If you are new to gardening or landscaping, you might be wondering what type of oil a lawn mower takes. Using the right kind of oil for a lawn mower when you want the best performance from the equipment.

When you use the wrong kind of oil for your lawnmower, the engine will face a lot of problems. It is quite difficult to select the right type of oil for the lawnmower to work properly. There is a lot of variety in respect of model, types of engine, and temperature.

In this guide, we will break down all the necessary details regarding the types of oil a lawnmower takes. 

Why Do Lawn Mowers Need The Right Oil?

Like all other internal combustion engines, lawnmowers need oil to function properly. Every engine has many moving parts, and they need to work every moment when the engine is running. They are designed to work at a very high speed and temperature. 

That’s why the part needs to be lubricated to avoid friction and any damage. Oil lubricates the different parts of the engine. 

Heavy or wrong oil for the engine can gum up the piston, valve, and other internal parts of the motor. Kt will then result in making the motor slow to work. On the other hand, a lighter oil will hinder lubricating the internal parts properly and cause overheating of the piston and valve.

So the lawnmower engine needs to be filled with the right type of oil. Otherwise, you might have a bad day riding a lawnmower. 

What are the Different Types of Lawn Mower Engine Oil?

Different motors require different grades and types of oil based on their behavior at different temperatures. Most of the mowers have a four-stroke engine. Different types of Lawn Mower engines are mentioned below.

  • Single Grade Oil: It is only at higher temperatures (100°C)
  • Multi-Grade Oil: A multi-grade level oil uses additives to circulate better viscosity at a range of temperatures. 
  • Synthetic Blend Oil: Apart from a full synthetic oil type, blend oil is a mixture of regular and synthetic oil, especially for mowers in cold temperatures.
  • Full synthetic Oil: Made artificially for the high performance of the mower with a larger range of benefits.

How to Choose the Right Lawn Mower Oil Type? 

If you are confused about choosing the right oil for your lawn mower, learn which one will work best for you at a certain temperature.

  • SAE 30 — is used at a warmer temperature of 40 °F and higher. This is the most common oil for small engines.
  • SAE 10W-30 — This number 10 indicates that the oil is thinner and can work better in cold conditions. With this one, Riding lawn mowers for two acres would be a good decision.
  • SAE 5W-30 — This one is thinner than the previous one and is suitable for extremely cold conditions. In an icy climate, this would be the best option for your mower.
  • Synthetic SAE 5W-30 — Ideal at all temperatures and best protection for a mower with less oil consumption.
  • Vanguard 15W-50 — If you work with a commercial mower, this one is perfect for you as it can perform at various temperatures. 
Diagram of Oil types suitable for different temperatures

Can You Use Synthetic Lawn Mower Oil?

The answer is yes.Synthetic oils are acceptable at all temperatures. Synthetic oil is better than other lubricants made from crude oil. This might be more efficient for your lawn mower, and it may last longer with synthetic oil.

According to Briggs and Stratton, synthetic oil like 5w30 or 10w30 is perfect for lawn mowers in all weather conditions.  Using synthetic oil does not change the duration of a required oil change interval. 

When to Change Lawn Mower Oil? 

Lawn-mowers with four-stroke engines can be checked and changed only. A brand new motor might need to be changed after using it for the first 5 hours; refer to the user manual. The new parts of the engine reveal tiny filings that may mix up with the oil. 

However, you should check the quantity and level before every session. Regularly, you change your lawn mower oil after 50 hours of use. 

Many factors may decrease the time duration between the change, including rough terrain, dust, mowing on the muddy grass. Sometimes, weather plays a lead role. In a hot climate, the engine is forced to work harder. 

In two-stroke engines, use a dipstick or clean cloth to measure the engine oil level once you have used it for 20 hours.

FAQ

Can you use 4 cycle oil in a lawn mower?

To use four-cycle oil, your mower must have a four-stroke lawn mower motors. Always check the manufacturer’s documentation to be sure about the engine type. SAE 30 is suitable for four-stroke, but a two-stroke motor needs different types of oil.

Can I mix Oil with Gas in a Mower?

Most of the lawn mowers are made with 4-cycle engines. The engines send the gas and oil into two particular reservoirs of the motor. So, don’t try to mix oil with gas. You pour the oil into the gas tank, drain it quickly and replace it with gas.

Conclusion

The proper knowledge about the type of oil is important. Be sure of the type of engine your lawn mower has. Avoid mixing gas with oil for long-term service.  However, merely asking what type of oil a lawn mower takes will not help you properly unless you know how to check and change the oil. 

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