API Service level for RTV engine oil

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bczoom

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Getting ready to change the fluids in the RTV.

The manual states to use API Service CC, CD or CF. I checked the shelves and don't have any in stock.
What I do have is Rotella T5 diesel oil with API Service CJ-4, CI-4, CI-4 PLUS, CH-4, CG-4. This is 10W-30. Also have John Deere oil with similar specs but it's 15W-40 which I'd think is probably a little to heavy for our winters.

I'm not an oil expert but I think I recall something like:
As the second letter increases up the alphabet, it meets the requirements for any previous letter.
E.g. CJ meets requirements for CC, CD & CF.

Is that right, in which case I can use the Rotella? Just want to be sure.
 
I know this is not answering your question "technically" but I use Rotella T6 in my RTV, tractor and ZT mower. Here in Texas I use 15w-40 but in a colder climate I would probably use 5W-40. I think you are right on the requirements but can't confirm it. My Kubota dealer does know I am running this oil in everything and said I would not have any warranty issues with it.
 
You are correct, basically the C is for diesel and the second letter is the performance indicator.

If you want all the technical info see; https://www.bizol.com/education/api-service-level-category/

Here is what the API Service indicates : "API CK-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. API CK-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. Additionally: CH-4 can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils."
 
OK, I found the thread where this was previously discussed.

CJ-4 Oil NOT to be used in RTV...??

I haven't looked to see what is sold in all the stores in my area but I was surprised to read in the WSM for the RTV-X900/RTV-X1140 on page G-11 where it states: "The CJ-4 Engine Oil is intended for DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) type engines and cannot be used in this vehicle." On page G-8 it...
www.nettractortalk.com www.nettractortalk.com

It went back-and-forth so I looked a little more. Here's a jug of genuine Kubota oil. It does say CJ-4 (which was disputed in the thread) but also lists all the API service ratings that are on the Rotella T5 oil.

The Rotella doesn't list CF-4 where the Kubota oil does. Does that matter? Isn't CI-4 backward compatible to CF-4?
I'll wait a bit to see if there's more responses one way or the other but it "appears" I'm good using the Rotella.



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On a related note, I need to dig into the deep depths of my building more often.
While looking just for Kubota oil, I found engine and tranny filters for the RTV (I thought I was going to have to order them).
Also found 10 gallons of SUDT, 5 gallons of JD HY-GARD, tractor oil filters, probably 20 gallons of gas engine oil & 8 gallons of diesel engine oil.
Going to check another area today but I'm betting I'll find new air & fuel filters for the RTV and tractor. :)
 
BTW - My RTV is a 2004 and my WSM is dated 2008. Could the API Service CC, CD or CF be what was available at the time but there's new info?

Assuming the D902 engine is the same in newer models, does anyone have a newer WSM that gives the fluid specs? My manual has the fluids on page G-8.
 
bczoom, I would say that is a fair assumption. Below is some more info to add to your data.

CF-4 introduced in 1990
CH-4 Introduced in 1998
CI-4 Introduced in 2002
CJ-4 Introduced in 2010
CK-4 Introduced in 2017

API lists the following as Obsolete: CG-4, CF-4, CF-2, CF, CE, CD-II, CD,CC, CB, CA

My X1100 WSM dated 2013 calls for CF or CI-4 and specifically note to not use CJ-4 because it is for DPF.

My BX2680 WSM dated 2017 calls for CF or higher and notes to not use CJ-4 because it is for DPF.

The Kubota branded 15-40 container in my garage lists the API Service as: CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI4, CH4 and SN, SM and all prior gasoline categories.
 
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Armyaviatr said:
My X1100 WSM dated 2013 calls for CF or CI-4 and specifically note to not use CJ-4 because it is for DPF.

My BX2680 WSM dated 2017 calls for CF or higher and notes to not use CJ-4 because it is for DPF.

The Kubota branded 15-40 container in my garage lists the API Service as: CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI4, CH4 and SN, SM and all prior gasoline categories.
Click to expand...
Is Kubota contradicting itself?
Don't use CJ-4 but their oil lists CJ-4 in their API service.
I'm going to go for it.
 
All the C classifications are backwards compatible. They are all fine for your diesel Kubota engines.

What you DON'T WANT to use is the F classification such as FA. These are blended for the latest emission controlled on road vehicle engines and they are not backwards compatible with C class oils.

I use both Shell Rotella T6 and Petro Canada Duron UHP in all my diesel's and even my Polaris atv's and dirt bikes. I get fluid analysis through Caterpillar and all my test results with these oils are always very good.

And has been said, the oil info in the Kubota manuals is incorrect. When I bought my first new Kubota, the Kubota branded engine oil I got from dealer with it was a class that was listed as do not use in the manual, LOL
 
@DylanPratha
Links from new members are considered spam. Link removed. Don't do it again.
Your posts are car/truck related. Not sure if your posts are relevant to off-road vehicles especially since they don't use DEF.
 
aurthuritis said:
some of the new rated oil is not backwards compatible. unless you have arctic winters i think 15w40 is fine.
Click to expand...
And when in doubt, any time I have had technical questions, I have contacted Shell Rotella through their web site and have always gotten an answer back within a couple days.
 
I have nothing against regular dino oil, but in our winters that range from minus 25*C to minus 40, using 5W40 and 0W40 synthetic in all my stuff makes a night and day difference in the way they start if left in the cold.
I don't use synthetic to extend my drain intervals.....just for the ease of starting and the increased fuel economy.
 
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