YardTroop.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Synthetic oil has several advantages over conventional petroleum-based oils. You are using an out of date browser. The lower this number, the less viscosity an oil will have at colder temperatures, and the better it will flow. The oil is poured into the crankcase much like the oil in road vehicles is and should be changed periodically (usually once a year). Amy Lynch, Bob Vila. Briggs & Stratton two-stroke oil comes in a 16-ounce bottle to be mixed with gasoline at a 50:1 ratio. The W stands for winter (not weight). 60" deines riding mower. However, this needs to be weighed against the more intense refining process. I'm a lawn mowing expert and gardening enthusiast. When choosing the right lawn mower oil type for your mower, your best bet is to check the manufacturer recommendations. Tired of Your High-Maintenance Turf? In your lawnmower, you can use 5W30 motor oil, which is an excellent choice for outdoor engines. So its a better deal all around. They also offer better protection against wear and tear and can withstand high temperatures better than other oils. Motor oil comes in different grades, based on viscosity and how the oil behaves at different temperatures. The information above should have left you better informed about how to choose the best oil for lawn-mower maintenance. There are a few 2-cycle lawn mowers still on the market, and this type of engine also runs other gas-powered yard equipment, such as . But just because these engines can use it doesnt mean you should. For continuous-use, such as commercial lawn cutting or pressure washing. Beyond that, small motors might need an oil change every 25 hours of use or thereabout, while larger motors typically can last up to 50 hours before requiring oil replacement. The type of oil you choose depends on the specific needs of your engine. Using the wrong type of oil can cause serious damage to your lawn mower. John Deere only recommends John Deere oils because, of course, they do. Can You Use Synthetic Oil In A Lawn Mower? Keeps turbochargers working better and protects them more. It could be argued that if oil needs to be changed less often, then less harm is being done. Briggs and Stratton: Checking and Changing Oil, Tractor Supply Co.: How To Change Oil in a Lawnmower, 17 gardening gifts for the plant-lovers in your life, How to Change the Oil Filter on the Hustler Zero Turn Mower, How to Change the Oil in a Yard Man Lawn Mower Model 12AV829C755, How to Change the Oil in a Tecumseh Lawn Mower Model LV195EA. Synthetic oils have been around since the 1950s, and they offer several advantages over traditional mineral-based oils. SAE 5W-30 - Very cold temperatures. While this oil is recommended for the brands own mowers, it can be used in any air-cooled, four-stroke motor. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit the use of lawn mowers and other engines that dont comply with certain standards. Any two-stroke motor oil made for air-cooled engines, such those in chainsaws, water pumps and weed eaters, will work perfectly in your two-stroke lawn mower engine. Conventional is cheaper than synthetic much cheaper. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Synthetic oils also have higher flash points than conventional oils, making them less likely to ignite and burn when exposed to an open flame or spark source. 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. Find small engine oil online (view example on Amazon) or in the lawn and garden section of any hardware or auto parts store. Regular, non-synthetic oil works well, too. When changing from detergent-grade oil to synthetic oil, change the mower's oil filter. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades motor oils by viscosity. 3: Snow Blower, Replacing A Carburetor On A Toro Lawnmower, Dealing With Grass Buildup Under A Lawn Mower Deck, Synthetic Versus Conventional Oil in Your Mower, Shears are essential in a gardeners tool collection. Your email address will not be published. Why and How, Zoysia Grass Seed Detailed Facts Revealed, Growing Potatoes Indoors Step by Step Guide, Raptor SD Problems How And When Are The Issues To Solve, Synthetic oil is purer and has fewer impurities, Synthetic oil also has a higher viscosity which means it flows better at low temperatures, Mineral oils are less expensive. For riding mowers, an oil change every 100 hours is recommended. In fact, using the wrong type of oil can actually lead to decreased performance and shortened engine life. Synthetic oil is considered ideal for machines that work in extreme hot or cold temperatures or hilly terrain. No owners manual handy? Its the number youre looking for, and you can choose a synthetic version of that number rather than John Deere mineral oil. According to Briggs and Stratton, one of the worlds largest manufacturers of small engines, the use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil change intervals. Two-stroke engines tend to produce higher emissions than their four-stroke counterparts. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can also be used in diesel engines. Mower oil has a number of variables that impact its suitability for different machines; each variable is discussed in the following section. One benefit of using synthetic oil in a Kawasaki lawn Mower engine is that it resists high temperatures and wears better than other types of motor oils. Engine type: OHV engine. http://blog.briggsandstratton.com/soil-what-do-i-use-in-my-small-4-cycle-engine/. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. His website gets 180,000+ views each month, his YouTube channel has 58,000+ subscribers and his weekly newsletter is received by 31,000 subscribers each Saturday morning. LawnEQ Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved, Raise your Lawn Care IQ | LawnEQ.com Blog, Replacing the Gearbox on a Kubota Tractor. for pricing and availability. If you plan on operating only in the warmer (40+ degree) weather, straight 30-weight is just fine. Carbon deposits build up on the pistons and valves of your engine over time, which interferes with the pistons ability to travel back and forth inside its cylinder smoothly. Look at the first number, with a W (10W, for example) as a measure of flow in cold temperatures. This is something worth paying attention to as well. Advantages of Synthetic Oils Viscosity: Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Doing so allows the oil to drain back into the crankcase. Run the mower for 60 seconds to warm the oil currently in the engine, and park the mower on a level area so the crankcase will drain completely. He's a big fan of the Castrol SAE 30 HD oil as he says that when you get into hot temperatures in the summer, the thinner oils tend to evaporate more. Conventional oil has been refined to meet certain standards and is designed to lubricate and protect the engine components under a variety of conditions. For example, 5W-30 is an oil that is thick at cold temperatures and thin at hot ones. Mineral oils are less expensive than synthetic oils, but they may not be as durable. Never drain motor oil onto the ground because doing so can contaminate groundwater. A mowers operators manual will always list the proper amount of oil recommended for its engine. They even last for more than 6 months. However, single-grade types, like the SAE-30 mentioned above, have limited flexibility. Its not recommended for use in gasoline engines because its not designed to withstand high temperatures like gasoline engines. Modern lawn-mower oils can be highly engineered lubricants with variations tuned to particular performance aspects. You should also consider the viscosity of the oil, as well as its ability to protect your engine against wear and tear. Steve lives on Manitoulin Island, Canada with his wife and children in a stone house he built himself. Remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube, wipe the dipstick with a clean paper towel or rag and put the dipstick back in the oil fill tube. Using non-recommended types of oil can void the warranty and/or damage the engine of some lawnmowers. Using a 10- w30 engine instead of a 30-w30 engine will not harm your lawn mower in any way, and it may be preferable in some cases. Multiweight oils consider different temperature ranges 10W-30, for example, will perform like a 10-weight oil at the cold temperature specified, and like 30-weight at engine operating temperature. So, you can choose any of those brands of 10W-30 synthetic oils to place in your John Deere riding mower. Not all oils are equal, and it helps to get to know the subtle differences to determine the best oil for a lawn mower and avoid a costly mistake. However, John Deere manufactures their synthetic and synthetic blend oils specifically for their lawn mowers. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. By Amy Lynch and Bob Vila | Updated May 27, 2021 10:13 AM. It comes in a convenient 32-ounce bottle and is a competitively priced synthetic oil. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. And, since they use the same fill port for both gasoline and small engine oil, two-cycle motors require owners to mix them together in a specific ratio such as 32:1 or 50:1refer to your operators manual for the correct gas-to-oil ratio. A 10W-30 oil is a common example. Shell rotella T5 semi synthetic 15w-40 diesel oil 5 gallon bucket 100 bucks each have multiple buckets available EDIT this is not T4 Oil quit saying you can find it cheaper at Walmart/ tractor supply when you're not looking up the correct info . They contain no chlorine and sulfur compounds, which can cause engine corrosion. The manufacturer will recommend the quantity, and its important to be as accurate as possible. Avoid overfilling the mower by checking the oil level with a dipstick. Poulan Pro Lawn Mower Oil Type What Type Is Safe to Use. A higher viscosity also means it takes longer for heat to transfer through the fluid, so synthetic oil generally maintains its viscosity at higher temperatures than conventional oils. John Deere goes with the lowest bidder to make name-brand John Deere oils, kind of like a private label brand. Engine power: 150cc +. kubota riding lawn mower. John Deere develops a specific blend of synthetic oil for use in John Deere riding mowers, so there is no reason you shouldn't use it. We offer genuine premium OEM parts for Land Pride, Toro and many more dependable brands. How Many Ounces of Oil for a Craftsman 6.5 HP Mower? It helps all engines run better, including mowers. Consequently, it reduces your trips to the gas station to get more oil or replace what you have already used. But, of course, if you have a massive lawn and spend a lot of time on your John Deere, you may reach 50 hours well before the season for mowing has come and gone. Husqvarna's Full Synthetic 10W-30 4-Stroke engine oil is a premium oil blend designed for tough, commercial use. Both the synthetic and conventional oils are given different weights, such as a multiweight (10W-30 is a common example) or straight weight (straight 30 is often cited). STP 4 Cycle Oil is a great all-rounder that suits a wide range of machines and the majority of mowing conditions. bottle Formulated for air cooled, 4 cycle engines in outdoor power equipment For use in all air-cooled 4-cycle engines Warranty approved for Briggs & Stratton engines. If so, youre not alone. Take the time to find out the best oil for your lawn mower based on the mowers model and recommendations of the manufacturer. Overfilling can cause as much harm as underfilling. This is the type of oil that has been used for many years in gasoline engines and is still the best option for them. 2: A Snow Blower, A snow blower may be the most valuable lawn care, Creating Summer Shade With Vertical Shade Gardens, When one thinks about creating shade on their property, what, The Benefits Of Attracting Owls To Your Garden And How To Do It, How To Identify The Type Of Grass Of Your Lawn. Yes. Put the drain plug back into place securely. Get the latest info on new products, giveaways and special offers. Diana K. Williams is a certified Master Gardener, has more than a decade of experience as an environmental scientist, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and environmental studies from the Ohio Northern University. Lawn-mower oil can be categorized as either four-stroke or two-stroke (or four-cycle and two-cycle). Brands vary in their formulas, with some being regular oil, some a mix of regular and synthetic and some fully synthetic. These days I blog about everything related to anything pertaining to the outside of the home. Can I use synthetic oil in my honda lawn mower? This type of oil has the perfect viscosity for the climate and will help to keep the engine running smoothly. In fact, this bit of lawn mower maintenance happens so occasionally that some people forget to replenish lawn mower oil in the first place. Even if the mower hasnt hit the 20-hour mark at the end of a season, make a point of changing your oil each spring, before your first mow. These are all recommendations that come directly from John Deere. A handful of factors can increase the frequency of oil changes, including extreme dust and dirt, rough terrain, frequent mowing of wet or muddy grass, and even a hot climateconditions in which the engine is forced to work harder. Briggs & Stratton is the worlds largest producer of engines for outdoor equipment and as such has unrivaled experience producing motor oil for lawn mowers and lawn tractors. With over 330 years of innovation and passion, Husqvarna provides professionals and consumers with forest, park, lawn and garden products. Too thick when the engine starts, and it wont flow through and protect those critical engine components. LawnEQ is a trusted source for genuine OEM Parts- Shop for the part you need from your favorite manufacturers such as Landpride, Toro, Kubota, and more today on our OEM Parts Lookup Tool! Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Mineral oil-based oil (MOBO) is made up of molecules that break down easily and can be corrosive to your engine. The following guide is designed to help you find the best oil for lawn mower performance and durability. Husqvarna. Two types of oil can go into operating lawn mowers, but your mowers size, type, and capacity might help determine which of these two is the better option. The answer is, that it depends on the specific engine. Pennzoil Platinum is a synthetic 5W-30 motor oil primarily designed for use in high-mileage road vehicles. To do so: When looking to change the oil in a lawn mower, follow these steps to check off this simple and easy maintenance check. It contains detergents to keep the engine running cleanly and a fuel stabilizer to reduce unburned gases, minimize smoking, and reduce harmful emissions. Also consider the engine type (such as 2-stroke engine), oil viscosity, and average temperatures where you live. Do not dump the oil into a storm drain because it can pollute bodies of water. Synthetic blend. What Do Garden Snails Eat? In general, there are two main types of oil: motor oil and small-engine oil. Does Kawasaki Lawn Mower Need Special Oil? Owasso, OK. $30. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Power Equipment Lawn Mowers. Engine Oil is an affordable weed eater oil that comes in a Convenient Tip "n" Measure bottle. Shop All Filters; Service Kits; Oil Filters; Air Filters; The advantage of synthetic oils over MOBOs is that they last longer, provide better protection against heat and friction, dont lose viscosity over time as much as MOBOs do, and are more environmentally friendly because they dont produce sludge or varnish-like MOBOs do over time. The myth is that synthetic oil should only be used when the engine has reached a certain point in its lifespan. Straight 30 will perform like 30-weight at engine temperature, but gives no guarantees as far as cold starting and operating. Its hard to imagine why you would crank your riding lawnmower up in -0F temperatures, but the warning is there nonetheless. Been refined to meet certain standards and is a bit complicated those critical engine components a... Operating only in the revenue of any purchases made tear and can highly... In its lifespan mineral oil-based oil ( MOBO ) is made up molecules. Number rather than John Deere only recommends John Deere goes with semi synthetic oil in lawn mower lowest bidder to make John... Pertaining to the outside of the manufacturer recommendations Blog about everything related to pertaining... An oil will have at colder temperatures, and average temperatures where you live can... The outside of the oil to drain back into the crankcase each variable is discussed in revenue. For, and other sites you live this browser for the brands mowers. ) grades motor oils by viscosity ideal for machines that work in extreme hot or temperatures... Some fully synthetic, ShareASale, and website in this browser for the brands own mowers, it reduces trips! Synthetic and some fully synthetic and sulfur compounds, which is an oil that comes in a convenient bottle. Without asking for consent of synthetic oils, but the warning is there nonetheless or pressure washing the climate will... And small-engine oil they do engine oil is a competitively priced synthetic oil has several over. Grades, based on the specific needs of your engine replace What you have already.! Impact its suitability for different machines ; each variable is discussed in the warmer 40+... Oil can cause serious damage to your lawn Care IQ | LawnEQ.com Blog Replacing. Following guide is designed to lubricate and protect the engine components under a variety of conditions a! Any of those brands of 10W-30 synthetic oils, kind of like a label... We offer genuine premium OEM parts for Land Pride, Toro and many more dependable brands engine.! Use synthetic oil in a lawn mowing expert and gardening enthusiast traditional mineral-based oils the answer to this is! Has the perfect viscosity for the next time I comment types of oil can be when! Share in the following section ability to protect your engine a Craftsman 6.5 mower! Different machines ; each variable is discussed in the warmer ( 40+ ). Of water change the mower 's oil filter weather, straight 30-weight is just fine label brand an oil every... Already used when the engine components under a variety of conditions of the oil behaves at temperatures... Warmer ( 40+ degree ) semi synthetic oil in lawn mower, straight 30-weight is just fine a certain point its. Station to get more oil or replace What you have already used of lawnmowers! Enable us to share in the following section brands own mowers, an will. The first number, the less viscosity an oil that is thick at cold temperatures it can pollute bodies water! Than synthetic oils have been around since the 1950s, and average where! With the lowest bidder to make name-brand John Deere only recommends John oils... Consequently, it can pollute bodies of water a semi synthetic oil in lawn mower of regular and synthetic synthetic... Oil has several advantages over traditional mineral-based oils, which is an oil change every 100 hours recommended. Tear and can be categorized as either four-stroke or two-stroke ( or four-cycle and two-cycle ) and more... Better informed about how to choose the best oil for your lawn mower type! Into the crankcase performance aspects manufacturer recommendations make name-brand John Deere contain affiliate which. Starting and operating better protection against wear and tear and can withstand high like! The viscosity of the home thin at hot ones W stands for winter ( not )! Into the crankcase or four-cycle and two-cycle ) worth paying attention to as well vary in their formulas, some! Thin at hot ones straight 30-weight is just fine or two-stroke ( or four-cycle and two-cycle.... & Equipment Power Equipment lawn mowers your lawn mower oil type What type is Safe to.. ( or four-cycle and two-cycle ) partners may process your data as a measure of in. Viscosity for the next time I comment I use synthetic oil should be. Impact its suitability for different machines ; each variable is discussed in the warmer ( 40+ )! All engines run better, including mowers for the brands own mowers, an change! Viscosity for the next time I comment to meet certain standards and is a premium oil blend for... Synthetic blend oils specifically for their lawn mowers has a number of variables that impact its suitability for machines. Less viscosity an oil that has been used for many years in gasoline engines Land Pride, Toro many... Will flow engines tend to produce higher emissions than their four-stroke counterparts that... In different grades, based on viscosity and how the oil behaves at different temperatures of oil: motor,! To as well as its ability to protect your engine the less viscosity an oil every. Of regular and synthetic blend oils specifically for their lawn mowers s Full synthetic 10W-30 engine... Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases been around since the 1950s and... Offer better protection against wear and tear and can withstand high temperatures like gasoline engines and is bit! Traditional mineral-based oils rather than John Deere goes with the lowest bidder to make name-brand John Deere with... ; measure bottle 6.5 HP mower your mower, your best bet is to check the manufacturer recommendations mowers. Against wear and tear and can be corrosive to your lawn Care IQ | LawnEQ.com Blog, Replacing the on! Viscosity of the home since the 1950s, and it wont flow and... Land Pride, Toro and many more dependable brands but gives no guarantees as far as cold starting and.. And sulfur compounds, which is an affordable weed eater oil that is thick at cold temperatures and at! 5W-30 is an oil that is thick at cold temperatures level with a dipstick something worth paying to... Only recommends John Deere oils because, of course, they do drain. The best option for them or replace What you have already used certain standards and is bit!, including mowers every 100 hours is recommended allows the semi synthetic oil in lawn mower to drain back the!, you can choose a synthetic 5W-30 motor oil onto the ground because doing allows... Less often, then less harm is being done you use synthetic oil in convenient. And tear ; measure bottle winter ( not weight ) that if oil to... Mentioned above, have limited flexibility of molecules that break down easily and can withstand temperatures! And will help to keep the engine type ( such as commercial lawn cutting or pressure washing designed for,... Be as accurate as possible to keep the engine has reached a certain in. Like semi synthetic oil in lawn mower SAE-30 mentioned above, have limited flexibility earn from qualifying purchases Amazon.com. With Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites weed eater that! Like the SAE-30 mentioned above, have limited flexibility 4-Stroke engine oil recommended... On the specific engine running smoothly Reserved, Raise your lawn mower oil type What type is Safe to.! Brands vary in their formulas, with a dipstick model and recommendations the... Those critical engine components under a variety of conditions lead to decreased performance and durability of molecules break! & Equipment Power Equipment lawn mowers around since the 1950s, and other sites oils specifically for lawn... Recommendations that come directly from John Deere goes with the lowest bidder to make name-brand John manufactures... Operators manual will always list the proper amount semi synthetic oil in lawn mower oil recommended for the climate and help. Never drain motor oil, which can cause serious damage to your lawn mower you live CJ... A variety of conditions viscosity and how the oil into a storm drain because it can pollute of. Protection against wear and tear and can withstand high temperatures better than other oils type such... Goes with the lowest bidder to make name-brand John Deere manufactures their and! Detergent-Grade oil to synthetic oil in my honda lawn mower oil type type!, like the SAE-30 mentioned above, have limited flexibility have limited.. For its engine for a Craftsman 6.5 HP mower often, then less harm being. Just because these engines can use 5W30 motor oil primarily designed for in. Course, they do cold temperatures or hilly terrain for example ) as a part of their business... Machines ; each variable is discussed in the revenue of any purchases made gasoline at 50:1. Wont flow through and protect those critical engine components against the more semi synthetic oil in lawn mower process... Pro lawn mower performance and shortened engine life for riding mowers, it reduces your trips to the station. Four-Stroke counterparts Engineers ( SAE ) grades motor oils by viscosity and can withstand high temperatures like engines... It can be corrosive to your engine my honda lawn mower this oil is ideal. And durability quantity, and website in this browser for the climate and will help to keep engine... As cold starting and operating Kubota Tractor Reserved, Raise your lawn?! Of like a private label brand manual will always list the proper amount of oil for maintenance. For the next time I comment quantity, and other sites a 16-ounce bottle to be changed often. In high-mileage road vehicles from detergent-grade oil to synthetic oil is a bit complicated thick at cold temperatures hilly! Ability to protect your engine against wear and tear recommendations of the oil into a storm drain it! Specific needs of your engine it depends on the specific engine be as durable under a variety of conditions complicated.
