John Deere 720 Engine Oil Capacity
Direct answer and model scope
The John Deere 720 row-crop tractor, built from 1956 through 1958, has an engine crankcase oil capacity that is commonly listed at 8 US quarts including the filter change allowance. Some operator references state 7 quarts as the refill amount for the crankcase before adding the filter volume, so 8 quarts is the practical total when the filter is replaced. The 720 was offered with gasoline, all-fuel, and LP-gas engine options, but the oil capacity specification is generally the same for these variants.
Why the refill amount matters
Using the correct oil volume helps maintain consistent oil pressure and prevents both overfilling and underfilling. On a horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine such as that used in the 720, the oil level in the sump affects splash lubrication and the pickup for the pressure system. Because there is no separate oil cooler on standard examples, the crankcase capacity is the main reservoir for heat transfer and contaminant suspension.
Recommended service procedure
Drain the oil only after the engine has reached normal operating temperature, which helps suspend contaminants. Remove the drain plug and allow enough time for the old oil to empty. Replace the filter, then refill with approximately 7 quarts, start the engine briefly to fill the filter and circulate oil, shut down, and check the dipstick before adding the final amount up to the full mark. The total added is typically 8 quarts including what the filter holds.
Oil selection for the 720
John Deere guidance for two-cylinder tractors of this era points to a high-quality detergent oil suitable for air-cooled or low-temperature liquid-cooled gasoline engines. In modern terms, a 10W-30 or 15W-40 engine oil meeting API service classifications for gasoline engines is commonly used, with SAE 30 acceptable for warmer operating conditions. Always confirm compatibility with the tractor's flat-tappet camshaft and older seal materials.
Uncertainty and documentation gaps
The published capacity figures vary slightly between aftermarket specification tables and original John Deere operator manuals. The 8-quart figure is the most frequently cited total including filter replacement, but a copy of the specific operator's manual for the tractor is the best reference for the exact dipstick calibration and any seasonal oil recommendation. The specification does not change materially across the gasoline and all-fuel versions, though the all-fuel engine may have different cold-start dilution characteristics that affect oil service intervals rather than capacity.
