How To Choose the Right Lubricant
Authored by Tractor Supply Company
Lubricant change shopping list
In need of a change? Read more below on how to choose the right lubricant or oil for your engine, and don't forget these items for an easy care session.
- Oil Drain Pan
- Oil Recovery Pan
- 5-Gallon Pail Pump
- Shop Towels
- All Purpose Oil & Grease Absorbent
- Filters
- Filter Wrench
- Funnels
- Hand Cleaner
- Jacks & Jack Stands
Regular maintainance of your truck, tractor or small engine is key to keeping these go-to items for the long haul. Use this guide to lubricants to determine what type of engine oil or lubricant you need for DIY maintaining. Consult your owner's manual or stop by and see us in store for help.
Gear box lubricants
Like other types of rotating equipment, Gear Box Lubricants are essential to provide cooling and reduce friction so the gears stay in good working order. The right Gear Box lubricants are critical to keep the gearbox in good working order. Find Gear Lube in 1 quart, 2 gallon and 5 gallon sizes to fit your needs. The types include:
- Gear Lube SAE 80W-90
- Gear Lube SAE 85W-140
Engine oil for gasoline and diesel
Late model or older gasoline engine oil:
- 5W-20 Conventional
- 5W-30 Conventional
- 10W-30 Conventional
- 10W-40 Conventional
- 5W-20 Synthetic
- 5W-30 Synthetic
- 10W-30 Synthetic
Lubrication for diesel engines:
- Fleet SAE 15W-40
- Fleet SAE HD 30
- Fleet SAE HD 40
Hydraulic lubricants, or hydraulic fluid
Hydraulic Lubricants are used for hydraulic equipment, such as log splitters, car lifts, and other machinery that uses liquid pressure to create movement. Hydraulic lubricants include:
- All Season Hydraulic ISO 46
Ford Hydraulic Oil is a non-detergent hydraulic lubricant specifically for older Ford Tractors.
What is Universal Tractor Lubricant
Universal Tractor Lubricant is actually a multi-purpose lubricant. In addition to lubricating tractor hydraulics, it is also used in the PTO (power take off), transmission, steering and wet brake systems of tractors.
How much oil do you need?
Equipment specifications and capacities vary. Consult your owner’s manual or contact your manufacturer for specific requirements for your machinery.
Buying in larger quantities may be beneficial for one or more of the following reasons:
- You have more than one piece of equipment that requires the same lubricant.
- You want to have additional lubricants on hand.
- Purchasing a larger quantity gives you a price break.
Frequently asked questions
What lubricant should I buy?
Consult your owner’s manual for details. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, check with your dealer or manufacturer for recommendations.
When should lubricants be changed?
Lubricants should be changed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Frequent oil changes help your engine by:
- Minimizing wear and tear
- Providing corrosion protection
- Cooling the engine
- Removing contaminates
What is viscosity?
Viscosity is the lubricant’s resistance to flow. All lubricants tend to undergo changes in viscosity at different temperatures. Lubricants thicken in cooler temperatures and thin out in higher temperatures.
What are multigrade lubricants?
Multigrade lubricants are ideal to meet a variety of temperature requirements. Multigrades have a dual viscosity designation, such as 10W-30. 10W defines the viscosity at 0 degrees F (hence the W, for “winter”) and 30 defines the viscosity at operating temperatures. You may also hear viscosity numbers referred to as “weights.”
What are additives?
Additives include the following:
- Detergents, which keep surfaces of your engine clean, and
- Dispersants, which disperse solid particles so they don’t come together to form sludge, varnish, and acids.
Get everything for your truck and auto needs.
Stop in and see us anytime.