Tag Archive for: transmission oil

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Which Transmission Oil For KTM Dirt Bike?

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AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil

A reader asks: I have a 2017 KTM 300 EXC. The manual calls for 15W-50 oil in the transmission. I see that AMSOIL has the Metric Synthetic 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil and the Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid. Which is the best option for me?

Our answer: We have a third option that we think would be the perfect transmission fluid for your 2-stroke KTM. That would be AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil. We’ll explain why below.

Let’s take AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid off the table for your application. The Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid was designed for Japanese-brand dirt bike applications that require an SAE 80 oil. Keep in mind that gear oils use a different viscosity scale to prevent confusion with motor oil. An SAE 80 gear oil is actually the equivalent of 30-weight motor oil (in terms of actual viscosity). Your model requires a heavier 50-weight viscosity.

AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil would certainly perform and protect very well. There would not be any harm in using this product. Metric 15W-50 is designed to deliver smooth clutch engagement in street bike applications. Again, it will work, but the Dirt Bike 10W-50 is designed for off-road service.

An Ideal Transmission Oil For KTM Dirt Bikes

AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil was designed for dirt bike transmission service. It fights clutch fade by dissipating heat. This allows for maximum clutch plate preservation. It also provides instant clutch engagement in tight off-road situations. Dirt bike transmissions are commonly put under extreme loads in mud, deep sand and other extreme conditions. This aspect was a main focal point during product development.

AMSOIL Dirt Bike 10W-50 will also protect gears during rapid shifting. The 100% synthetic formula provides smooth, optimized shifting performance.

Replacing a 15W-50 with a 10W-50 is a non-issue. Keep in mind that at operating temperatures, both products are a 50-weight oil.

In conclusion, AMSOIL Dirt Bike Synthetic 10W-50 was designed to hold transmissions together under the rigors of professional motocross racing. Therefore, it will be the perfect upgrade for your bike too.

 

 

 

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John Deere Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil Options

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John Deere ZTrak zero-turn lawn mowers are some of the more popular models on the market. Let’s take a look at AMSOIL synthetic transmission and engine oil substitutes for each model. We will also list the oil change intervals for each ZTrak transmission and engine. If you have questions, feel free to contact us using the form on this page.

AMSOIL products discussed on this page include:

Z300 Series Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil

Models include Z335E, Z335M, Z345M, Z345R, Z355E, Z355R, Z365R, Z375R- Gasoline Engines

Z300 Transmission Oil And Service Interval

The transmission used in the Z300 Series is a “sealed unit”. Therefore, the oil cannot be changed.

Z300 Engine Oil And Service Interval

John Deere suggests SAE 30 or SAE 40 for Z300 series motors. AMSOIL Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40 can replace straight 30 or 40-weight oils.

Deere suggests changing the Z300 Series engine oil every 50 hours or once per year (whichever comes first).

Z425, Z435, Z445, Z465, Z625, Z645, Z655, Z665 Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil

Z425, Z435, Z445, Z465, Z625, Z645, Z655, Z665 Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

John Deere suggests that 10W-30 motor oil be used in transmissions of these models. According to the owner’s manual, the transmissions on these models do not require oil or filter changes. The oil level should be maintained at the “Full” line.

Z425, Z435, Z445, Z465, Z625, Z645, Z655, Z665 Engine Oil And Service Interval

These models have gasoline engines. The suggested motor oil grades are 10W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40 or 15W-40 meeting the API SJ specification (or newer). The engine oil should be changed after an initial 8-hour break-in period. From there, the engine oil should be changed every 50-hours or once per year (whichever comes first).

Z515E, Z530M, Z530R, Z545R Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil

Z515E, Z530M, Z530R, Z545R Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

The transmissions on these models do not require oil and filter changes. However, the oil level should be maintained at the “Full” line. John Deere suggests hydraulic fluid meeting the John Deere “J20C” specification or 10W-30 motor oil. The AMSOIL products that meets this spec are AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil or AMSOIL Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil.

Z515E, Z530M, Z530R, Z545R Engine Oil And Service Interval

These models have gasoline engines. John Deere suggests 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, SAE 30 or SAE 40 motor oil meeting the API SJ, SL, SM, SN or SP specification (or newer). The AMSOIL replacement is Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40.

The recommended engine oil change interval for theses models is every 50 hours or once per year, whichever comes first.

Z525E, Z535M, Z535R, Z540M, Z540R Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil

Z525E, Z535M, Z535R, Z540M, Z540R Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

The transmissions on these models do not require oil and filter changes. However, the oil level should be maintained at the “Full” line. John Deere suggests 10W-30 motor oil for these transmissions. The AMSOIL product that meets this spec is AMSOIL Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil.

Z525E, Z535M, Z535R, Z540M, Z540R Engine Oil And Service Interval

These models are gasoline-powered. John Deere suggests 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, SAE 30 or SAE 40 motor oil meeting the API SJ, SL, SM or SN specification (or newer). The AMSOIL replacement is Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40.

The recommended engine oil change interval for these models is every 50 hours or once per year, whichever comes first.

Z700 Series Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil

Z720E, Z730M, Z735E, Z735M, Z740R- Gasoline Engines

Z700 Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

John Deere recommends 15W-40 diesel engine oil for the transmission. If 15W-40 is not available, 20W-50 engine oil may be used. Our replacement is AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil or AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil.

Change transmission oil and filter every 250 hours or once per year, whichever comes first.

Z700 Gasoline Engine Oil And Service Interval

John Deere suggests 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, SAE 30, SAE 40 meeting API SJ or newer. The AMSOIL replacement is Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40.

The recommended engine oil change interval for the Z700 Series is every 50 hours or once per year (whichever comes first).

Z900 Gasoline Series Zero-Turn Mower Transmission And Engine Oil

Z-Trak Pro Series- Z900B, Z900M, Z900R Z900E, Z920M, Z930M, Z945M EFI, Z945M, Z955M, Z960M, Z970R- Gasoline Engines

Z900 Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

John Deere suggests a hydraulic fluid meeting the “J20C” specification. The AMSOIL substitute that meets the John Deere J20C spec is AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil.

The transmission oil and filter should be changed after a 300-hour break-in period. Then every 500 hours or once per year thereafter.

Z900 Gasoline Engine Oil And Service Interval

John Deere suggests 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, SAE 30, SAE 40 meeting API SJ or newer. The AMSOIL replacement is Small Engine Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40.

The recommended engine oil change interval for the Z900 Series (gasoline engine) is every 100 hours or once per year (whichever comes first).

Z994R Z-Trak Pro Series Diesel

Z9994R Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

John Deere suggests a hydraulic fluid meeting the “J20C” specification. The AMSOIL product that meets the John Deere J20C spec is AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil.

The transmission oil and filter should be changed after 300-hour break-in period. Then every 500 hours or once per year thereafter.

Z994R Diesel Engine Oil And Service Interval

John Deere recommends diesel engine oil (0W-40, 5W-40, 15W-40). A 10W-30 motor oil (meeting the suggested diesel specs) can be used at ambient temperatures below 104°F. Motor oil meeting API CD (or higher), ACEA Oil Sequence E3 (or higher) is suggested. Our suggestion is AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil, AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil or AMSOIL Small Engine Series.

The recommended engine oil change interval is every 250 hours.

Z997R Z-Trak Pro Series Diesel

Z997R Transmission Oil Type And Service Interval

John Deere suggests a hydraulic fluid meeting the “J20C” specification. Our product that meets the John Deere J20C spec is AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil.

The transmission oil and filter should be changed after a 50-hour break-in period. Then every 500 hours or once per year thereafter.

Z974R Diesel Engine Oil And Service Interval

Deere recommends diesel engine oil (0W-40, 5W-40, 15W-40) meeting the API CJ-4 (or higher), or ACEA Oil E6, E9 (or higher) or JASO DH-2. Our replacement is AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil or AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil.

The engine oil change interval after break-in is 50 hours. Then every 250 hours or once per year thereafter.

AMSOIL Synthetic Replacements For John Deere Hydraulic/Transmission And Engine Oil

Hydrostatic/Transmission Oil

AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil meets both the John Deere J20C and J20D (winter grade) specifications. This product is ideal for use in all John Deere Z-Trak Zero-turn hydrostatic/transmission systems.

This AMSOIL Hydraulic/Transmission Oil a top-tier, 100% synthetic product. Therefore, it is an upgrade over the mineral John Deere Hy-Gard and also the Low-Viscosity Hy-Gard Transmission & Hydraulic Oil.

Features include:

  • Robust wear protection
  • Consistent performance in extreme heat or cold
  • Capable of long service life
  • Conditions seal and hoses
  • Protects against internal rust and corrosion during storage

Gasoline Engine Oil

For John Deere Zero-Turn mowers with gasoline engines, we can’t imagine a better option than AMSOIL Synthetic Small Engine Series. The 10W-30 or 10W-40 options are suggested for ZTrak gasoline engines. This commercial-grade motor oil is designed to handle long-days and tough conditions. Features include:

  • Robust wear control
  • Over-built to withstand long service intervals
  • Handles extreme hot or cold climates
  • Protects engine internals from rust and corrosion

Diesel Engine Oil

John Deere diesel-powered zero-turn lawn mowers can use 15W-40, 5W-40 or 0W-40 diesel engine oil. This covers both the Z994R and Z997R models. The AMSOIL synthetic diesel engines oils that cover the specifications for these models are the ultra-premium Signature Series Max-Duty or the value-priced Heavy-Duty Series.

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What Is The Shelf Life Of An Opened Bottle Of Motor Oil?

A reader asks: How long is motor oil usable after the bottle has been opened?

Our answer: Once the seal has been cracked on a bottle of motor oil, the remaining oil should be used up within one year. This guideline also applies to transmission oil and gear oil. Opened bottles of both synthetic and conventional motor oils would have a similar lifespan.

Three Reasons Why Motor Oil Should Be Used Within A Year Of Opening

  1. Condensation- After the seal on the bottle has been broken, the interior is more prone to condensation. Once the oil level in the bottle is lowered, there is more open space for condensation to develop.
  2. Oxidation- As the motor oil becomes exposed to oxygen over time, the chemical makeup of the motor oil changes. Simply put, once the oxidation process has started in motor oil, the capabilities of the oil are severely limited and unpredictable. Therefore, that partial bottle of motor oil that has been sitting on shelf for several years should be used in an oil can or sent to recycling.
  3. Additive Fallout- Over time, the ingredients that make up the motor oil formula can start to degrade. This compromises the capabilities and service life of the motor oil. This process would likely take much longer than a year. This can happen in sealed bottles that have been stored for too long as well.

Motor Oil Storage Tips

  • Store motor oil in dry conditions. Don’t leave motor oil bottles out in the yard or in the back of the truck.
  • Do not store the oil in temperatures below it’s cold-pour-point. If the motor oil freezes and “gels”, this will shorten the lifespan of the motor oil.
  • The ideal storage temperature range for motor oil is between 0°C (32°F) and 29°C (85°F).

Shelf Life Of Unopened Motor Oil Bottles

The shelf life of sealed, unopened motor oil, transmission fluid or gear oil is roughly 5 years. Please note the storage tips above to maximize the shelf life of new motor oil.

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