What Type Of Oil Should I Use In My Mower
Oil is incredibly important to keep your engine lubed up and running. Particularly in two-stroke mower engines, where oil and fuel are combined, having the right oil can mean the difference between getting your lawn mowed or having to take your mower in for repairs. So what oils are recommended for use in lawn mowers, and why?
How Often To Check And Change Lawn Mower Oil
Only lawn mowers with four-stroke engines have oil that can be checked and changed. You should check the level and top it off if necessary before each mowing session.
If your four-stroke engine lawn mower is new, change the oil after the first three to five hours of use. As parts of a new engine wear initially, the internal movement of parts releases tiny metal filings into the oil that will cause excess wear if left there.
- Walk-Behind Mowers: Change oil in mower at least once a season or every 50 hours of use.
- Riding Mowers: Change oil in mower at least once a season or every 100 hours of use.
The owners manual for your lawn mower lists the amount of oil required, but youll do fine following the dip stick or oil level mark thats part of every four-stroke lawn mower engine.
Is Sae 30 The Same As 5w30
To be clear, SAE 30 and 5w30 are not the same. SAE 30 is a single-grade oil meaning it is only rated one time at a very high temperature. This high-temperature rating is right in the middle at 30. 5w30 on the other hand, is a multi-grade oil that has two ratings. Meaning at high temperatures it is also rated at 30, but at low temperatures, it has a rating of 5. This low-temperature grade is marked by a w representing a winter rating. These are the technical differences but Ill talk more about the traits and uses of each in the next sections.
Also Check: Is Trugreen Really Organic
Right Type Of Oil For Your Mower
Now that you know what kind of engine you have, you can now choose the type of oil.
Today, the highest oil quality that will work with any four-stroke engines is the standard oil for cars and trucks. On the other hand, any two-stroke motor oil for air-cooled engines, like chainsaws and water pumps, is perfect for your two-stroke lawnmower engine.
You also might need to consider the temperature and climate in your area when choosing the right type of oil.
- SAE 30 This type is ideal for warmer temperatures and most common for small engines.
- SAE 10W-30 This type is for varying temperature range this oil improves cold-weather starting. However, it may increase oil consumption.
- Synthetic SAE 5W-30 This oil is the best protection at all temperatures less oil consumption.
- SAE 5W-30 This is recommended for extremely cold temperatures.
- Vanguard 15W-50 This is also for varying temperature range and for continuous use .
Always use a high-quality detergent oil classified as For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher when buying oil for your lawn mower, and remember not to use special additives. Using synthetic oils is acceptable at all temperatures, and it does not alter the required oil change intervals.
Lawn Mower Oil: What To Use
Lawn mowers are excellent household and professional equipment required for clearing your lawn and keeping it neat and well-manicured all season. But gas lawn mowers need proper maintenance to keep working well, and will also help extend its life span. When it comes to the maintenance of your lawn mower, one of the essential things you must pay attention to is the type of oil that is compatible with your mower engine. It is also crucial to make sure that the type of oil you decide to use is ideal and best for your specific lawn mower. Not all lawn mower engines accept any kind of oil, some are designed to be selective and can only work with a specific kind of oil. Since the oil is responsible for driving the engine, it is critical that you pay special care to this factor as the wrong type of oil will lead to the breakdown of the engine, and this is something you definitely want to avoid.
Lawn mower oil, what to use:
For smaller lawnmowers use high-quality mall engine detergent oil classified as SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Do not use any special additives, but rather use synthetic oils as these are acceptable at all temperatures. Check the lawn-mowers owners manual what they recommend. For big lawn mowers with a big engine, motor oil that is also used for your car can be used, but also in this case check the owners manual.
Contents
Recommended Reading: How To Estimate Lawn Mowing Jobs
What Kind Of Oil Does My Craftsman Lawnmower Use
Craftsman lawnmowers use SAE 30 oil, which is the standard small engine oil. This is a type of all-purpose oil that can be used in push mowers and riding mowers.
Craftsman mowers can also use synthetic 5W-30 oil because it protects the engine for longer in all temperature conditions. Briggs and Stratton also recommends 10W-30 oil, but in temperatures higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the engine begins to consume more oil. Synthetic 5W-30 oil is recommended for use in only winter weather conditions.
Using the wrong kind of oil in a lawnmower can damage the engine and lead to costly problems. Although car engines work by the same combustion principles, car oil should not be used in lawn mowers. Oils come in different viscosity levels, which is the thickness of the oil. SAE 30 is a thicker oil than a SAE 20 oil. Be sure to always check oil levels before using a Craftsman lawnmower.
The Viscosity Of The Oil
Increased oil consumption can be caused by the wrong oil viscosity grade.
The different lawnmower manufacturers have different specifications of the kind of oil you should use.
Thus, trust their instructions to prevent any damage from occurring.
This will help to reduce the burning of oil or the lawnmower being slow.
Also Check: Weed Killer For Quackgrass
Sae 30 Vs 5w: Whats The Difference
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine and when changing it out or topping it off, you want to be sure that youre using the right kind. This is where the oil grading system comes in. Although it might seem confusing at first, there is a pretty clear pattern that the Society of Automotive Engineers follows when categorizing motor oil.
To grade oil, the viscosity/weight , is used. The ratings go from 0-60 with the lowest numbers representing the thinnest and the highest numbers representing the thickest oils. The question of SAE 30 vs 5w30 might seem to be confusing since they have one of the same ratings, but theyre actually a bit different.
Changing The Mower Oil: Viscosity Matters
When changing the oil in your Snapper mower, use the outdoor temperatures to determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected.
Lawn mower engine oil recommendations for brands other than Briggs & Stratton would be best obtained through the engine manufacturer, engine Operators Manual or local Snapper Service & Repair Dealers.
When performing mower maintenance or repair, Snapper recommends reading and following all safety precautions outlined in the Snapper Product Manual. This extends to changing the oil in all Snapper products, including tractors, riding mowers, zero turn mowers, tillers and other outdoor power products. Any FAQ instruction provided on the website are not intended to replace work completed by a Snapper Authorized Dealer. Terms and Conditions apply to all of the information presented on this website. Before operating your equipment or conducting small engine maintenance, you should always read and comprehend the entire Operator’s Manual.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Types Of Oil For A Lawnmower
If you want to use the car oil for your lawnmower, it depends mostly on the quality of the car oil you used for your car. Note that a low priced and low-quality car oil will cause severe damage to the lawnmower.
Most of the lawnmower oil is highly-priced due to its good quality. SAE 30 motor oil is always recommended to keep the lawnmower engine in a good condition for a long time. But before using oil, check the user manuals of the mower to get the best recommendation.
Sometimes 10W-30 and 10W-40 is used in the car. These two types of oil are good in quality and you can use these oil as your lawnmower fuel.
Dont leave us. We also have some core information for you. Keep reading.
Bob Vilas Picks For The Best Oils For Lawn Mower Maintenance
Bob Vilas four-stroke oil recommendation is STPs synthetic SAE-30 4 Cycle Oil. This offering from STP features antioxidants to prevent oil degradation at high temperatures, detergents designed to avoid carbon buildup inside the engine, and rust inhibitors to protect the engines internals during storage between mowing seasons.
The best two-stroke oil on the list is HP SYNTH 2-CYC OIL from Husqvarna. While the name suggests that this oil is synthetic, it is a synthetic blend that offers many of the performance advantages of full synthetics, according to Bob Vila. In addition, it comes in a convenient six-pack, with each 2.6-ounce bottle providing enough oil for a 50:1 ratio when mixed with one gallon of gasoline.
Bob Vilas pick for Best Bang for the Buck is Briggs & Stratton 2-Cycle Easy Mix Motor Oil. As a conventional oil designed for two-stroke engines, Briggs & Strattons Easy Mix Motor Oil comes in a 16-ounce bottle with a convenient measuring section built into the top. In addition, the formula features a fuel stabilizer that allows low smoke operation, results in less spark plug fouling, and provides smoother running engine operation.
Also Check: How Much To Hire Someone To Mow Lawn
Can I Use 5w 30 In My Lawn Mower
4.4/55w 30 willuse 305w305w30 willlawn mower
Yes! We have modified our engine oil recommendations to state that you may now use a synthetic 5W30 or 10W30 oil in all temperature ranges. Keep in mind that the use of synthetic oil does not prevent you from performing your regularly scheduled lawn mower maintenance .
Beside above, can I use 5w30 instead of SAE 30? 5wâ30 is fine to use. It has the same flow rate as SAE30 at normal operating temps. The way oil works is, the first number is flow rate at ambient temp. The second number is flow rate at operating temp of the engine.
Similarly, it is asked, can I use car oil in my lawn mower?
SAE 30 motor oil is commonly recommended for use in a lawn mower engine, but the safest best is to use the type of oil your lawn mower manufacturer recommends. Often 10W-30 or 10W-40, the same motor oil types that are used in vehicles, can also be used in a lawn mower.
Is there a difference between SAE 5w30 and 5w30?
The W means winter. So the first number such as 5 in 5w-30 means that it flows better when cold. 10w-30 would be a bit thicker while cold. However it is important to note that the 30 is the same across all three oils, meaning that they will all be the same viscosity once the engine is at full operating temperature.
Lawn Mower Oil: How To Pick The Right Type
When you take the lawn mower out of the garage after its winter break, does it seem like its not running as smoothly as last year? If you cant remember when you last changed the oil, its probably overdue. But what type of oil does your lawn mower take? That depends on the lawn mower engine, the size of the mower, and the mower type. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Violets In Lawn
Clean Or Replace Your Air Filter
A lawn mowers air filter should be cleaned or replaced to keep dirt and debris from clogging the engine.
- Determine if you have paper or foam air filters.
- Check your operators manual to determine if air filter pre-cleaner is required. If so, follow the instructions in the manual.
- Disconnect the spark plugs before removing filters.
- Replace paper filters when they look dirty. You should keep a few on hand.
- Plastic foam filters should be removed and washed with warm, soapy water. Air-dry thoroughly, then work about 2 tablespoons of clean mower oil evenly across the filter to lightly coat it.
- Reinstall the filter according to instructions.
- Reconnect the spark plugs.
Tip: Be sure to check the air filter a few times during the mowing season, particularly if the mower is getting heavy usage.
Why Buy Special Oil For Your Riding Lawn Mower
Newer oil is made with detergent in it. The detergent is to keep the inside of the engine clean, and carry particles to the oil filter. If you are using regular motor oil in a small engine that does not have a filter the dirt particles are circulating through the engine causing unnecessary early wear to your engine.
Non-Detergent oil is just that, oil without detergent in it, there for the dirt particles fall to the bottom of the oil pan instead of being circulated through the engine, so when you drain the oil you are draining the dirt that was sitting at the bottom of the oil pan.
Non-Detergent oil is getting hard to find, and one of the best places to find it is at Amazon. I will go through about 5 cases of non-detergent oil in a single mowing season performing routine maintenance on customers lawn tractors. If you are having a hard time finding it, and would like to keep a few bottles on your garage shelf consider buying a case of 6 Qts Valvoline non-detergent 30W oil from Amazon.
Valvoline Non-Detergent 30W Oil
You May Like: When To Aerate Lawn Minnesota
How To Change Lawn Mower Oil
Similar to cars and other vehicles, lawn mowers also need engine oil replacement. Most of the time, they need an oil change every 50 hours of working. If you are new to this topic, we have given some steps that are easy to follow to get the job done well.
Step-1: You need to warm up the engine. This way your lawn mower engine will flow smoothly.
Step-2: Take a paper towel and clean the oil fill areas.
Step-3: Grab an oil pan to place on the sides of the lawn mower where youll drain the oil.
Step-4: Take out the oil fill cap. Then, let it sit for 1 minute.
Step-5: Next, remove the oil filler to avoid spills on the outside. Also, take out the old filter by removing screws.
Step-6: After that, cover the new filter with oil before attaching it. Try using your finger to spill some motor oil on it.
Step-7: Then, attach the new oil filter. Makes sure to turn it 1/4 or 1/2 to fit well.
Step-8: Now, pour engine oil on the lawn mower engine. Try to stop a few times to ensure it is filling rightly.
Step-9: Replace the cap to finish the process.
What Else Will You Need
To complete an oil change on your John Deere mower, youll need just a few other things besides the right kind of engine oil.
- A John Deere oil filter for your mower model
- An oil pan
- Paper towels or shop rags
Youll also need to find a place to safely dispose of the old oil once youre finished. Most auto parts stores and service centers will recycle it for free if you bring it in.
Read Also: Cordless Lawn Edger With Battery And Charger
Small Engine Oil Type Recommendations:
Different oil types can work best at certain temperatures. Learn which one to choose for your climate.
- SAE 30 Warmer temperatures, most common oil for small engines.
- SAE 10W-30 Varying temperature range, this grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption.
- Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.
- SAE 5W-30 Very cold temperatures.
- Vanguard 15W-50 Varying temperature range. For continuous-use, such as commercial lawn cutting or pressure washing.
When choosing lawn mower oil, use a high quality detergent oil classified as For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Do not use special additives.
Synthetic oils are an acceptable oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil change intervals.
*Below 40°F the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.**Above 80°F the use of 10W30 may cause increased oil consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
How Much Oil Does A Lawn Mower Take
If you can put too little oil in your lawn mower, then its also possible that you can have too much of it. The consequence of overflowing your mower with oil includes release of white smoke and oil leakage. You might also experience your engine not starting.
Again, there is no one standard oil level for every lawn mower it depends on each ones specifications. However, there are some rough estimates that you can use as a guide when filling up or changing your lawn mower oil. Walk-behind mowers or push mowers would normally require about less than a cup of oil some may need about 15-18oz of oil, while others may require 20-24oz. Riding lawn mowers, on the other hand, would need a lot more than what smaller mowers require. Although there are a lot of differences among models in this type of mower, generally, riding lawn mowers would need about more than a cup of oil.
To get the specific amount of oil for your particular lawn mower, refer to your manufacturers manual or guide.
You May Like: Rent Riding Mowers
