Choosing motor oil for tractors and special equipment

The engine in the MTZ tractor is operated under variable loads in difficult conditions. The quality of technical fluids, including tractor engine oil, must be high to ensure reliable lubrication of rubbing surfaces.

MTZ engines have a combined lubrication system. Oil enters the mechanisms in two ways:

• Pumped by a pump. Lubricant under pressure enters the drive gears, bushings, valve mechanism, camshaft and crankshaft bearings;
• It splashes. The spray method is used to lubricate liners, pistons, piston rings, oil pump drive, and diesel camshaft cams.

Functions of oil in the MTZ engine

The lubricant in the engine design performs several important functions:

• prevents dry friction in components, reduces the wear rate of parts;
• forms a durable protective film on the metal surface that prevents oxidation;
• removes excess heat from friction units;
• removes wear particles and carbon deposits, keeps them in suspension, preventing the appearance of sediment.

High-quality diesel oil for MTZ significantly increases engine life. By reducing friction, fuel consumption is reduced. It is important to choose the right lubricant taking into account the type of diesel engine and operating mode.

Types of motor oils for MTZ

Mineral

The base component is made from petroleum feedstock. The product is purified, processed, and undesirable components are removed. Mineral oils are characterized by a low viscosity index, low content of saturated hydrocarbons, and a high percentage of sulfur impurities.

Advantages:

• affordable price.

Flaws:

• low thermal stability, loss of properties when heated and cooled;
• rapid decline in basic characteristics;
• tendency to form varnish and carbon deposits on the surface of engine parts.

Synthetic

The base component is made from crude oil or natural gas. The base composition is subjected to deep processing using catalytic processes. Undesirable components are not removed, but are chemically converted into molecules with the required mass and chain length. Synthetic oils have a high viscosity index and contain up to 90% or more saturated hydrocarbons. To improve properties, packages of functional additives are added to the composition.

Advantages:

• improved performance characteristics;
• extended replacement interval;
• stability of properties during the recommended period of use.

Flaws:

• higher cost compared to mineral products.

Oils for construction equipment: SAE and API specifications

Oils for construction equipment should be selected in accordance with American and European specifications. SAE and API are considered the main ones. They determine how well a particular oil meets quality requirements. For example, the SAE specification shows the viscosity level of the oil, as well as the climatic conditions in which it is used (winter, summer and all-season). As for the API specification, it determines the performance of the oil and the characteristics of its additives with anti-wear, anti-oxidation, extreme pressure and other properties.

What determines oil service life?

The ability of a material to retain its properties depends on the design of the engine itself. MTZ tractors are equipped with oil filters to purify technical fluid from water and solid impurities. The lubricant is filtered each time it passes through the system and only then re-enters the engine.

Tractors of newer modifications have modern centrifugal filters installed. The cleaning element has a constant filtration rate. In such systems, the loss of crankcase oil is significantly reduced, and the protection of parts from wear is increased due to the high-quality removal of impurities.

In order for the lubricant to last as long as possible, it is necessary to maintain the machine in a timely manner, change filters, and upgrade components whenever possible. On average, changing the oil of the Belarus tractor is recommended after 250-480 operating hours or 1 year of operation. The exact service intervals vary for different models and are indicated in the machine's owner's manual.

"Divinol Multitrack" 15w30

The German manufacturer Divinol produces good winter and summer oils that can be used in a variety of special equipment. The products of this company are distinguished by their own high characteristics.

What oil is most common among Russian drivers today?

This is Divinol Multitrack 15w30. Most often it is used in hydraulics and motors of special equipment, which is used for construction work. The oil meets international standards set by well-known manufacturers of construction equipment.

It contains special additives that, among other things, prevent it from foaming and allow you to start the engine without warming up even at very low temperatures.

By purchasing a lubricant of this brand, you will purchase a high-quality petroleum product that can ensure the normal functioning of various special equipment.

How does Divinol oil differ from similar products?

It is recommended by manufacturers of special equipment such as Ford, Fiat and Ellison, who, of course, know exactly which motor oil is best to pour into, for example, a tractor.

Physico-chemical properties of oils for MTZ engines

Viscosity. The characteristics often indicate dynamic or absolute viscosity. This parameter determines the ratio of shear force to velocity as a function of temperature. All oils are viscous liquids.

Viscosity index. The viscosity of materials varies inversely with temperature. When heated, the liquid becomes more mobile, and when cooled, it becomes thicker. Depending on the composition, the degree of change in fluidity will be different. The ideal option is a constant viscosity value over a wide temperature range. But this is impossible. To assess the degree of change, the concept of viscosity index was introduced. The quantity is dimensionless. A low index indicates that viscosity is highly dependent on temperature. The higher the indicator, the more stable the characteristics of the material.

Pour point. The critical parameter at which the viscosity increases sharply before losing fluidity. The pour point causes crystallization of hydrocarbons in the material.

Flash point. The value of the indicator depends on the content of volatile components. The flash point determines losses due to waste, evaporation through the ventilation system. Characterization is also important for assessing the risk of fire of a material during transportation and storage.

Sulfated ash content. The value of the indicator depends on the type and quality of additives. Elements such as Zn, Mg, P and others form ash deposits during combustion, which negatively affect the operation of the engine and exhaust gas purification system. The best diesel oils have low sulfated ash content. A high value of the parameter over time can lead to premature detonation of fuel in the engine, contamination of catalytic converters and exhaust gas filters.

Types of additives:

• viscosity-thickening agents to increase the viscosity index;
• antioxidants to slow down destructive processes in oil;
• anti-corrosion to protect engine metal surfaces;
• depressants to improve low-temperature properties (more often used in mineral oils);
• antifriction to reduce friction and increase unit efficiency;
• anti-wear to protect against abrasion;
• detergents (detergents) to prevent the formation of carbon deposits on the surfaces of parts in thermally stressed areas;
• dispersing to keep polluting particles in suspension.

Types of oils for tractor engines

recommends the use of diesel oils such as DP-11, DSP-11 with additives in the summer. The letter “C” means thorough selective purification of the product, and the number indicates the viscosity value.

In winter, less viscous varieties DP-8, MS-14 (discontinued) are recommended.

There are a number of alternative oils. For reference, let's look at the two most popular brands:

• M-8G2 according to GOST 8581-78. M-8G2 oil is produced from sulfur and low-sulfur grades of oil. The product contains a package of highly effective additives for use in naturally aspirated diesel engines. The oil is thermally stable and works reliably in difficult conditions. The kinematic viscosity value at 100 °C is 8 mm/s2, which corresponds to SAE-20W. If in winter the region experiences frosts down to -30 °C or lower, it is recommended to replace category G2 with B2. M-4/8B2 lubricants contain special additives to improve low-temperature properties.
• M-10G2 or M-10G2k (“k” - for highly accelerated engines). Lubricant for high-performance naturally aspirated engines. Works effectively in extreme conditions. It is obtained from sulfur and low-sulfur grades of oil with the addition of a large package of additives. Viscosity grade corresponds to SAE-30, characteristics - API CC.

Information from the operating manual for Belarus tractors modifications 80Х/80Х.1/100Х:

Current Products

Especially for tractors, road construction and agricultural machinery, ROLF Lubricants GmbH offers a line of high-quality oils that are extremely versatile in application.

ROLF TDTO 10W, 30, 50.

Available transmission oils approved for use in hydraulics, wet brakes and clutches. Since the use of a mineral base does not allow for a wide range of operating temperatures, it is produced in three viscosity grades according to SAE. Meets the requirements of the API GL-4 standard and can be used in mechanical transmissions and drive axles, with the exception of hypoid gears. Can be used for servicing Caterpillar and Komatsu equipment, in ZF, Allison, Eaton transmissions that have specific requirements according to the list specified in the list of characteristics.

ROLF UTTO 10W-30.

Premium multi-season oil on a synthetic base with a pour point of -35 °C, intended for hydromechanical and hydraulic transmissions and hydraulic operating circuits. Fully complies with the requirements of the API GL-4 standard and approvals of John Deere, ZF, Allison, Ferguson.

Rules for the use of motor oils

It is necessary to change the engine oil in a timely manner according to the schedule specified by the tractor manufacturer. After 800-1500 km, the lubricant may darken, especially in used engines. The color change means that detergent additives are dissolving carbon deposits and soot from the surfaces of parts. Both mineral water and synthetics can darken.

To switch from synthetic oil to mineral oil, you must drain the lubricant from the engine and oil cooler. Residual amounts of synthetics will not cause harm, but in large quantities mixing two different products will negatively affect engine performance.

Handicraftsmen sometimes add additives to the oil themselves. This cannot be done. Modern products have a completely balanced composition. Recipes undergo strict laboratory control and bench testing. It is no longer possible to improve the lubricant on your own, but you can easily ruin it by excessively adding additives.

Our website presents a wide range of components and consumables for Belarus equipment. To buy spare parts for the MTZ tractor or get expert advice, call us at +375 17 388-07-77.

Reviews

Igor, Kharkov. A solid worker with a powerful and torquey engine, which is also economical, although quite noisy by modern standards. Obvious shortcomings include a small and cramped cabin, lack of all-wheel drive and low quality spare parts.

Andrey, Krasnoyarsk. The tractor is very cheap to maintain, and therefore does not require large expenses even when performing a huge amount of agricultural work. But there is no comfort at all. The simple design is a serious advantage, because thanks to this, the MTZ-80 is considered one of the most popular in our country within the CIS.