5 Steps to Choosing the Right Oil & Filter for Your John Deere

Farm equipment represents a big investment and it’s important to properly maintain your machines so they deliver its best performance season after season. Whether it is a used or new John Deere tractor, combine or sprayer, following these five key steps will help ensure your engine is running efficiently and optimally when you need it most.

All new and remanufactured John Deere engines are shipped from the factory with John Deere break-in oil, a special-blend oil developed with additives to help with the friction between pistons and cylinders so they wear in a particular pattern and become a matched set. Most equipment requires 50-100 hours of break-in, depending on how hard the engine is being worked.*

After the break-in period is completed, or when you purchase used John Deere equipment, you will need to select a type of John Deere oil based on your application and operating environment. Determining the appropriate oil type and viscosity (weight) is crucial when selecting oil. Follow these five simple steps to choose the right oil and filter for your machine.
 

Step 1: Check certifications

Engine oil is rated and certified by organizations such as the American Petroleum Industry (API) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Oil without these certifications do not meet certain Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality and performance standards your engine requires. John Deere Plus-II 15W-40 (also available in 10W-30 and full synthetic 0W-40) exceeds certification requirements, is the recommended oil for most John Deere diesel engines and is formulated to perform up to 500 hours.**
 

Step 2: Understand required viscosity (or weight)

Your operating environment and areas air temperature will help determine the right oil viscosity for your engine and is SAE certified.  Choose oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range between oil changes. View a complete list of oil options available and select the best oil for your John Deere.


 

Step 3: Avoid oil additives

Oil for your machine’s engine contains a precise blend of highly refined oils and additives to provide the best performance protection. No engine oil additives of any kind are recommended or endorsed by John Deere as they will upset the oil blend balance, may lead to engine damage and will not be covered by warranty.

Step 4: Find out oil change intervals

Oil change intervals for John Deere machines such as tractors, combines and sprayers are not the same. For example, some engines with larger quantities of oil may require less frequent oil changes. Oil change intervals are listed in your operator’s manual and will outline the proper maintenance schedule. Oil change intervals can be found using John Deere’s oil change calculator.***
 

Step 5: Get a quality oil filter

Having a high-quality oil filter is just as essential as a high-quality oil in maintaining oil life and engine performance. Many factors go into a quality oil filter, including: beta ratio, collapse/burst pressure, cold weather performance, capacity and gasket quality. Choose an oil filter that has been thoroughly tested to be meet a number of these factors and works with the make and model of your machine by reviewing John Deere’s filter maintenance information.

Once you’ve selected the best oil and filter for your John Deere, proper maintenance will ensure your machine continues to perform. Understanding warning signs, checking and changing your oil on a regular basis is critical to keeping your farm equipment in peak performance. A rough running engine, odd coloured exhaust smoke and overheating are important warning signs to be aware of when operating your machine. In addition, when your oil is drained, it should be thoroughly inspected for the presence of water, engine coolant or diesel fluid (water and engine coolant will separate).  Oil and coolant test kits are a quick and easy way to sample your engine oil and will provide remaining oil life and contamination.
 
Following these five steps to choosing the right oil and filter for your John Deere will help your machine run strong season after season. For more tips on selecting the best oil and filter for your machine, or to schedule a complete inspection of your farm equipment by a certified technician, contact your local Brandt dealership.
 

*Always read your John Deere operator manual for information that pertains specifically to your equipment. **500-hour drain interval applies to John Deere diesel engines when the following criteria are met: 1. Engine is equipped with an extended drain interval oil pan, 2. Machine operates with Plus-50 II engine oil API CJ-4/SN. 3. Machine uses a John Deere engine oil filter, 4. Machine uses only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel. ***Under some conditions, oil change intervals may be extended if higher grade oils are used. In many cases, oil change intervals must also be reduced if lower grade oils are used. Consult your local John Deere dealer before extending maintenance intervals.