While important technical and performance issues were covered, there are a few practical considerations that may raise questions. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yardtroop_com-box-4','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardtroop_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yardtroop_com-box-4','ezslot_4',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardtroop_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Briggs & Strattons four-stroke SAE 5W-30 oil is a fully synthetic multigrade that many argue is the optimum weight for all outdoor power equipment. All oil is slippery otherwise, it wouldnt make for a great lubricant would it? Some Kawasaki lawn mower engines are designed to use a specific type of oil, while others can use generic oil. The lower this number, the less viscosity an oil will have at colder temperatures, and the better it will flow. For rapid reference we have assigned each one an individual category. kubota riding lawn mower. Mower oil has a number of variables that impact its suitability for different machines; each variable is discussed in the following section. Can You Use Synthetic Oil In A Lawn Mower? Turn off the mower, and let it sit for several minutes. Mineral oils are less expensive than synthetic oils, but they may not be as durable. This is something worth paying attention to as well. Two-stroke oil changes constantly because its mixed with the gasoline, so theres no need to worry with that type of mower. The reason synthetic oil is best for 4-cycle mower engines is because they contain fewer carbon deposits than conventional motor oils do. In general, four-stroke motors are more environmentally friendly. A mowers operators manual will always list the proper amount of oil recommended for its engine. If it is a screw-type dipstick, screw it completely in place. Such an oil offers good performance at a range of temperatures; thus multigrades offer a better all-around solution. But, while this task is infrequent, its also important to change the oil properlystarting with the correct type of oil for lawn mowersto keep your machine running. A properly maintained lawn mower can last for years and provide excellent service every time you need to cut the grass. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. They even last for more than 6 months. While this oil is recommended for the brands own mowers, it can be used in any air-cooled, four-stroke motor. 2023 LawnMowerForum.com. The good thing about synthetic oil is that you dont have to change it nearly as often as mineral oil. Two-stroke engines cannot use motor oil; they need a mix of fuel and oil specially designed for small engines. If you look at the chart below you can see the SAE30 recommended use temps are: 40F (4C) to 100F (37C). 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. for pricing and availability. 6.4 oz. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. of oil to one gal. The number 10 is thick enough to flow well as synthetic oil, withstanding the natural breakdown process that occurs at higher temperatures, and still retains those capabilities when its cold. bottle. This type of engine is most commonly found in smaller and older push mowers, plus other small engines, like on weed trimmers and chainsaws. The Reason Synthetic Oil is Best for 4-Cycle Mower Engines, Hay on Grass Seed: Hidden Facts and Detailed Guide, How To Make St. Augustine Grass Thicker? Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. These include synthetic, mineral, and blended oils. That said, the quantities involved are modest, so some owners choose to use synthetic oil anyway. Most engines that call for SAE 30 are older models of mowers with engines designed for straight weight oil. Yard Troop is owned and operated by a project lover and 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. Excellent high temperature protection, and reduced engine wear and scuffing. The wrong mix causes poor firing, smoking, overheating and, in the worst cases, engine seizure. While conventional oils tend to have a limited temperature range for peak efficiency, synthetics can be adjusted for greater ranges. Both four-stroke and two-stroke oils can be either conventional (also called regular) or synthetic. Some automotive oils are too high in viscosity and meant for larger engines, so dont assume that more is better. The oil is poured into the crankcase much like the oil in road vehicles is and should be changed periodically (usually once a year). Ive used non-synthetic in some of my small engines for 30 years, and these motors still start and run as if they were new. Otherwise, at a minimum, its important to keep a few guidelines in mind. 10w40 motor oil is a high-performance oil that is designed for use in high-performance engines. For a synthetic lawn-mower oil its remarkably good value for the price. If yours has a Briggs & Stratton engine, you can use the companys interactive tool to determine the best oil for your specific lawn mowers engine based on its make and model, motor type, and local climate. It also contains detergents to reduce deposits that cause increased friction and can lead to overheating. 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). Synthetic SAE 5W-30 - Best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption. The oil should be between the "Fill" and "Add" marks on the dipstick. 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. It comes in a convenient 32-ounce bottle and is a competitively priced synthetic oil. This is the type of oil that has been used for many years in gasoline engines and is still the best option for them. There may be differences in the appearance of these marks depending on the brand of mower you own. Take the time to find out the best oil for your lawn mower based on the mowers model and recommendations of the manufacturer. Just be sure that the oil you choose is specifically designed for gasoline engines, and not for diesel engines. The first number in 10W-30 stands for the thickness of the oil, with higher numbers indicating a thicker oil. Preventing Grass Clippings From Clogging Your Mower, Common Snow Blower Problems Pt. Find My Store. Factors such as temperature affect which grade to choose. The general consensus is that you should change your oil after every 50 hours of use. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yardtroop_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardtroop_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yardtroop_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',122,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardtroop_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-122{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Remove the drain plug by using an adjustable wrench, and drain all of the oil from the crankcase into a watertight container. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. The oil type depends on the engine type, typical operating temperatures, and especially the recommendations of the lawn mower manufacturer. Using the wrong type of oil can cause serious damage to your lawn mower. Conventional oils are made from petroleum products and are typically the most affordable option. So if you want to make sure your Kawasaki lawn mower engine runs like new for years to come, be sure to use the correct type of oil. This type is also good in terms of viscosity. Synthetic engine oil is a mix of natural petroleum-based oil and special chemical compounds specially designed for specific applications, such as motor oil or engine lubricants. Most Full-Synthetic Motor Oils are said to be capable of protecting an engine "at well over 400F" degrees; However; in the real world, most Nascar Teams and other Motor-Sports Racers have NO problem running Full-Synthetic Oil's up to 290F degrees under prolonged Track Use; However they do tend to get really Jumpy. As previously stated, engine oil made for cars and trucks is the highest quality oil on the market and it works optimally with nearly all four-stroke engines. While most lawnmower engines run using conventional petroleum oil, some manufacturers have designed their engines for use with synthetic oil . Do not deviate from using these specific oils, or it could harm your engine. Now the question arises can you use synthetic oil in a lawn mower?. There are three types of lawn mower oil to choose from: Conventional. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); Two-strokes are becoming less common because of emissions regulations, but theyre still around. I love working in the yard and coming up with projects around the house. Contain the precise molecules the engine needs for a specific application. You should always use the oil type, and weight recommended for your specific mower. synthetics were made for modern car engines in order to comply with EPA regulations and in particular at start up which is why they have very now cold viscosties . Never drain motor oil onto the ground because doing so can contaminate groundwater. While synthetic and synthetic blend oils are slightly more expensive, you will find yourself changing the oil with far less frequency, saving you money over time. Lawn Boy Lawn Mower Oil Type What Type Is Safe to Use? Its important to dispose of used oil properly. And this includes using synthetic oil if your mower came equipped with a synthetic engine oil reservoir. The most commonly recommended weight of synthetic oil is 5W30, but check your mower's owner's manual for the synthetic oil weight approved for your mower. These days I blog about everything related to anything pertaining to the outside of the home. Do John Deere Lawn Mower Tires Have Tubes, Is It Better To Mulch Or Bag Wet Grass? Using synthetic oil in your lawn mower can help extend the life of your engine and improve its efficiency. Conventional is cheaper than synthetic much cheaper. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. I have also read that Most Race Drivers have NO problem running, THE ENGINE HAS TO BE DESIGNED TO USE THEM, This is why I chose to go with the Synthetic 5w-30 of the options recommended in the Manual. So, you can choose any of those brands of 10W-30 synthetic oils to place in your John Deere riding mower. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'yardtroop_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardtroop_com-banner-1-0'); That makes synthetic the better choice because its range and capabilities are not easily lost in varying temperatures. Most lawnmower manufacturers recommend changing engine oil after every 25 hours of operation. Royal Purples SAE 30 four-stroke oil is a high-performance synthetic single-grade designed to maintain efficient lubrication and cooling in motors under consistent heavy load: the kind of conditions commercial lawn mowers often need to endure. Now that weve gone over the technical aspects of the best oil for lawn-mower use, its time to look at some practical examples. These are all recommendations that come directly from John Deere. Too thick when the engine starts, and it wont flow through and protect those critical engine components. Many people wonder if they can use generic oil in their Kawasaki lawn mower, or if they need to purchase special oil from the manufacturer. It covers all machine types from modest walk-behind mowers to powerful ride-on models. LawnEQ Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved, Raise your Lawn Care IQ | LawnEQ.com Blog, Replacing the Gearbox on a Kubota Tractor. The only difference is the low temperature point, with the 5W-30 working slightly better than the 10W-30. But just because these engines can use it doesnt mean you should. Kawasaki Kawasaki Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40 4-Cycle Engine Oil. The oil is mixed with the gasoline and burns away during operation. Get the latest info on new products, giveaways and special offers. Using the wrong type of oil in a lawn mower engine can cause damage and may even void the warranty. John Deere goes with the lowest bidder to make name-brand John Deere oils, kind of like a private label brand. A: Youre not alone. It helps all engines run better, including mowers. Check your lawnmower's owners manual to determine whether or not the mower's manufacturer prohibits the use of synthetic oil in the mower. Is It Fun for Dogs? http://blog.briggsandstratton.com/soil-what-do-i-use-in-my-small-4-cycle-engine/.