A pristine-looking lawn requires significant effort and time. Thankfully, lawn mowers share the load!
Even before I moved into my current home (almost a decade ago), which has a fairly big lawn, I bought a lawn mower. After all, there was no way I could think of breaking my back to keep it neat and clean throughout the year. And that did require considerable research work.
Apart from the types of mowers and their operation, I learned a lot about their maintenance. And one such aspect that grabbed my attention was the types of engine oil and their compatibility with different mowers.
What initially appeared as a herculean task became pretty simple as I kept working with my power tool. Besides, upgrading to a couple of newer models helped me understand the technicalities better.
So, when I found out that my neighbor was delaying buying one just because she didn’t want to go through the hassle of maintaining it, I decided to help her out with at least one aspect. Hi! I’m Stacy, and today, I have curated this guide on “what kind of oil goes in a lawn mower.”
Let’s get started!
Before I talk about the types, it only makes sense to discuss in brief the various factors influencing the type of oil to be used in a mower. Generally, these are the main parameters, namely:
In most cases, the engine running the mower determines the oil most suitable for the equipment. You will find the detailed description, viz., brand and viscosity, in the instruction manual. For example, two-cycle engines require special, lightweight oil, whereas four-cycle engines run better on small engine oil, which I will discuss later.
Under no circumstances should you try to experiment by using another oil or mixing different types.
As surprising as it may sound, the outside temperature plays a crucial role in how the engine functions. That’s why it’s important to choose an oil that remains functional under the specific temperature range. On that note, let me start by introducing the types of oil based on temperature.
One of the easiest ways to determine whether or not the said oil is suitable for your lawn mower engine is by checking the SAE classification.
In simple words, SAE is a yardstick developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (hence, the name) to test the viscosity or thickness and temperature of the oil. You will find the value printed on the bottle of the oil.
The commonly used SAE oil variants include SAE 30 and SAE 10W-30. While the former works best in warmer temperatures and is best suited for smaller engines, the latter is a considerably light variety that improves startup in cold temperatures.
However, one significant drawback is that it may increase oil consumption. That’s why many users prefer using a third type, i.e., the SAE 5W-30, which facilitates more effective engine startup in low temperatures.
If you’re looking for a type that adapts to varying temperatures, then the synthetic SAE type may be a good choice. Not only does it result in optimum consumption, but it is also suitable for larger engines. Since synthetic oil is chemically more refined than their conventional counterparts, they aid the smooth performance of the engine.
Another way of picking the right oil for your lawn mower is by considering the type of engine. Starting with two-stroke engines, which are more commonly found in smaller and older push mower motors, you’d ideally want to use small engine oil. However, there’s a belief among most lawn owners that it’s the same as regular motor oil.
To debunk the myth, let me just say that small engine oil provides the necessary additives required by your mower. As you may already know, two-stroke engines produce more smoke and noise than their four-stroke counterparts. Hence, it will naturally require more protection, which is made possible by this oil variety.
On the other hand, motor oil is your best bet for two-stroke engines, which powers the large riding lawn mowers, along with a few push mower models. Here, I should mention that two-stroke engines use the same port to mix gasoline and oil in the specified ratio (either 32:1 or 50:1).
In the absence of a separate lubricating system, the motor oil serves the added purpose of lubricating the engine and is burned off with the fuel.
Now that you have an idea about the types of oil being used, allow me to list down the steps involved in checking the oil level, especially for first-time owners.
Park the mower on a flat, level surface, and if it was being used, allow it to cool down completely. This will prevent your hands from burning while also allowing the oil to settle down.
Locate the oil cap and dipstick (which are placed together) and unscrew the cap. In case of four-stroke mowers, make sure that you’re dealing with the oil port and not the gas port by checking for the oil symbol or the “oil” mark (according to the model).
Once the cap is removed, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean and put it back into the oil tank. Leave it there for a few minutes and replace the cap. Then, unscrew the cap and pull out the dipstick again to note the oil level. You’d want the level to be between the minimum and maximum markings or close to the maximum mark. Add more oil gradually, if required.
If not for lawn mowers, maintaining a lawn would have been a bane!
That’s why you’d want to do as much as you can for your lawn mower to keep it serviceable for years to come. And as I wrap up today’s proceedings, here’s one pro tip: having the right kind of oil doesn’t mean you can ignore the other maintenance requirements.
Also, always refer to the user’s manual while working with it.
I’ll now take your leave. Stay tuned for more such content!
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