SAE30 10W-30
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From: Corydon US of A
SAE30 10W-30
Alright this might be a simple question but its always baffled me. Why is it that Tractors recommend SAE30 and Auto's recommend 10W-30? I know that SAE30 is a lot thicker which lead me to belive it might be a lower grade that uses less refinieing. but its the same price as 10W-30. so why i ask.
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From: Kentucky
SAE30 10W-30
My lawn mower also recommends SAE30HD but only in temperatures above 40 degrees F. The reasoning is multigrades offer better cold start protection in cold climates and straight 30HD stands up to heat better in hard working engines like tractors and air-cooled lawn machinery. Hope this helps. 
Postmaster
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From: So Cal
SAE30 10W-30
Multi viscosity oils start with a thinner oil to get the W side, ie 5W30 starts with an oil that acts like 5 weight in winter. Then they add viscosity improvers to broaden the range of temperatures, ie push it up to 30 weight in this case. From what I have read all the multivis dino oils are like this, the ##W is the winter weight and the starting base oil, the last number is the weight it will act like at warm engine temperatures.
Synthetics are a whole nuther animal and the rulles don't apply the same, I think.
A single weight oil is very good and will be more "durable" for it's temperature range than a multivis. This is the tradeoff. Multivis is good over a wider range and so it is convenient to use, but the VI improvers are not a lubricant and can oxidize over time. If you live where a single weight will work, then that would be the better choice. In any case as long as you use the API SAE grades and ratings required by your engine and do regular changes, you will be fine.
What I have read...
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Synthetics are a whole nuther animal and the rulles don't apply the same, I think.
A single weight oil is very good and will be more "durable" for it's temperature range than a multivis. This is the tradeoff. Multivis is good over a wider range and so it is convenient to use, but the VI improvers are not a lubricant and can oxidize over time. If you live where a single weight will work, then that would be the better choice. In any case as long as you use the API SAE grades and ratings required by your engine and do regular changes, you will be fine.
What I have read...
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
SAE30 10W-30
Small gas engines, like found in gardening equipment, as well as piston-type air compressors do not have oil pumps, they are splash lubricated.
VI impovers are long-chain polymers that probably break down more quickly with the crank actually dipping in the oil, like in many pre- 1950's car and truck engines.
Thicker oils tend to cling to parts longer to prevent rust and provide some start-up protection. This type of equipment is generally stored for long periods between uses.
VI impovers are long-chain polymers that probably break down more quickly with the crank actually dipping in the oil, like in many pre- 1950's car and truck engines.
Thicker oils tend to cling to parts longer to prevent rust and provide some start-up protection. This type of equipment is generally stored for long periods between uses.
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