Winter engine oil ? 763 bobcat

[mini]

Should I change to Winter engine oil ? in my 763 bobcat, any advice, it has a kobota engine
I have the bobcat oil in it right now I think it;s 40
Thanks mini

 

[Tazza]

If you have a block heater or keep the machine in a heated garage, i wouldn't bother.
I don't live in the cold, how cold does it get? other members may be able to give better advise if they know how cold the machine will get.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

If you have a block heater or keep the machine in a heated garage, i wouldn't bother.
I don't live in the cold, how cold does it get? other members may be able to give better advise if they know how cold the machine will get.

I would not leave straight 40 in the winter unless you can always park it indoors. (or unless your winters rarely dip below 20f )
The block heater won't put much heat in the oil pan, but it will help starting. Our winters see 0 to -20f , sometimes -35, my preference has been to switch to 0 40 synthetic, and run it year around. That way I change oil when the hour meter says, not based on the season. I still usually park indoors when ever possible, this saves both the engine and hydrostats.
Ken

 

[mini]

I'm in southern Ontario Canada, it's already starting to get cold here,
last year I kept the bobcat mostly in thr heated shop, but it just took up so much space, I might just leave it in the un-heated barn this winter
I will switch to synthetic 40, that sounds like a good plan

 

[jklingel]

I'm in southern Ontario Canada, it's already starting to get cold here,
last year I kept the bobcat mostly in thr heated shop, but it just took up so much space, I might just leave it in the un-heated barn this winter
I will switch to synthetic 40, that sounds like a good plan

Fairbanks, AK. On our road vehicles, we use a block heater and an engine oil pan heater (pad), siliconed on. The pads come in "patches" of various sizes and wattages. Clean the pan, sili it on, and hold w/ pressure till it dries (I use a jack and board). Some folks also put the pad heater on their auto trannies. My JD dealer said that was all they use for year round work. I was also advised not to put a pad heater on a plastic hydraulic fluid tank, as this particular service guy saw one get melted. My opinion is that the thing shorted out and was drawing whatever amps the cord could handle. I don't see how 750 watts could melt anything against hyd fluid that is real cold. I've almost been able to boil water in a paper bag with an oxy-acet torch; never fazed the bag, but I could not get the water to boil. Some kids and I were just dinking around in class one day; however, I digress. Back to the Bobcat. I think you'll be fine with those two, unless you get colder than -50F and plan on working. john