2012 John Deere 9570 Combine

            Here is a report from a 2012 John Deere 9570 Combine.  This farmer uses AMSOIL’s premium AME 15W-40 HD Marine and Diesel oil in his entire fleet of Deere’s.  This report is still a white sheet at 273 hours.  The flagged Magnesium is residual from the factory fill (many oils use Magnesium in their additive packages, but AMSOIL often uses Calcium instead), and no concern.  The TBN is still almost nine (higher than most other oils when brand new), engine wear is low and everything else is great.  I can also tell from the analysis that for whatever reason this engine was running a bit hot too, but the oil is still good.  At the current rate of oil decay this farmer could have gotten close to 1000 hours out of this oil. 

            Many OEM’s use tactics that make consumers believe they have to use OEM brand oils or face dire warranty consequences.  This is not true, and in many places in North America such practises are expressly illegal.  Ask any dealer who says this to put it in writing.  To meet OEM warranty requirements all you legally need is a fluid that meets or exceeds the equipment fluid specifications and to not neglect your maintenance.  Be sure to perform due diligence and keep proof of it.  This doesn’t stop OEM’s from playing the game, however, and we can see where farmers who just spent three hundred G’s on a new machine are coming from: they don’t want to risk their warranty.  Well, we hope this analysis and others here will help put your mind at ease when using AMSOIL.  See our warranty page for more details on this.  

            These days many newer models are said to be able to handle 500 hour changes with factory oil, but let me offer a little perspective.  Considering how most OEM oils are simply rebranded petroleum products and seeing how this particular engine has the potential to run hot, I would consider running dino oil in this machine for 500 hour drains a little ill-advised, especially as the engine ages.  OEM’s are under a lot of pressure from the government and others to improve fuel mileage and other environmental impacts.  This motivation, not a sudden improvement in their oils or machining tolerances, primarily explains their lengthened oil drain recommendations.  This also explains why OEM’s switch to thinner oils, sometimes even in the middle of an engine’s production run.  None of this helps protect your engine better, by the way. 

            Against huge purchase and long term fuel, maintenance and repair costs, spending a bit more up front for AMSOIL is a smart investment and good insurance.  Just one avoidable breakdown on a machine like this will more than prove the point.  Not to mention the money and valuable down-time saved through reduced oil changes.  With field equipment like this be certain not to skimp on filter cleanings and changes; both air and oil.  Keep them clean and change them on time, if not sooner, depending on conditions.  If you’re using standard cellulose oil filters from the dealer, change them at least once in the middle of an extended AMSOIL drain period.  Sometimes AMSOIL can provide its own premium extended drain filters for HD equipment, but not always.  Good filtration is just as important as quality oil.