This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog July 27, 2011. You can view the original post here.

Earlier this week, we provided an overview of key terms to know for choosing engine oil in new John Deere Interim Tier 4 engines. Today, we dive into why engine oil is so important to maximizing the performance of your new IT4 equipment. Engine oil has always been important to off-highway diesel engines, but the technologies needed to meet Interim and Final Tier 4 emissions regulations make oil even more significant to performance and maintenance.

With the introduction of exhaust filters, the type of engine oil used can have a significant impact on the proper functioning and ash service life of these devices.  These exhaust filters contain a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The most important of these technologies is the DPF, which traps the particulate matter (PM) created during combustion and is eventually oxidized through regeneration. As we demonstrated in our video aboutdiesel engine regeneration, diesel particulate filters eventually need to be serviced by your John Deere dealeror other qualified service provider. Using the right engine oil can help extend the service life of the DPF by improving efficiency.

So What Oil Should You Use?

Interim Tier 4 engines require oils meeting API CJ-4 or ACEA E9 standards. These oils use certain new additives with rebalanced chemistry to reduce trace metals or SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur) in general. Using oils with high levels of SAPS in Interim Tier 4 engines, reduces the performance efficiency of the DPFs and DOCs these engines utilize to meet emissions standards.

Companies that manufacture off-highway engine oils have risen to the challenges of Interim and Final Tier 4 emissions regulations. John Deere has introduced its Plus-50 II™ premium CJ-4 / E9 engine oil in those regions with IT4 or equivalent emission regulations.