What’s The Best Oil For Honda Lawn Mower?
Using the correct type of oil for your Honda lawn mower is the surest way to avoid component and engine problems. If you’re wondering what’s the best engine oil to use, you’re in the right place. We did some research and looked into Honda lawn mower manuals to find the answer!
The most recommended oil for Honda lawn mowers for general use is an SAE 10W-30. It has a high viscosity that helps keep the engine cool and can be used in all types of weather.
Other alternatives also recommended by Honda are 5W-30 during cold weather and SAE 30 motor oil during hot weather.
Honda lawn mower manuals also recommend using unleaded fuel with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.
Read on below for more in-depth information on the types of fuels you can use for your Honda lawn mower. With that said, let’s dive right in!
What Kind Of Oil Does A Honda Lawn Mower Take?
A Honda lawn mower’s oil needs changing every 50 hours of use. This means you may need to change it a few times a year depending on how frequently you use it and how big your lawn is.
The Different Types of Honda Oil
When it comes time to change the oil in your Honda lawn mower, there are a few different types of oil available. The most common type is 10W30, but 5W30 and 0W20 are also available.
The type of oil you choose depends on the climate where you live and the season. In hot climates, 10W30 is a good choice because it has a higher viscosity and will help keep the engine cooler. In cold climates, 5W30 is a good choice because it has a lower viscosity and will provide more lubrication to the engine when it’s cold.
How to Change the Oil in Your Honda Lawn Mower?
A Honda lawn mower is a valuable piece of equipment, and like all machines, it needs to have its oil changed on a regular basis. The following steps will guide you through the process of changing the oil in your Honda lawn mower.
Park the lawn mower on a level surface and disengage the blade by turning the key to “off” and pulling the start cord several times.
Cover any blades or sharp objects with a cloth to protect your hands.
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
Why Should You Change the Oil in Your Honda Lawn Mower?
Honda lawn mowers are popular for their reliability. One of the reasons for this reliability is that Honda recommends changing the oil in the lawn mower on a regular basis. This is an important step that should not be skipped.
The oil in the engine helps to lubricate the moving parts and also helps to cool them down. Over time, the oil can become dirty and can actually start to damage the engine. By changing the oil on a regular basis, you can help to extend the life of your Honda lawn mower.
It is also a good idea to check the oil level before each use. If it is low, add some more oil before you start using the lawn mower. This will help to keep your engine running smoothly.
Does Honda Recommend Full Synthetic Oil?
Yes, Honda recommends using full synthetic oil for lawn mowers. Lawn mower engines are exposed to a lot of wear and tear, and the synthetic oil will help to reduce friction and protect the engine. It’s important to change the oil regularly, preferably every season, to keep the engine running smoothly.
Can I Use 10 W30 Oil in My Honda Lawn Mower?
Yes, you can use 10W30 oil in your Honda lawn mower. It is a common weight of oil that is used in both cars and lawn mowers. The oil will help to lubricate the engine and keep it running smoothly. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to see what weight of oil is recommended for your specific model of lawn mower.
Can You Use 5W30 Oil in A Honda Lawn Mower?
The answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. Honda recommends using 10W30 or 0W20 oil in their lawn mowers, as those oils are better suited for the high RPMs and heat that the engines produce. However, 5W30 oil can be used in a pinch if you can’t find the recommended oil. Using an inappropriate oil weight can cause damage to your lawn mower engine, so it’s important to use the correct weight for your machine.
Can I Use SAE 30 Oil in My Honda Mower?
Yes, you can use SAE 30 oil in your Honda lawn mower. The SAE 30 oil is a heavier weight oil, and it will help to protect the engine from wear and tear.
Conclusion
Honda lawn mower oil is a quality product that can help your machine run smoothly. It is important to use the correct type of oil for your machine, and Honda lawn mower oil is a great option for keeping your lawn mower in good condition. Be sure to keep a supply of Honda lawn mower oil on hand so that you can maintain your machine properly and keep it running like new. Thanks for reading!
Desmond J. Hernandez
I’m a lawn mowing expert and gardening enthusiast. I started my own lawn care business in college and have been doing it ever since. I love taking care of lawns and gardens, and I’m always looking for new ways to improve my skills. I’m also a big fan of composting and using natural fertilizers.
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Honda Stops Making Gas Lawn Mowers
In early October, Honda announced on the Honda dealer Interactive Network that it will stop making gas lawn mowers by September 2023. Honda will plan to sell its remaining inventory through 2024 until it sells out of stock.
COVID Effect or Something Else?
In March 2020, Honda Power Equipment suspended production at its Swepsonville, North Carolina plant through April 7th of the same year. Honda attributed this temporary shutdown to parts supply issues related to the economic impact of the pandemic.
That plant represents the company’s (and indeed one of the world’s) highest-producing plants. It has enough capacity to produce over 2 million Honda engines per year. At the same time, it also produces 500,000 finished products. That includes Honda lawn mowers, snow throwers, string trimmers, mini-tillers, and some of the best portable generators we’ve ever used.
Over the past 37 years, Honda has invested over 350 million in their North Carolina plant. In fact, 2020 saw the company announcing a 46.4 million expansion.
You might see why, just over two years later, this recent announcement caused a big stir in the industry.
The Statement from Honda Power Equipment
We don’t have a screenshot of the actual statement from Honda Power Equipment. However, the statement seems to originate from Honda Power Sports Products and says the company plans to “discontinue production of lawn mowers at its North Carolina manufacturing facility in September 2023 and move all-terrain vehicle production there from its South Carolina facility.” Apparently, the Timmonsville, South Carolina plant will FOCUS on Honda side-by-side (SxS) production.
“The decision to end lawn mower production is driven by market forces such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences, and our FOCUS on growing profitable products in our portfolio. Honda will continue to sell the remainder of its lawn and garden product line and industrial-type power products such as GX engines, generators, and water pumps, and continue to support its service and parts operations in the U.S. market.”
statement on Honda dealer Interactive Network
What’s Next If Honda Stops Making Gas Lawn Mowers?
We love Honda mowers. When we reviewed the Honda HRC216 commercial lawn mower we thought it performed better than most gas mowers we had tested to-date. With Honda stopping the manufacture of lawn mowers, you can expect others to fill in the gap—provided legislation permits it. You can also bet Honda will shift resources to areas where its manufacturing skills continue to profit the company. ATVs and side-by-sides come to mind as does the production of electric vehicles like the Honda Prologue.
Pro Tool Reviews reached out to Honda Power Equipment for a statement and will update this article if and when we receive a response.
Clint DeBoer
When he’s not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years. Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film video editing, color correction, and digital video MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified. After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades. Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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How to Avoid Honda Lawnmower Fuel-Related Issues
Make sure that you store the gas you plan on using in a sealed plastic container that has been approved for storing fuel and is clean.
Keep your Honda lawnmower running smoothly by following some simple maintenance tips and general advice about how to use it. Honda lawnmowers are built to last, but fuel-related issues can occur if you aren’t careful. That is because gasoline’s properties mean that stale fuel can cause problems running or starting. To avoid these problems, follow these tips.
Choose the Right Gasoline
When picking the gasoline to put in your Honda lawnmower, make sure that it has 10 percent ethanol or less. Higher quantities of ethanol will attract water and be corrosive, leading to issues running or starting as well as possible damage to the fuel system.
Storage is crucial for preventing fuel-related problems. Make sure that you store the gas you plan on using in a sealed plastic container that has been approved for storing fuel and is clean. Keep the fuel away from direct sunlight and add a stabilizer if you will need over three months to finish the container of fuel. This will prevent metallic contaminants and rust and reduce the rate of deterioration.
Stow the Mower Correctly
After you finish mowing, put the fuel valve to OFF, leaving it there until the next time you mow. Fill up your fuel tank, as this minimizes air and the fuel deterioration caused by it. If you won’t be using your Honda lawnmower for another 3 or 4 weeks, be sure to leave the fuel valve OFF when starting the engine. Let it run until there is no more gas.
If you will be storing the mower for between 30 and 90 days, be sure to add a stabilizer to your fuel. After doing so, run the engine outside for 10 minutes, as this makes sure the treated gas goes through the system. You can skip that step if you frequently add stabilizer. Remember to stop your engine and move the fuel valve to OFF. If you won’t use the mower for over 90 days, let the engine run for enough time to completely empty the gas from the fuel system and tank. You should never let gas stay in your lawnmower if it will be inactive for 90 days or more.
Service the Air Filter
Ensuring that your lawnmower’s air filter is maintained properly prevents dirt from getting into the carburetor. Any time that you will be using the lawnmower, check the air filter first. If you use the mower in dusty areas, replace the filter frequently, and always use Honda Genuine air filters.
Now that you know how to prevent fuel-related problems in your Honda lawnmower, you are ready to pick out the right mower for your needs. Brannon Honda in Birmingham, Alabama, has a wide selection of Honda lawnmowers and other power equipment.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.
What Fuel Should I Use in My Lawn Mower?
Whether you’ve just bought a brand new lawn mower, or you’re wheeling out your old trusty machine, you’ll need some fuel to get the engine fired up. Though you might not think so, small engines can be particular about the kind of fuel they use. When faced with a bunch of different pumps at the gas station it can be kind of tricky to determine which one to choose. With varying fuel types, labeling, and a range of prices, it can be hard to find clear information about the fuel that you’re buying. Let’s talk about the different types of fuel and identify what kind of gas works best for lawn mowers.
What Fuel Should I Use in My Lawn Mower? (The Short Answer)
In general, lawn mower engines require unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 and an ethanol content of 10% or less (most regular, mid-range, and premium unleaded gasoline fuels meet these requirements). This is true for both 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines. But, while 4 stroke engines burn only gasoline, 2 stroke engines run on a mixture of unleaded gasoline and two cycle engine oil. To give you a visual, here’s a table with common types of fuel and whether or not they can be used in a lawn mower:
Do Lawn Mowers Take Regular Gas or Something Else?
If you want to know what fuel lawn mowers use, there are a handful to pick from. Most of the time, yes, mowers take regular gas. However, not all regular gas has the exact same octane. Typically regular gas is 87 octane which works fine for all lawn mowers. In any case, I’ll describe the characteristics of each fuel type that you can use in a lawn mower engine below.
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
The most widely used fuel is regular unleaded gas. Again, it is usually rated at 87 octane, and available at every gas station. This is usually the lowest octane gasoline that you can buy, and usually the cheapest option. Also, this happens to be the lowest octane gasoline that you should use in a lawn mower or any small engine. Octane is a measurement of how much compression gasoline can handle before it combusts. Lower octane fuels can handle less compression, and higher octane fuels can handle more compression. This measurement is important because fuel and air are compressed over and over again in order to power gasoline engines.
Mid-Range Unleaded Gasoline
Gasoline with octane ratings between 88 and 90 are typically sold as mid-range or “plus” fuels. With a slightly higher octane, this type of gas can handle a bit more compression and is a little bit more expensive. If your gas station offers a regular gas that has an octane rating less than 87, you’re better off going with a mid-range or premium fuel option.
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
High octane or premium grade unleaded gasoline is usually rated at 91. Some gas companies might offer 92 or 93 octane fuel as their most expensive choice, but that’s a little bit less common. Certain car manufacturers recommend the use of premium unleaded gas due to its high octane rating, but whether or not it’s worth the extra money for lawn mowers is hotly debated by some people. To be honest, in my opinion premium gas for lawn mowers is not usually a necessary expense. Still, you can definitely use high octane unleaded gas in small engines if you’d prefer.
Non-Oxygenated Gasoline
To talk about non-oxygenated gasoline, let’s talk about oxygenated gas first. Most gasoline is oxygenated. This means that there are fuel additives called oxygenates added to boost fuel combustion and octane ratings. This, in turn, reduces exhaust emissions. The most common fuel additive containing oxygenates is ethanol. Because of this, nearly all oxygenated gasoline contains some ethanol. Non-oxygenated gasoline, on the other hand, is gasoline that does not have any ethanol in it.
But why would people want to use fuel without oxygenates/ethanol? Well, increasing the amount of oxygen in gasoline can lead to contamination from moisture. To make a long story short, some people like to use non-oxygenated gasoline in engines that aren’t operated on an every-day basis so that there is less risk of moisture messing up the fuel system. This type of gasoline tends to be on the more expensive end and is usually not widely available.
The Gas I’d Recommend You Use
Still asking yourself, what fuel should I use in my lawn mower? My recommendation is to either use regular unleaded, or non-oxygenated gasoline. These two fuels are pretty different so you might be wondering why I suggest using either one. Well, let me explain when it’s ideal to use each one.
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
When it comes to my push mower, I always go for regular unleaded gasoline. Though it has a lower octane, I have found that it performs the same as mid-range and premium fuels. I like saving a couple bucks, and I simply don’t think the higher compression rating of more expensive fuels is necessary when it comes to lawn mower engines.
Non-Oxygenated Gasoline
Being able to find non-oxygenated gasoline is the first step. Though it can be tricky to find in some areas, non-oxygenated gasoline is a great fuel option for all types of mowers. In my case, I only use non-oxygenated gasoline in my riding lawn mower. You really don’t want moisture to make its way into your fuel system, especially when you’re dealing with a machine that is so expensive. Non-oxygenated gas doesn’t have any ethanol in it and can help prolong the life of your lawn mower’s engine.
Fuels You Don’t Want to Use in Your Lawn Mower Why
Though you can use a lot of different kinds of fuel in lawn mowers, there are some that do not agree with lawn mower engines. Below are two fuels that you should avoid.
High Ethanol Content Gasoline Blends
A lot of people aren’t aware of this, but almost all gasoline in the United States (and most other countries) contains up to 10% ethanol. This is the case for regular, mid-range, and premium unleaded gasoline. Any fuel containing more than 10% ethanol is categorized differently such as E15 with 15% ethanol or E85 with 85% ethanol. While these fuels have their uses, it is not a good idea to put them in your lawn mower. Small engines and high ethanol fuels don’t play nicely together because fuels with a high ethanol content can cause corrosion.
Diesel
This might go without saying, but diesel fuel should never be put into a gasoline engine (The same is true for diesel engines and gasoline). You are going to find yourself in a world of hurt if you put diesel in your lawn mower, and your small engine mechanic might never forgive you. Always make sure to double check what fuel you’re pumping when you’re at the gas station.
Stroke or 4 Stroke Mower: How This Affects Your Fuel Choice
There is really just one big difference when it comes to 2 stroke and 4 stroke engine fuel: 2 stroke engines burn a fuel and oil mix while 4 stroke engines burn only gas and keep engine oil in a separate reservoir. If you have a two stroke lawn mower you will need to mix in a set ratio of high quality 2 stroke engine oil each time you fill the gas tank. Using the right gas to oil ratio in a 2 stroke engine is extremely important. Aside from this distinction, 2 stroke and 4 stroke mowers require the same type of gas.
About Tom Greene
I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the “lawn mower guru” (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!
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What’s the Best Gas for Lawn Mowers and Small-Engine Power Equipment?
During the spring and summer months when outdoor power equipment is seeing higher use rates, it may also require more maintenance to keep it running properly. This maintenance requires knowing what gas your lawn mower and outdoor power equipment require and being aware of how gas selection can affect equipment performance. Using the right type of fuel is critical to helping equipment stay in good working condition from season to season.
Follow these selection tips below to help find the right type of gas for your lawn mower and small-engine equipment to help keep your tools running smoothly:
Fuels containing ethanol may not be the best choice for outdoor power equipment.
People often ask if ethanol-free gas is better for lawn mowers or small-engine equipment. Most fuel contains ethanol, which is a grain alcohol distilled from corn and sugar. Fuels with ethanol work well in larger engines, like cars, but can be very harmful to your outdoor power equipment, like a gas-powered lawn mower, because they burn hotter in smaller engines and can cause damage to engine parts. If possible, choose non-ethanol gas for small engines this summer to help keep your equipment running.
Ethanol also attracts moisture from the air, and when the two substances bond together, phase separation can occur, meaning water separates from the gasoline and settles at the bottom of the gas tank.
Water in the fuel tank can cause corroding and clogging of the fuel system, which can lead to starting issues and costly repairs. You can help prevent water in your lawn mower fuel tank by adding a fuel stabilizer to the lawn mower engine at the beginning and end of each season. It’s also a good idea to add a small-engine fuel stabilizer to the fuel remaining in the gas can, to help prevent water separation and accumulation.
Choose fuel with the lowest ethanol content possible.
To minimize issues, you should use either ethanol-free gas in your lawn mower or fuel that has the least amount of ethanol content possible. Fuel sold at a gas station is often E-10 gas, which contains 10% ethanol and can be used for your outdoor power equipment. Make sure to avoid any gas labeled E-15 because 15% ethanol gases may damage smaller engines.
Another option is to select a precision-engineered fuel that doesn’t contain any ethanol. You can find a wide variety of these fuels that are premixed and ready to use with 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines in string trimmers, walk-behind mowers, leaf blowers and snow blowers.