The Tool Yard
How to fix, maintain be safe with chainsaws, lawn mowers, engines DIY tools and kits. Maybe some beer talk.
Just as you should regularly change the oil in your car or truck or chainsaw, the same should be done for your lawnmower. If you want to have the best looking lawns in the street, you'll need your lawnmower to have a sharp blade and to be filled with the best oil so that while you are pushing the damn thing, the engine operates well and gives a long lifetime of service. You could be tempted to think of your lawnmower as being 'just a lawnmower' so any kind of automotive car oil will do but that could mean the difference between extending the life of your lawn mower or causing it to clog and become inoperable. This is especially so if your mower doesn't get used very often. So if you want the 'good oil' on what to put in your grass cutter, read on.
What kind of oil do I need to use in my lawnmower?
The temperature of the climate in which you will operate the lawnmower will have an influence on your oil needs.
Lawnmower engine experts Briggs and Stratton advise that "Engines on most outdoor power equipment operate well with 5W30 Synthetic oil.
For equipment operated in hot temperatures, Vanguard 15W50 Synthetic oil provides the best protection."
What that means for you as the oil user is that you need to check what range your engine will run on. The easiest way to do this is to check your engine's user manual for the manufacturer's recommendation. If you have lost the manual or never had one, then use a search engine to find a PDF of it.
A general rule of thumb though is that engines on most outdoor power equipment operate well with 5W30 Synthetic oil.
Once you have found the right kind of oil, it's now time to consider what brand of oil you want to use.
We typically recommend you avoid the cheapest range of any tool or safety gear or oil and most certainly do the same with lawnmower oil. we suggest you used tried and trusted brands. because these oils have been road-tested in many machines being pushed many thousands of miles.
If those brands didn't cut it, they wouldn't survive in the market. If you don't believe me, read this tale of how the Slitz company turned a quality beer into a joke and ran their brand into the ground. One rule of thumb to bear in mind is that the older your engine is, it's more likely that it will suit the traditional SAE30 oil ranges.
Recommended oil: Briggs and Stratton Small Engine 30W
Briggs and Stratton is arguably the biggest named player in the lawnmower engine market (Husqvarna is probably second). Their engines are known for 'going and going' so much so that several other 'big name brands' simply use the Briggs and Stratton engine on their own branded push machines as a selling point.
So, the biggest name in lawnmower technology is sure to have a quality oil product for their machines and their version of 30W for small engines is most likely what your engine would benefit from.
"Bought a brand new lawnmower, and didn't want hubs to blow this one up too because he forgot to put oil in it."
Classic and it's always worth a reminder that if buying a new lawnmower, you need to add oil before you use it or you will destroy the engine.
Can I use synthetic oil in my lawnmower?
Yes, you can use synthetic oil in a lawnmower. Oils like Amsoil are designed for more modern engines. Synthetic oil is a small engine lubricant full of chemical compounds that are artificially made using chemically modified petroleum components. The benefit of using synthetic oil is they tend to offer better viscosity, wear and deposit control, and low-temperature fluidity. This means that if you regularly use synthetic oil in your lawnmower (over the long term) then you greatly increase the chances of long service life and reduce the need to replace your lawnmower at year 6 instead of year 10 (excuse the hyperbole!). So the regular use of synthetic oils in your engine reduces the chances of it failing and thus in the process, extends its service life. The only real downside to using this kind of oil is that it is usually priced significantly higher than standard oils. Check out this example from Pennzoil for example, their 530-30 Full Synthetic can price over 50 bucks!
Using Toro Synthetic oil with a lawnmower
Designed to work across a range of extreme conditions, Toro synthetic oil will handle the heat and the cold to help you get your lawns cut.
Toro is a massive brand worldwide, in addition, to push lawn mowers they produce golf cars, ride-on mowers, spray equipment, diggers, bunk rakes, and top dressers. So they know engines and they know oil so you can be sure the oil is engineered and tested to meet the needs of their machines. This means due to its quality, Toro oil will do most lawn mowers a favor in terms of engine performance. It certainly meets the performance requirements of brands such as Briggs Stratton, Kohler, Honda, Tecumseh, and Craftsman!
How often should I replace my lawnmower oil?
Many car owners change their car's oil once a year as part of an annual tune-up up. It lengthens the life of the engine as its parts are protected from wear.
For smaller engines, the comparison is the same. many lawnmowers will change their oil once a year in the spring when the grass starts to grow long and the mower is used more regularly.
This is tied to the use of the mower. your mower can have varying needs depending on use hours. A lawn that's mown for half an hour once a month, may only need a change once a year but a weekly mower of a larger lawn may require two changes.
A ride on mower is probably more likely to benefit from a change at 100 hours of run time and annually.
If you feel your engine isn't performing well, a change of oil may help. As we always recommend, your user instruction manual should be able to give you advice. and it will be good advice too because the dudes and dudettes who made the engine have tested it to the ground in the lab so they will know how their machine works under so many conditions.
How to remove old oil from a lawnmower
When it comes to changing lawn mower oil, there are certainly a few tips and tricks that you can do to make sure you have an oil splash free transfer. So now you've understood the reasons why you need to regularly change your engine's oil, the next question might be how! Items you may need to change the oil:
- A pan or contain to catch the old oil
- some old rags or cloths
- A wrench with appropriate socket size for the oil drain nu
- Engine oil that suits your needs
- Funnel
- Siphon or oil kit system if you are going to siphon rather than drain
Location of the oil change
The first thing to do is consider the location where you will drain the oil already inside the mower. Naturally, you'll want to avoid doing this operation on your grass lawn or near your garden in case of spillage. To that end, a concrete surface such as a driveway is ideal. You'll, of course, want to lay down newspaper or cardboard to catch any oil drops that may collect to avoid staining the concrete.
Warm the engine before you drain the oil
It is best to have turned the lawnmower's engine over for a few minutes before you drain the oil. This is because particles that have collected will be floating around in the old oil. Take care that when draining the oil that the engine parts are not too hot. you may need to use gloves if you have run the engine for a while. It's also now time to disconnect the spark plug to prevent any accidental ignition of the engine.
Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the push mower
Clean the general area with an old cloth to prevent any external debris from falling into the crankcase when you open the drain plug. Tilt the mower deck and then position some newspaper and an oil pan or jug beneath the mower. Then take a socket wrench to run the plug counterclockwise. This allows the oil to drain into your collection device. Once the oil has fully drained, secure the drain plug by twisting clockwise and tightening gently with the wrench. If your mower has an oil filter, it's the opportune time to replace it as well.
Briggs And Stratton 550Ex Oil 100074 Oem
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SKU: 100074 UPC: #N/A MPN: Condition: New Availability: Ships (leaves our warehouse) within next business day if in stock
Description
Our Briggs and Stratton 550EX oil is a multipurpose lubricant that will increase the lifespan of your garden machine. This Briggs and Stratton Oil is an OEM item that will lubricate your engine, bringing you a well-kept lawn tool work at any season (specifically summer and winter).
Well also have many other Briggs and Stratton 550EX products that will fix and improve your gardening projects. We offer all this with fast shipping. If you have questions, check our Contact Section, where we will happy to assist you. Isn't this Briggs and Stratton 550EX Oil the item you need? Visit our entire Briggs and Stratton Oil catalog to find the right product you need.
Briggs and stratton push mower oil
That's the promise Briggs Stratton makes with the new EXi engine with Just Check Add /strong> technology, which is being rolled out on select walk-behind mowers this spring.
See it in action now on the Toro 20353 AWD Recycler »
Briggs Stratton EXi engine with Just Check Add technology
Of course, you're thinking: No way. I can't blame you, it's a bold statement. You have to change the oil, right.
Well, Briggs noticed that while most people understand the importance of an oil change. that doesn't necessarily mean it gets done.
Since most engines don't have a drain plug anymore, changing your oil can be frustrating and messy: Tip the lawn mower over. oil misses the pan. Sometimes an oil change can do more bad than good, as well, when care is not taken to ensure dirt and other debris does not enter the engine.
So when they set out to imagine the next evolution of lawn mower engines, Briggs Stratton designed the EXi from the ground up with easy maintenance in mind.
No more oil changes.
In the average lawn mower engine, the two main reasons to change the oil are:
The EXi engine utilizes a cooling fan optimized for airflow to help keep it cool, as well as an overhead valve design that minimizes heat through the cylinder head, reducing the oil temperature by about 10 degrees.
The oil that's in there will last longer. Cooler oil will take longer to break down.
To keep the oil clean, Briggs turned to an automotive-style paper air filter in a tight, press-fit element to keep dirt out. The oil fill tube also includes an extended lip to help prevent debris from getting in while adding oil to the engine.
But, what if you want to change the oil?
Yes, you can still change the oil if you want to.
On your average small engine, it is recommended that you change the oil after every 50 hours of operation. No doubt a lot of people will feel more comfortable sticking to that. While regular scheduled maintenance of your EXI engine will eliminate the need for an oil change, Briggs says it won't hurt if you do it anyway.
The new EXi engine, with 7.25 or 6.75 gross torque, also includes other great features you've come to expect from Briggs Stratton, including:
ReadyStart Engine Starting System: No prime, no choke. just pull for power. The Briggs Stratton Starting Promise guarantees it will start in 2 tries, or they will fix it for free.
Besides the easy, tool-free mainentance, the EXi is also the lightest engine in it's class, making it easy to maneuver. EXi series engines will become the standard as Briggs will be phasing out the current Quantum engines over the next couple of years.
Craftsman Lawn Mower Oil Type – What Type Is Safe to Use?
The right type of oil for your craftsman lawn mower is crucial for the performance and longevity of the engine. There are a number of oils on the market today, but which ones work best with your lawn mower?
What kind of oil should you use for a craftsman lawnmower?
Depending on the lawn mower engine and the climate condition of your region the most recommend craftsman lawnmower oil is SAE 10W-30 and It’s works 32 degree Fahrenheit. On the other hand, for the colder climates SAE 5W-30 is the most reliable oil that increases efficiency and mower performance as well.
Craftsman Lawn Mower Engine Oil Types
There are many types of oil that are available for Craftsman lawn mowers. So based on the specific types of engine we choose the based engine oil that increase mower efficiency and give the mower more power.
Briggs and Stratton Engine oOil
Does your Briggs and Stratton engine need a little more or a little less lubrication? Engine oil is a key component in the health of an engine, so finding the right type is essential. The best way to determine what’s best for your engine is to read over this article. We’ll tell you what the different grades are, how they can benefit your engine, and how often you should use them.
So based on the engine and climate temperature Briggs and Stratton recommend some oil that is increase mower more powerful.
- Eliminate any frictions and add an extra protective coating for engine components.
- It is made to improve fuel economy and boosts power output and performance.
- Decrease engine deposits and exhaust emissions.
Kohler Lawn Mower Engine Oil
The Kohler Lawn Mower Engine is one of the most reliable engine available for residential use. One of the best features about this engine is that it has a cast iron cylinder, making it more durable than engines with aluminum cylinders. The Kohler Lawn Mower Engine also has a dual voltage starter, which allows for easier starting in hot climates, and an electric starter that eliminates the need to pull on a cord.
For this system, if the area temperature is average, you may use SAE 10W-30, but if the temperature is under 0 °F, we recommend rounding towards SAE5W-30.
Honda Lawn Mower Engine Oil
Honda engines are designed with the environment in mind, so they are more environmentally friendly than other brands. Honda’s engines have earned the EPA’s Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) designation. The Honda lawn mower engine is designed to be small and simple in size. The engine has a 4 stroke design which is quieter than 2 stroke engines. A 4 stroke engine also uses less gas than a 2 stroke engine, making this Honda lawn mower engine even more environmentally friendly.
Honda makes many types of engines, including the GX120 GX200 and GX160. These engines should be fed with SAE 10W-30 oil and operating in temperatures ranging from 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are looking for an oil that operates only in the summer and when the temperatures are above 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, opt for SAE 30.
Why Lawn Mower Motor Oil is Important?
Most homeowners take very good care of their lawn mower, but after the machine has been put away for the season, many people forget to give it an oil change. Without engine lubrication, the motor will eventually seize up and stop running. The importance of proper engine maintenance goes beyond just remembering to change oil, as there are other vital parts that must be maintained in order to ensure that the cylinder head is not warped or cracked.
- Stop the lawn mower engine and make sure that your engine is stand by on a flat surface.
- Remove the dipstick cap and wipe up with a dry cloth
- Now reinstall the dipstick and see the oil level.
- If the oil level is end of dipstick then you need to pour up with the oil.
Can I use 10W30 instead of SAE 30 in my lawn mower?
No. We can’t.Generally SAE-30 is used for the lawn mower and on the other hand 10W30 is used for Vehicles and can also be lawn mower.
Craftsman lawn mower oil is an affordable, all-season product that will keep your lawn looking its best. It’s perfect for the winter months because of its increased viscosity and decreased volatility. Make sure you protect your investment by using this high-quality oil to save time and money in the long run!
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.
Checking Engine Oil Level Adding Oil
1 Level – The mower should be cold and on level ground. If your mower has already been running, just allow the oil to settle for five minutes before checking.
2 Locate – Locate the dipstick. Usually, they are positioned on the side of the engine. The dipstick itself will be marked with an oil symbol or can be brightly colored.
3 Dipstick – Dipsticks come in different styles, but all do the same job. A lower mark (L) and an upper mark (F). When the oil level is in the hatched area, it’s OK. But aim to have it at the F mark.
4 Low Oil – This oil level is way too low. It’s below the low oil level mark indicated here by the lower hole.
5 Add Oil – Add oil in small amounts, and this will prevent overfilling. Let the oil settle before checking.
6 Oil Ok – This is the correct level for oil. Check the oil with every refueling.
7 Too Full – Too much oil here; it’s way above the top hole (Full mark). This can damage the engine and cause oil leaks and white smoke. If the oil level is very full, it will stall the engine. We’ll need to remove some.
Why Check The Oil?
Because the correct quantity and quality of the oil are critically important to the life of the engine, some mowers are fitted with a safety switch that won’t allow the mower to start if the oil level is low. It’s a fantastic idea; lots of otherwise good engines are lost due to a lack of oil.
Unfortunately, not all mowers have this feature, so it’s important to check your oil regularly; an easy way to remember…. check the oil every time you fill the gas tank. An incorrect oil level can damage your engine beyond economic repair. An oil level that’s too low causes excessive heat, friction, and premature wear or complete seizure of the engine.
An oil level that’s too high can:
Lawnmower engines that don’t have an oil filter generally don’t have an oil pump. This means they employ the splash method of lubrication. An overfull oil level can be especially harmful to these engines.
When to Change The Oil?
Change your oil once per season or every 50 hours of operation. Oil needs to be changed as it gets contaminated and diluted by fuel and other deposits associated with combustion and metal friction. If neglected, this oil turns into a diluted sludge which offers little protection to the engine.
Changing the oil is an easy job. Only basic tools are required. Some of the latest generation Briggs and Stratton engines won’t need an oil change ever; they’re designed to run clean. Mmmm…. I think I’d change the oil; old habits die hard. Check out “Lawn mower tune-up”.
Related Questions
Can you use car oil in a lawnmower? Car engine oil types such as 5w30 or 10w30 are OK to use in lawn mower engines.
Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.
I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.
Briggs Stratton Cylinder Head Gasket No. 692249
Briggs Stratton Cylinder Head Gasket fits 12 CID L-head vertical shaft engines. Replaces 272916.
Get Help or Order By Phone. 1 (423) 735-1008
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What oil type is best to use for my lawn mower?
For Briggs Stratton manufactured small engines, we recommend the use of Briggs Stratton Warranty Certified mower oil for best performance in Snapper lawn mowers, tractors, snow blowers and other outdoor power products. Other high-quality detergent small engine and lawn mower oil types are acceptable if classified for service SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Do not use special additives.
When changing the oil in your Snapper mower, use the outdoor temperatures to determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected.
Lawn mower engine oil recommendations for brands other than Briggs Stratton would be best obtained through the engine manufacturer, engine Operator’s Manual or local Snapper Service Repair Dealers.
When performing mower maintenance or repair, Snapper recommends reading and following all safety precautions outlined in the Snapper Product Manual. This extends to changing the oil in all Snapper products, including tractors, riding mowers, zero turn mowers, tillers and other outdoor power products. Any FAQ instruction provided on the website are not intended to replace work completed by a Snapper Authorized Dealer. Terms and Conditions apply to all of the information presented on this website. Before operating your equipment or conducting small engine maintenance, you should always read and comprehend the entire Operator's Manual.