My new ride and question about oil

[wagner]

After a lot of research I finally decided on a Exmark 72 inch diesel , I am a retired farmer from Illinois . As a farmer I needed a side hustle so I started mowing cemeteries, which lead to residual properties, which led to me deciding I was making more money mowing then I was farming . I have been a loyal Kubota diesel mower customer for over twenty years , and even though I believe the reliability of the Kubota is top notch , their deck and quality of cut is very poor and I finally had enough. I have used the Exmark about 5 hours so far and I must say I have been very impressed. On a new diesel mower I always changed oil first time at 50 hours and then every 100 hours , and I always use shell rotella 15-40 in my tractor and Mobil delvac 1300 super 15-40 which is a synthetic blend in my diesel mowers . When would you suggest I change oil first time and can I use my oil or should I stick with the Exmark oil ? Thanks so much

 

[slomo]

If it was mine, oil and filter dumps after three successive mows, stretch to 10 hours a few mows then twice a year regardless of hours/time/operational cycles. Oil is cheap compared to a new Diesel engine and labor.

You must get all that break in metal out. Your first few dumps will have heavy metal flakes in the pan.

Use the oil grade recommended in your ENGINE manual.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello W.,

Exmark (Toro) does not require a special oil for their diesel engines, that would be market product steering which is illegal.

Use a good brand such as Shell Rotella and change every 200 hrs. under normal conditions. If it is extra dusty conditions, change it more often along with the air cleaner. The life of any diesel relies on clean oil and clean air. (Your being a farmer, you already know this.)