Proper maintenance of your lawnmower is essential for keeping its performance to a top and for extending its overall life. One way to take proper care of your lawnmower is to make sure that you have the right amount and the right type of oil in your machine.
That’s why we have brought to you some of the best tips to help you give your lawnmower proper maintenance.
Kawasaki 12PK Quart Genuine OEM 4 Cycle Engine Oil K-TECH SAE 10W-30 99969-6081
- Kawasaki 4-Cycle Engine Oil 99969-6081
- (12) 1 Quart Bottles of Oil
What Oil Do I Use for Lawn Mowers?
First of all, you should know that not every kind of oil is going to work for your lawnmower. This is because each engine has different features and so not every oil is designed to match those characteristics. Therefore, you should always check the operator manual of your mower to know what kind of oil the manufacturer recommends.
Next, consider the oil type and capacity of your mower, the type of equipment you use, the kind of engine, and the temperature outside. These are essential for determining the oil you’re going to buy. Also, always look for a high-quality detergent oil classified as “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher. Make sure to not use special additives as these are not necessary at all, straight oil is actually the best choice to get the job done.
Briggs & Stratton SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Motor Oil - 32 Oz. 100074
- 100% Synthetic SAE 5W-30
- For Use In All Air Cooled 4-cycle Engines
- 32 Oz. bottle
What Grade does Oil go in A Lawn Mower?
With the starting recommendations stated above in mind, now you may be wondering about the grade oil you need to use. Here are some of the most commonly used grades:
- SAE 30: Best for warmer temperatures of 40° F and higher. It’s most commonly used for small engines.
- SAE 10W-30: This one is very versatile, as it works on varying temperature ranges of 0 to 100° F. This grade of oil improves cold-weather starting but may increase oil consumption at 80° F or higher.
- Synthetic SAE 5W-30: It’s the best protection at temperatures from -20 to 120° F. Also, this oil improves starting with less consumption.
- SAE 5W-30: Ideal for working in very cold temperatures of 40° F and below.
- Vanguard 15W-50: Works at varying temperature ranges from 20°F to 130°F. Excellent for commercial lawn cutting or pressure washing.
STP 4 Cycle Oil Formula, Engine Care for Lawnmower, Push Mower & Tractor, Bottles, 32 Fl Oz, 18589
- High quality base oil cushion parts to protect against friction and helps control engine oil viscosity over the oil drain period
- Engineered with Anti-Wear Technology that provides engine part lubrication and reduced engine wear
What Oil Do I Put in A Push Mower?
Most walk-behind mowers have a 15 oz – 18 oz oil capacity and tend to have a small engine. With this in mind, an SAE 30 oil is perfect for your push mower. Whether it is a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, an SAE 30 oil will work perfectly, as it is a lightweight oil that’s also thick enough to lubricate, but not so thick that it will clog engine parts.
Careful, because commercial push mowers have larger engines that usually require a different oil like a Vanguard 15W-50.
Honda 08207-10W30 PK2 Motor Oil
- Honda genuine oil is engineered for today's high revving 4-stroke engines
- Protect your investment with this unique blend of costly sheer-stable polymer additives, top quality base stocks, engineered by Honda to resist viscosity and thermal breakdown
How Do I Check the Oil Level?
Checking the oil level in your lawnmower regularly is a must. This is to make sure the engine is properly lubricated.
For doing so just remove the dipstick from the lawnmower and wipe it off with a clean rag. Then, insert the dipstick twisting it back into place. Next, pull it back out to check the oil residue on it. If it is lower than the add mark of the dipstick, then it’s time to put more oil in your mower.
When and How do I change the Oil in My Lawn Mower?
Experts agree that you should change the oil in your lawnmower every 25 – 50 hours of use for a walk-behind model and every 100 hours of use for a riding mower.
For changing the oil start the mower and let the engine run for about 1 minute to circulate any dirt that might be in the oil. Then, put the mower on its side and remove the filler plug and dipstick. Let the oil run out draining it into an oil-safe drain pan until the crankcase is empty. Then, refill the crankcase to somewhere between the full and add marks of the dipstick. Dispose of the old oil properly.
Finally, beware of extreme dust and dirt, rough terrain, and frequent mowing of wet or muddy grass, as these conditions make the engine work harder so the frequency of oil change may be increased.
Can I Use Motor Oil or Synthetic Oil in My Lawn Mower?
Contrary to what many people think, using regular motor oil for your lawnmower isn’t always a good idea. Motor oil has a higher density and viscosity to power larger engines for longer periods. Therefore, for smaller engines like those of lawnmowers, motor oil could end up clogging and disabling some units, even on four-stroke mowers. So, it’s better to use a lightweight oil for your lawnmower.
Regarding synthetic oil, we have good news for you. In this case, synthetic oil is a good call, as synthetic 5W30 or 10W30 not only are lightweight oils but also work in all temperature ranges. But beware of the brand that you shop from, always remember to check the specifications of the oil.
