For your lawnmower to work efficiently and also extend its service life, you need to practice proper refueling habits. There are different types of oil you can use for your mower, but its type, size, and capacity might help you to know which one is the best. Even the climate makes a difference when to change or add oil.
Comparison table
| Product | Viscosity grade | Amazon link |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle oil | SAE 30 | Amazon |
| Honda motor oil 10W30 QT | 10W 30 | Amazon |
| Toro 38916 SAE 30 oil | SAE 30 | Amazon |
Best oil for lawnmower. Review
Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle oil
- 2-cycle easy mix motor oil
- Fuel stabilizer that leaves no residue and prevents plug fouling
- Recommended for toro, lawn boy, ryan and other 2-cycle outdoor power equipment
Oil made specifically for 2-cycle engines which means the oil is mixed with fuel in the fuel tank. It comes in a measurement-friendly bottle to help with the right oil to gas ratio. You can use this oil with the 50:1 ratio which is more than enough for most mowers. This oil is highly fluid so it won’t last as long, but it also ensures smooth operation in cool conditions.
Pros
- Affordable
- Has an oil stabilizer
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Doesn’t last very long
Honda motor oil 10W30 QT
- 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
- Honda genuine oil exceeds all requirements for API service classifications SM, all new Honda power equipment
This is an SAE 10W30 oil which means it’s a multi-viscosity oil with viscosity index improvers as an additive which helps the oil to adapt its resistance to flow depending on the temps. This is also a disadvantage because it also reduces its ability to increase viscosity at higher temps.
Pros
- An all-season oil
- Comes in 2 bottles per package
- Multi-viscosity
Cons
- A bit expensive
Toro 38916 SAE 30 oil
A single-grade oil made for 4-cycle engines that you can safely use in areas where the temps tend to fluctuate since it’s hard to avoid engine heating. It gives you a stable viscosity at moderate to high temps without providing too much coverage during the winter season.
Pros
- Ideal where temps are stable
- Sheer-proof formulation
- Low smoke
Cons
- Not good for cool start-up
When should you change your lawn mower oil?
If you have a new mower, you might need to change the oil after the first 5 hours of use or check your mower’s manual. For small motors, you’ll need to change the oil after every 25 hours after use, while larger motors will need about 50 hours before replacing the oil.
Some factors can influence the frequency of oil replacement including frequently mowing wet and muddy grass, lots of dirt and dust, rough terrain, and hot climate. Always check your engine oil before use and make a point of changing your oil each spring before mowing.
Should you use synthetic oil in your lawnmower?
Synthetic oil is better than oil got from crude oil and your mower will last longer if you use synthetic oil. It’s a mixture of chemical compounds designed to protect your engine and get the best performance that natural oils cant provide.
Conclusion
Each oil has its own strengths and each is best suited for a specific mower. oil like the Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle oil is an effective lubricant for your 2-cycle engine.
FAQ
Is it ok to use car oil in a lawnmower?
Yes, sometimes you can use the same oil you use in your car in your lawnmower.
What oil is best for 4-stroke engines?
The standard oil use in 4-cycle engines is grade SAE 30 with synthetic variations like SAE 5W 30 that provide better protection and performance.