Gas lawn mowers come with engines that propel their blades and drive systems. These engines require mobile oil to lubricate their interiors and minimize friction among components. Lawn mower oil must be changed every few months depending on the usage. Timely oil changes prolong the life of the lawn mower, keep its performance at optimum levels, and prevent costly repairs. There are different types of lawn mower oils available in the market and choosing the right one will depend on the lawn mower.
Types Of Lawn Mower Oils
Lawn mower oil comes with different grade ratings. The grade defines the temperature range within which the oil will function at maximum efficiency. Some oils are suitable for areas with warm weather conditions while others are ideal for cold ones. Here are the most popular oil grades used in lawn mowers.
SAE 30 – The SAE 30 is the most common type of lawn mower oil. The oil is suitable for temperatures above 40°F (5°C).
SAE 10W30 – The SAE 10W30 oils are used to improve the cold weather starting capability of the lawn mower. They are ideal for temperatures ranging from 0° to 100° F (-18°C to 38°C).
SAE 5W30 – The SAE 5W30 lawn mower oil is for areas with sub-zero temperatures. It allows the lawn mower to be started easily in temperatures below 40°F (5°C).
Vanguard 15W50 – Vanguard 15W50 oils are designed for heavy-duty operation and are used in commercial grade lawn mowers. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures ranging from 20° to over 130° F (-5°C to 5°C).
You must use a lawn mower oil depending on the environment temperature in your area. Automobile engine oils must not be used in lawn mower as they contain additional additives that can harm the engine.
Synthetic vs Conventional Lawn Mower Oil
Lawn mower oils come in both conventional and synthetic variants. Synthetic oils come in same grades as conventional oils but are efficient in a wider range of temperatures. An SAE 5W30 synthetic oil will be able to withstand 20° F to 130° F (-7°C to 55° C). Synthetic oils are also better at providing lubrication and reducing the wear and tear of the lawn mower. However, a synthetic lawn mower oil is more expensive as compared to conventional one. Most mowers support both synthetic and conventional oils unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
Why Choosing The Correct Lawn Mower Oil Is Important?
Choosing the correct lawn mower oil is important for getting the maximum performance out of the lawn mower.
For Optimum fuel efficiency – Using the SAE 10W30 oil in a lawn mower that will be operated in a warm environment will increase the amount of fuel consumed. Hence it is necessary to choose the right lawn mower oil for optimum fuel efficiency.
For an easy start – Lawn mowers in cold areas require more effort for starting. Choosing an engine oil designed for cold temperatures will make it easier to start the lawn mower.
Lawn Mower Oil Manufacturers
Engine oils are available from lawn mower manufacturing companies as well as generic manufacturers.
Craftsman 64297 SAE 30
The Craftsman 64297 SAE 30 oil is ideal for residential lawn mowers and lawn tractors from the same brand. It can withstand environment temperatures ranging from 40°F to 100°F while keeping engine performance at optimum levels.
Briggs & Stratton 100074 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Motor Oil
The Briggs & Stratton 100074 is a synthetic lawn mower oil of SAE 5W30 grade. It is suitable for 4-cycle engines of lawn mowers and outdoor garden equipment.
Pro-Mix 2-Cycle Small Engine Oil
If your lawn mower has a 2-cycle engine that uses a mix of gas and mobile oil than the Pro-Mix 2-cycle engine oil is ideal for you. It comes in 8.2 ounces packaging which is adequate for 2-cycle engine lawn mowers.
Maxpower 337015 Lawn Mower Oil
The Maxpower 337015 is another option for lawn mower owners who are looking for an SAE 30 engine oil. It is suitable for 4-cycle engines of lawn mowers and tractors and other types of outdoor equipment.
Explorer Products 4 Cycle HD 10W30 Lawnmower Oil
Consider the Explorer engine oil if you are looking for a 10W30 lawn mower oil from a generic manufacturer. It is designed especially for 4-cycle engines found in lawn mowers and other power equipment.
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