What Kind of Oil Does a Lawn Mower Take? (2024)

FAQs

What Kind of Oil Does a Lawn Mower Take? ›

Best Lawn Mower Oil Types

Small Engine Oil Type Recommendations:

Use SAE 30 in warmer temperatures of 40° F and higher (5° C and higher) Use SAE 10W-30 for a varying temperature range of 0 to 100° F (-18 to 38° C), this grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80° F(27° C) or higher.

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.

10W30 is a common motor oil grade suitable for many lawn mowers. Your owner's manual will tell you the exact grade required, but in almost all cases 10W30 is the right stuff for a four-stroke engines. Any brand of oil that's suitable for cars or trucks will work fine in your mower.

A 2-cycle engine has one fill port with a cap that has fuel pump and oil can icon. The cap will usually state the oil to fuel mix ratio. A 4-cycle engine has two fill ports with each cap separately identifying the fuel tank from the oil sump.

If the motor oil level is low, add a small amount of oil to the crankcase before mowing, then change the oil after you finish.

Regular oiling is a vital aspect of lawn mower maintenance and using an incorrect product could cause irreparable damage. The lawn mower oil needed will vary based on the type of engine used, and the temperature within your garden.

Using 10W-30 instead of 5W-30, however, could make cold starts more difficult. It's helpful to think of the “W” as standing for “winter.” The lower the oil's “W” viscosity, the more readily it will flow when cold. In this case, 5W-30 will flow more easily at startup than 10W-30.

While 10W30 is a thinner oil that is ideal for use in cold weather, SAE 30 is a heavier oil that is best utilized in warm weather. Your lawn mower's motor will be more lubricated with SAE 30, but it might also run hotter. Although it won't lubricate the engine as well, 10W30 will make it run cooler.

SAE 30 and 5W30 oils may appear to be similar at first glance because they share the same higher viscosity rating (30). However, they are distinct from each other. SAE 30 oil is optimal for mild temperatures, whereas 5W30 oil is designed for colder temperatures.

How often should I change my lawn mower oil? ›

Taking proper care of your lawn mower will help your machine run well for years to come. One overlooked aspect in lawn mower maintenance is how frequent oil changes should take place. Engine oil and oil filters should be replaced at least once every spring or summer, or every 50 hours of use - whichever comes first.

Most standard lawnmowers and garden machinery use petrol, while diesel is usually used only for commercial or heavy-duty professional-use machines, such as ride-on tractor lawnmowers. In terms of petrol, lawnmowers and other garden machinery run on either two-stroke fuel or four-stroke fuel.

Since all 2-cycle small engines use the same fill port for both fuel and oil, a 2-cycle oil mix is necessary for your outdoor power equipment to function properly. The Specific oil/gas ratio for your lawn mower, snow blower or power washer can be obtained in your Operator's Manual.

A 4-Stroke engine is the kind of engine that is common on lawn mowers. It is heavy and has to remain in an upright position to be used, so it doesn't work so well on lawn equipment such as weed eaters or chainsaws.

Since all 2-cycle small engines use the same fill port for both fuel and oil, a 2-cycle oil mix is necessary for your outdoor power equipment to function properly. The Specific oil/gas ratio for your lawn mower, snow blower or power washer can be obtained in your Operator's Manual.

While SAE 30 and 10w30 oil is often used in lawnmowers, they have distinct functions. While 10w30 is a heavy oil that performs well in hot and cold climates, SAE 30 is a lightweight oil ideal for warmer temperatures. See the owner's handbook if you need clarification on which one to use in your lawn mower.

4-stroke and small engine oil are the same, unless you are referring to the 2-stroke oil that is usually added to the gasoline, like small snow blowers and weed wackers. The manual recommends 10w30 for all temperature ranges between 10F and 100F degrees .

Using 5W-30 instead can reduce fuel economy and impede flow throughout the engine. While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won't cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it's best to stick with it.