OT: Oil and filter for diesel engine?

[charlie]

Can someone explain the difference in engine oil and oil filter for a diesel engine? vs gasoline engine? What is a good diesel engine oil?

This is for my skid steer loader (bobcat).

Shell Rotella T and Mobil Delvac are the choice of most truckers and fleet service. I used to work for Caterpillar (on their construction equipment) and their "CAT" oil is Delvac with their own label on it. If you want to use synthetic, that's fine too- but many of the industrial motors take 4-5 gallons and it gets expensive. Most people will run straight 30 on the older engines and 15-40 on the newer stuff. Multi visc oil (no matter how good) will ALWAYS break down before a straight weight. Since a lot of this stuff gets ignored until there's a problem, some prefer 30. Rotella T is pretty easy to find in local auto parts stores- you may have a tougher time finding Delvac.

[icm5er]

Shell Rotella T and Mobil Delvac are the choice of most truckers and fleet service. I used to work for Caterpillar (on their construction equipment) and their "CAT" oil is Delvac with their own label on it. If you want to use synthetic, that's fine too- but many of the industrial motors take 4-5 gallons and it gets expensive. Most people will run straight 30 on the older engines and 15-40 on the newer stuff. Multi visc oil (no matter how good) will ALWAYS break down before a straight weight. Since a lot of this stuff gets ignored until there's a problem, some prefer 30. Rotella T is pretty easy to find in local auto parts stores- you may have a tougher time finding Delvac.

15w-40 I was told is good for diesels, it also says so on the bottle. The engine is a Kubota Diesel, I think 36hp. I use the machine less than 40 hours per year so I figure if I change the oil every season, I should be OK.