Choosing the oil for the grass trimmer

Can I put motor oil in my lawnmower?

Most modern lawnmowers use two-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engines. Power units rarely have a displacement of more than 200 cubic centimeters. Such a design ensures the moderate weight and efficiency of the machine.

Companies occasionally produce lawn mowers with water-cooled four-stroke engines. In this case, you should buy oil suitable for automotive engines. the construction of the internal combustion engines in this case will not differ.

General recommendations for lawn mower oil

Based on the above features of engine design, it is best to use a special oil for lawn mowers for lubrication, and it must be appropriate for the temperature conditions in which the unit will be used. The optimum choice is a specialised SAE 30 grade lubricant. It is used at temperatures above 5 degrees.

If special is not available, you can use automotive grade grease:

These greases, too, are mostly designed for positive ambient temperatures and a maximum above 35 degrees.

By type of lubricant. mineral and semi-synthetic is allowed. Fully synthetic will be too expensive. API performance level. “SF”, “SG”, “SH”, “SJ” and higher. For four-stroke gardening equipment engines, the label should be labeled “4T”.

What kind of oil to choose to fill a grass trimmer or types of lubricants

Grass trimmers and lawn mowers are powered by two-stroke engines that have a simplified design. Rarely, but there are trimmer models with 4-stroke engines that run on pure gasoline. Two-stroke power units have no engine oil compartment (oil sump), which reduces the weight of the tool and its cost. If the rotating parts of the motor are not lubricated, they will eventually fail quickly. To prevent this, the grass trimmer is not filled with pure gasoline, but with a mixture of oil. What oil to dilute with gasoline for grass trimmer?

To begin with, let’s remember or find out what types of oils by chemical composition are available:

• Mineral fluids. are designed for low-power, air-cooled machinery. This is the cheapest type of motor lubricant
• Semi-synthetic substances. they are used for machinery that has air and water cooling
• Synthetic. suitable for all types of engines with different types of cooling. They do not require frequent replacement, and this type of lubricant is several times more expensive than mineral and semi-synthetic

From the above, it follows that for the grass trimmer will suit oil with any composition. mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic. Oils with different chemical compositions differ in price, so it is necessary to rely on the recommendations of the tool manufacturer when buying. The manual contains recommended oils that are to be used. If it is a TC-W3, then the composition of the oil is not important. In this case you can dilute mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic with gasoline.

This is interesting! The main thing when choosing oil is not to get caught on the counterfeit, as today you can often find different types of lubricating compositions for two-stroke engines, which consist mainly of low-quality petroleum products.

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Peculiarities of brushcutters refueling

Depending on the engine configuration, brushcutters are divided into two-stroke and four-stroke versions. In the first case, the piston in the internal combustion engine makes 2 strokes per working cycle, and in the second case. 4 strokes. Differences in the working principle of the engine and different approaches to filling trimmer for grass.

Filling of brushcutters with a two-stroke engine

The engine of a conventional brushcutter is usually powered by a two-stroke engine. Lawn mowers do not need a lot of power and speed, so it is well suited for the task at hand. It is also a much cheaper and simpler engine, but it is fueled with a fuel mixture consisting of oil and gasoline. This fuel is filled into the carburettor and pumped into the cylinder in the form of an oil and petrol mist. The oil thus lubricates all parts you need and is combined with petrol when the engine is running. But this mixture burns and emits a pungent smell and smoke, making the exhaust more toxic.

Important! You should use a special oil for two-stroke engines for these brushcutters, which burn completely without leaving any residue and have low volatility. And to mix well with gasoline, it contains 20% of solvent.

Filling up your brushcutter with a four-stroke engine

Four-stroke engines are used in professional brushcutter models. They have more power and run for longer without refuelling. They also use gasoline and oil as fuel, but they are poured into different tanks. That means no oil is used in the combustion process and the exhaust fumes are less toxic.

For your information! In addition to better environmental performance and less heat, brushcutter four-stroke engines are also more economical. They use much less fuel. savings of up to 50% on gasoline and up to 80% on oil.

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Why buy grass trimmers?

Comparing with the similar mechanisms, give preference to brushcuts when choosing the following functional indicators:

• Mobility and low weight of the unit, allowing you to carry it over distances, to use in hard-to-reach places for mowing.
• Versatility. Lawn mower with an oil change station for changing operating elements while the machine is in operation.
• Structural simplicity that allows a long use of the mower without frequent adjustments.

These, other positive characteristics, give buyers the confidence that by purchasing a grass trimmer, they make the right choice.

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Rules of oil selection

Depending on its chemical composition, engine oil can be:

• mineral. made from petroleum distillates and designed for low-power air-cooled machinery;
• Semi-synthetic. a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, suitable for 2T and 4T as well as air and liquid cooling;
• synthetic. produced on the basis of complex esters and can be used in powerful machinery, as well as for work in difficult climatic conditions.

Important! The oils for two-stroke and four-stroke engines differ in their ability to dissolve, burn, and evaporate. To distinguish the liquid grease from gasoline, it is painted in different colors: blue, green, red.

Depending on the API classification, we can distinguish the following groups of oils for trimmer motors:

• TA. for low-powered equipment with engine displacement up to 50 cm³ and air cooling system;
• TV. for powerful equipment with engine capacity of 50-200 cm³ and air cooling system;
• TC. for powerful two-stroke equipment (brushcutters, chainsaws, lawnmowers, etc.).) with engine capacity 50-200 cm³;
• TD. for boat engines with liquid cooling system.

In order to select the optimum oil for a specific trimmer model for grass, it is better to take into account the recommendations listed in the instructions. API-TV and API-TC oils are usually used for 2T brushcars.

On a side note! Besides there is a JASO classification for two-stroke engines and SAE30 classification for four-stroke engines.

The leading manufacturers of garden equipment design and manufacture their own oils for their machines. Such lubricants best meet all the technical and operational characteristics of specific trimmer series. For example for STIHL brushcutters (STIHL)FS 5 it is best to use STIHL HP or STIHL HP SUPER oil, for the Husqvarna 143R the Husqvarna HP or Husqvarna LS oils are the right choice. But for Patriot brand will suit and ordinary mineral oil M-8B.

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The choice of oil and gasoline for the preparation of the fuel mixture for grass trimmer. consider the question

Household appliances with gasoline engines require responsible maintenance. For the tool to enjoy trouble-free operation for a long time, it is necessary to use fuel and lawnmower oil according to the instructions of technical operation. Two-stroke gasoline engines operate with oil added to the fuel mixture, four-stroke engines have a separate tank in the fuel tank.

Recommendations for storing the ready-to-use fuel mix for the grass trimmer

After filling up the grass trimmer, many people keep the remaining mixture in the bottle until the next time. Sometimes this next time comes not soon, and stretches up to the next year. It is impossible to store the ready mixture for such a long time, because the oil decomposes. After preparing the mixture, use up the mixture for 1-2 weeks. You should also not keep the tool with the fuel mix in the tank for a long time, because the effect will be similar. To prevent unforeseen circumstances, it is advisable to consider the following recommendations for storing a ready mix of gasoline and oil:

• Prepare fuel mixture in such quantity that will be used. If you do not know how much fuel you will use, it is better to prepare less
• If there is fuel mixture left in the grass trimmer‘s tank (when the tool is hidden until the next season), it must be completely used up or emptied
• Before pouring the cooked mixture into the tank, you need to stir it thoroughly
• Store the finished mixture in a tightly screwed container, and in a place limited to sunlight

If you follow all the recommendations, the life of the grass trimmer will be no less than that specified in the instructions. Using quality consumables paired with following the recommendations for the grass trimmer mix will result in a long and efficient life of the petrol tool.

Recommendations for storing ready-to-use grass trimmer fuel mix

After refilling the grass trimmer, many people save the remaining mixture in the bottle until the next time. Sometimes this next time comes not soon, and stretches into the next year. Do not store the ready-to-use mixture for so long, because the oil decomposes. Once the mixture has been prepared, it must be used up within 1-2 weeks. Also you should not keep the tool with fuel mixture in the tank for a long time, because the effect will be the same. To prevent unforeseen circumstances, it is advisable to consider the following recommendations for storing the ready mix of gasoline and oil:

• Prepare the fuel mixture in the amount that will be used. If you do not know how much fuel you will use, it is better to prepare less
• If fuel mixture remains in the grass trimmer’s tank (when the tool is hidden until the next season), it must be completely used up or drained
• Before pouring the prepared mixture into the tank, you need to stir it thoroughly
• Store the prepared mixture in a tightly screwed container, and in a place limited to sunlight

If all recommendations are followed, the service life of the grass trimmer will be at least as long as specified in the instructions. Using high-quality supplies paired with observing the recommendations on the preparation of the mixture in the trimmer for grass will result in a long and efficient service of the gasoline tool.

Some important nuances

It is important to remember that the mixture obtained must not be stored for a long time. The storage itself should be carried out only in a dark, cool room without direct sunlight. Even if the mixture is to be stored for several days before it is used, the canister should be placed on the ground to eliminate the effect of electrification. The container for the mixture should only be iron, storage in plastic is not allowed.

Never use beverage containers (water, juice, or lemonade) for storing gasoline and oils. The polyethylene terephthalate base on which the food bottle is based is not resistant to petroleum products and the additives in them.

How to fill up with fuel?

With four-stroke trimmers, fill up both liquids in the appropriate holes, sealed with caps.If you spill any of the liquids while pouring, remove it with a clean, dry rag, do not leave it on the housing.

Two-stroke engines have only one opening for filling the tank with fuel.

Remember, the mixture for 2-stroke engines must be used for two weeks, after which the mixture will lose its lubricating properties, so the crankshaft bearing will work without lubrication, “dry”, which will lead to its jamming and expensive repair.

To reduce the risk of spilling fuel, use a fuel rail and a stirring canister or even a plastic bottle.

Rules of Usage

Using lubricants for the 4-stroke model is not too complicated. you just need to fill the special tank and constantly check its level. 2-stroke models are another matter. They require pre-mixed oil with gasoline, and only then pour into the lawnmower, but in no case add it separately in the gas tank. otherwise the grass trimmer motor will not receive effective lubrication and will break.

When diluting, the proportions must be strictly observed. The ratio of components is governed by the type of oil, conditions and manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, mineral oil is characterized by a mixing ratio of 1:25 to 1:35, and synthetic oil by 1:50 to 1:80. Dilution must be done in a separate container by adding oil to the required amount of fuel. And only after the ingredients are fully mixed, the mixture is poured into the gas tank.

Standard proportions

It is defined by the standard that to prepare petrol-oil mixture, it is necessary to take technical liquids in the ratio of 1:50. It means that to 10 liters of petrol you should add 200 milliliters of oil. If you need to dilute the amount per 1 liter of gasoline, then use the formula according to the rule of proportion.

Note that when using mineral oil, the proportion is less and is in standard 1 to 40 per liter of gasoline.

Varieties

The oil that you fill up your engine may differ in the way it is made. According to this criterion, it can be:

• Mineral. this type is obtained by refining petroleum products;
• synthetic. it is obtained by processing or synthesizing gas;
• semi-synthetic. this type has more advanced characteristics due to the introduction of components on a synthetic basis.

Lawnmower oil refers to compositions designed for use in air-cooled motors that have a combustion chamber volume of 50-200 cubic centimeters. In addition, any two-stroke oil may differ from its counterparts by additives that give it certain additional characteristics. They are of the following types.

• Anti-wear. The main task of the oil will be to reduce the wear and tear of the parts during the operation of the device.
• Antioxidant. They do not let the oxidation process take place, and enable to preserve the oil’s performance for a long time.
• Anticorrosive. Their job is to prevent corrosion from forming on motor parts.
• Friction modifiers. These additives can significantly reduce the friction coefficient.

Two-stroke oils from different manufacturers may differ in terms of the combination of additives used, which means that their properties will differ.

Recently, when buying oil for dilution with gasoline, users are very often faced with the fact that the canisters are marked with special letter abbreviations. These designations are part of the API classification. Let’s take a look at the types of oil according to this classification.

• TA is used for air-cooled brushcutters with an engine displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters. It can be used not only for mowers, but also for mopeds, lawnmowers and other types of equipment. For a gasoline grass trimmer, this is the optimal solution.
• TB is used to fill up a chainsaw, scooter, moped or motorcycle, whose engine volume does not exceed 200 cubic centimeters. Also can be used to fill gasoline trimmers.

But in addition to this classification, other letter designations such as FA-FD are often encountered. It has to be said that API is an American standard that applies in Europe. But there is a discrepancy between European and American standards for smoke emission. For this reason, additional letter designations must also be taken into account.

• FA can be used in states where the law requires minimum exhaust emissions into the atmosphere. When using oil with this marking, faint smoke may be emitted.
• FB. can be used in countries where smoke and gas emission limits are significantly stricter. In this case, hardly any smoke is emitted.
• FC. here the smoke appears in a transparent color that the human eye cannot see.
• FD. a special category of oils for 2-stroke engines, they do not create smoke at all. Have better chemical performance. Usually this oil is used for mixing with gasoline and then filling up boats and yachts.

And there are two other categories of oils:

In the first case, this would mean that self-mixing, which does not require shaking, would have to be done, while in the second case, it would also have to be done.

difference in operation of 2 and 4 stroke engines

For two-stroke engines, there are two ways to lubricate the piston system and the crank mechanism:

In the photo, feeding oil through a metering plunger pump into the combustion chamber inlet.

The second scheme is the future, while the first method. making up a combustible mixture. is used in garden equipment. The new engines are quiet and fuel efficient, but more complicated.

You can use a spreadsheet and a dispenser to make a combustible mixture.

A four-stroke engine has a reservoir of oil that is used to protect the moving parts. in this case the lubrication system consists of a pump, oil filter and tubes that lead compound to units. Crankcase or reservoir lubrication may be used. In the first case, the oil is pumped from the crankcase into the system and from there it is pressed into the supply pipes by a pump. in the “dry sump” version, drops of oil collected in the sump go back into the reservoir.

Wet Sump Lubrication and Dry Sump Lubrication shown here.

The difference in oil composition for different engine types is principal. The oil for a 4-stroke lawnmower must retain a constant composition over a long period of time. Compound for two-stroke engines must have less mineral particles in combustion to prevent fouling.

If recommended oil is available, do not experiment with a different formulation. If not, choose the recommended oil for 2 or 4-stroke models. To use gasoline above the recommended brand would prematurely lead to the replacement of burnt valves and other components.

An important characteristic when choosing a protective ingredient is its operating temperature. The additive must be resistant to heat, but not thicken at low temperatures. That’s why each machine has its own oil brand depending on the working conditions.

Manufacturers

When selecting an oil, great attention must be paid to its manufacturer. It is better to choose the brand recommended by the mower manufacturer. In the instruction to the equipment you can find information about the oil fill, frequency of its replacement and recommendations regarding the choice of the working fluid.

Also, many lawnmower manufacturers produce their own oils, which will have to be used for replacement if you want to keep the warranty on the equipment. The instructions also give the general characteristics that the oil must meet. When choosing a fluid for replacement, you should be guided by this list. This allows you to choose an oil that will meet the manufacturer’s requirements as closely as possible.

Many self-respecting producers of lubricating liquids offer their customers a separate line of products for maintenance of garden equipment. If there is an opportunity to choose such a special oil, it is necessary to buy it.

• Among all companies, which represent their products in the Russian market, the best is Shell Helix Ultra. These oils are popular in all countries. For 40 years Shell specialists have been working on a unique technology of synthetic oil production from natural gas. The product is characterized by improved composition, which at this time has no analogues. The manufacturer adds necessary additives to the base composition, which allows obtaining products with different characteristics. Only buy such oil from specialized retail outlets, because low-grade counterfeit products are not uncommon.
• Liqui Moly also offers quality products. The manufacturer produces several product lines, which have different purposes. In this range of products for the maintenance of garden equipment. Such oils are designed for long-term operation of trimmers and lawnmowers, their specifications are developed in accordance with the characteristics of modern equipment and manufacturers’ recommendations.

The company Liqui Moly adds additive packages to lawnmower oils, which are necessary to reduce wear and tear of equipment and keep the engine clean. The main advantage of these fluids is the environmental friendliness, because they are made on a plant basis. Liqui Moly lawnmower oils meet all environmental standards.

Rasenmaher produces a good lubricant of mineral type, which was specially developed for garden units. This tool can be used to service 4-stroke motors with different cooling systems. Rasenmaher’s product can only be used at temperatures above zero. The manufacturer has carefully developed and selected additives for their product. This has resulted in a wide list of functionalities: