Lawn Mower Oil Change – Complete Guide
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Engines need lubrication – most people know that. This is exactly what engine oil does. The same applies to your lawn mower. An oil change is therefore absolutely essential to keep your machine running reliably in the long term. Here we explain everything you need to know.
What happens if you don't change the oil in your lawn mower
As with all petrol engines, oil plays a vital role in a petrol lawn mower – it lubricates and cools the system, slowing down wear and tear. Unlike cars, however, garden machinery rarely has an oil filter to catch the metal particles that build up. Instead, these particles accumulate in the oil, gradually reducing its effectiveness. Heat, grass clippings and other contaminants all add to the problem. Beyond a certain point, this leads to engine damage, significantly shortening the life of your lawn mower. This is why regular oil changes are so important.
When should you change the oil in a lawn mower?
As a rule, one oil change per year is sufficient for normal use – ideally at the start of the season in spring, when you bring the mower out of winter storage. As a general principle, an oil change should be carried out whenever you use the machine again after a long period of inactivity. In such cases, the oil may have degraded and gone stale.
If you carry out regular maintenance on your lawn mower, you can include an oil change as part of that routine. Bear in mind that an oil change is only necessary on 4-stroke engines. On older 2-stroke engines, the oil is burned along with the petrol. Rather than changing it, you simply top up the oil in your lawn mower by adding it directly to the fuel tank – there is no separate oil reservoir.
How often should you change the oil in a lawn mower?
The right oil in the right quantity
When carrying out a lawn mower oil change, it is important to use the correct oil. It must be oil designed for 4-stroke engines, as this has different properties to 2-stroke oil. Since 2-stroke oil forms part of the combustion process, it has a different composition. Neither oil is interchangeable with the other, so always make sure you use the appropriate type for your engine.
Which oil for a lawn mower with a 4-stroke engine?
Looking to change the oil in your 4-stroke lawn mower? Your best option is a monograde oil rated SAE 30. A good example is the FUXTEC 4-stroke engine oil. This grade is well suited to UK conditions, as temperatures from spring through to autumn are neither scorching hot nor freezing cold. It is designed for temperatures from 5°C upwards, making it ideal for typical seasonal use. If you want to start mowing earlier in the year when temperatures may still dip below freezing, choose an oil that can handle sub-zero conditions – your engine will reward you with reliable starting.
Alternatively, you can use standard automotive oil. As a multigrade oil, it covers all the temperature ranges you are likely to encounter. However, it does tend to be a more expensive option for your lawn mower oil change. Ultimately, the choice of oil comes down to personal preference.
Topping up the oil – quantity matters
The question remains: How much oil does a lawn mower take? As a general rule, always keep an eye on the oil level. Even when a full change is not due, the level should never drop too low, as this also impairs the oil's performance. To check the level, the engine should be cold so that most of the oil has settled in the crankcase. You will find an oil filler cap there, with a dipstick attached. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a cloth, then reinsert it to get an accurate reading. If the level is too low, top up the oil. But do not overfill – too much oil is just as harmful as too little. If you do accidentally add too much, you will need to drain the excess.
Lawn mower oil change – a step-by-step guide
To carry out a lawn mower oil change smoothly, you will need a few pieces of equipment. If your machine does not have a drain plug, you will need an oil extraction pump. Alternatively, a lawn mower oil change kit with a syringe to draw out the oil is a handy option. Lawn mowers are heavy, so it is also worth using a proper jack or lifting stand – though you can improvise with wooden blocks if needed. For the job itself, you will also need protective gloves, a drain tray, a waste oil container and fresh oil.
Once you have everything ready, you can get started. Bear in mind whether your machine has a drain plug or not:
- Run the engine for a few minutes. The engine should be warm before you begin the oil change.
- Switch off the lawn mower and prevent accidental starting by removing the spark plug lead.
- With a drain plug: Tilt the mower slightly so the oil collects towards the drain plug. Make sure the air filter remains on the upper side.
- With a drain plug: Place the drain tray beneath the drain plug and unscrew it. This allows the old oil to drain out and be transferred into your waste oil container for disposal.
- Without a drain plug: Remove the oil filler cap and insert the syringe from your kit or the hose of the extraction pump. You can then suck out all the oil and pour it into a suitable waste oil container.
- If necessary, return the mower to an upright position. Then clean the filler neck or the area around the drain plug and replace the plug securely.
- Pour in fresh oil through the filler cap.
- Check the level with the dipstick and then replace the cap.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the oil to circulate. Once the engine has cooled down, check the oil level once more.
FUXTEC lawn mowers – oil changes on popular models
Our lawn mowers are fitted with small engines. Like all petrol models, they require oil to function reliably. For the best results, we recommend using genuine FUXTEC oils to ensure optimum performance and a long service life. Thanks to the convenient drain plugs, carrying out a lawn mower oil change is quick and straightforward, letting you get back to mowing without delay. If you would prefer to skip oil changes altogether, take a look at our powerful cordless lawn mowers.
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