There's a thread on this Forum about which oil to use during the break-in period and when to change the break-in oil. One thing for sure is the JD literature is confusing and contradictory. I found another post in the FAQ section of JD's technical library which gives a bit more guidance on the break-in period and oils to use
When should I switch from break-in oil to Plus-50 engine oil?
Engine break-in oil recommendations.
Symptoms: Excessive engine oil consumption. Learn more about engine oil consumption guidelines.
Situation or Problem
1) Early removal of break-in oil (factory filled on new engines or dealer filled at engine overhaul).
2) Inadequate or improper engine break-in of a new or overhauled engine.
Summary
Engine break-in recommendations are listed below and can be found in the tractor's Operator's Manual:
1. Fill engine crankcase with John Deere engine break-in oil to the full mark on dipstick.
2. Operate engine with break-in oil regardless of ambient temperature.
3. Operate engine at moderate to heavy loads with minimal idling.
4. If the engine has significant operating time at idle, constant speeds, and/or light load usage, or make-up oil is required in the first 100 hour period then a longer break-in period is required using a new change of John Deere engine break-in oil and a new John Deere oil filter.
Important: DO NOT add make-up oil until the oil level is BELOW the ADD mark on a fully inserted dipstick. If make-up oil is required during the break-in period then an additional 100 hour break-in period is required.
5. Check oil more frequently during break-in period. The preferred make-up oil during break-in is John Deere engine break-in oil. Visit your local John Deere Dealer to obtain the correct oil to add during the break-in period.
Important: DO NOT use John Deere Plus-50 oil or engine oils meeting API CG4, API CF4, ACEA E3, ACEA E2, or CCMC D5 performance levels during the first 100 hours of operation ( or additional periods of break-in that may be required) of a new or rebuilt engine. These oils will not allow the engine to break-in properly.
Affected Equipment All John Deere Tractors
When should I switch from break-in oil to Plus-50 engine oil?
Engine break-in oil recommendations.
Symptoms: Excessive engine oil consumption. Learn more about engine oil consumption guidelines.
Situation or Problem
1) Early removal of break-in oil (factory filled on new engines or dealer filled at engine overhaul).
2) Inadequate or improper engine break-in of a new or overhauled engine.
Summary
Engine break-in recommendations are listed below and can be found in the tractor's Operator's Manual:
1. Fill engine crankcase with John Deere engine break-in oil to the full mark on dipstick.
2. Operate engine with break-in oil regardless of ambient temperature.
3. Operate engine at moderate to heavy loads with minimal idling.
4. If the engine has significant operating time at idle, constant speeds, and/or light load usage, or make-up oil is required in the first 100 hour period then a longer break-in period is required using a new change of John Deere engine break-in oil and a new John Deere oil filter.
Important: DO NOT add make-up oil until the oil level is BELOW the ADD mark on a fully inserted dipstick. If make-up oil is required during the break-in period then an additional 100 hour break-in period is required.
5. Check oil more frequently during break-in period. The preferred make-up oil during break-in is John Deere engine break-in oil. Visit your local John Deere Dealer to obtain the correct oil to add during the break-in period.
Important: DO NOT use John Deere Plus-50 oil or engine oils meeting API CG4, API CF4, ACEA E3, ACEA E2, or CCMC D5 performance levels during the first 100 hours of operation ( or additional periods of break-in that may be required) of a new or rebuilt engine. These oils will not allow the engine to break-in properly.
Affected Equipment All John Deere Tractors