 quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077WJ7XV8?th=1

I could be wrong, but I dont think any single engine in your fleet takes more then 5 quarts, unless you really need a 5 gallon pail its not really economical.
ST 15w40 conventional (which i suspect is really semi syn considering Kirkland advertises it as such), or synthetic will do fine in your fleet. I have conventional in my Dodge, JD, Kubota, and a Cub Cadet at the moment.

 

[Astro_Guy]

Do you store these machines outdoors where the oil might actually reach -20F? It seems logical that the oil temperature will land somewhere near the average of the daily high and low, possibly a little higher if the machines are in an out building that heats up a bit in sunshine.

Unless you are actually starting the machines with the oil below zero degrees F then I would just use 15w-40 and call it a day.

 

[johnmyster]

I've poured 5gal pails into empty 1gal/5qt/2.5gal oil jugs without spilling a drop. Pull out the spout and tip slowly to prevent glugging. Easy to do ahead of an oil change and stage the right amount ready to go.

Delvac has been doing two rebates a year for several years now. It wouldn't be hard to feed your small sump fleet on ESP using the rebates even without going to the 5gal route.

Point being, if you're willing to file the rebates, ESP can be had for ST price or less. Not a dig against ST, which is a solid product if you can stomach the 15w rating.

 

[HogWild13]

I think I'll go with the ESP, a bit reluctantly, but it seems the best compromise for the 3 engines and 4 seasons.