What oil is better to fill in the engine of a lawn mower

Fourth: how is the engine running-in.

Air-cooled engines “don’t like” idling. Start the engine, warm it up for 1-2 minutes. and run in at work. During the break-in, try to adhere to 50-75% of the load and take obligatory breaks in work after 20-25 minutes. After a break, when the engine has cooled down (15-20 minutes), you can continue working again. In this mode, the engine should run for the first 4-5 hours, after which it is imperative to change the oil. Running in finished.

The second reason for the breakdown: during transportation or storage, the engine was turned over.

Since the engine is 4-stroke. gasoline is poured into the tank, oil into the crankcase. and they should not mix. After an overturn, these components are usually mixed in a carburetor. After that, the engine will need to be disassembled and cleaned.

DO NOT OVERVIDE A FUELED ENGINE.

Instruction for running in and operating a 4-stroke engine

Third: starting the engine.

When the engine is started for the first time or cold, there is an increased load on the piston system. High revs can damage the motor. Therefore, it is necessary to start the motor at 1/3 throttle position. And you need to run in at medium speeds.

The main causes of engine breakdowns

REMEMBER. Engine breakdowns are mainly due to improper operation.

What you need to know about the running-in and operation of four-stroke air-cooled gasoline engines installed on garden, construction and road moto equipment.

Gasoline four-stroke air-cooled engines are widely used in gardening equipment. walk-behind tractors, motor-cultivators, lawn mowers, snow blowers, motor pumps, mini-tractors, on construction and road-building equipment. gas generators, vibrating plates, vibrating rammers.

READ THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS before operating the engine. Unfortunately, many buyers don’t. Therefore, the most elementary questions about the use of the motor arise.

TIP: READ ENGINE OPERATING MANUAL.

First cause of failure: fuel valve not closed.

When the engine is not running and the fuel valve is open, the carburetor overflows and the spark plug “floods”. Also, gasoline enters the crankcase. And this will lead to overpressure during engine operation and extrusion of the oil seals. This mixture of gasoline and oil will then enter the combustion chamber and through the exhaust valve into the muffler. Gradually the muffler will become clogged with oil residues and the engine will lose traction.

CLOSE FUEL VALVE AFTER OPERATION ALWAYS.

Secondly: what kind of oil to fill in the engine crankcase.

Many people consider the automotive oil of well-known brands to be the best for use in engines for a walk-behind tractor (cultivator, snowmobile, electric generator, motor pump, etc.). This is absolutely not the case. Automotive oils are designed to work in water-cooled engines, not air-cooled ones. The boiling point of automotive oils is lower than that of oils that contain special additives for air-cooled engines.

Use oil with quality class SF, SG, SH, SJ, CD or higher. Do not use oil additives. Select oil viscosity based on ambient temperature.

SAE 30 (5 ° C and above) is recommended for temperatures above 5 ° C. May cause difficult starting when used below 5 ° C.

10W-30 (-18 to 38 ° C) is recommended for variable temperatures. This oil provides a cold start to the engine, but can lead to increased oil consumption at temperatures above 27 ° C.

Car Engine Oil In a Lawnmower? ‘Explained’. Best Engine Oil & Lawnmower Oil

Check oil level more frequently at elevated air temperatures.

Synthetic 5W-30 (-30 to 40 ° C). Synthetic oil, provides engine operation over the entire temperature range, as well as easy starting and reduced oil consumption.

5W-30 (5 ° C and below) is recommended for work in winter conditions.

FILL ONLY OILS SPECIFIED IN ENGINE INSTRUCTIONS.

Always check the oil level. The level should be up to the last thread of the filler neck in the horizontal position of the engine (as shown in the figure). The fill and drain holes are located at the front and rear of the engine.

On lawn mowers, pay attention to the dipstick. Vertical shaft motor dipstick has marks.

Different engines have different crankcase volumes. If you have an engine of 4, 5.5, 6.5 or 7 HP, then you need to fill in 600 ml. oils. Engines 7.5 hp 900 ml is poured. In motors with a capacity of 8, 9, 11, 13 and 15 hp. respectively 1.1 l.

Which is better to choose?

Choosing the right mower oil is based on a large number of factors that must be followed. It does not matter if you choose a lubricant for a gasoline or self-propelled lawn mower, you cannot use the first oil that comes along. It is also forbidden to choose the most expensive oil or the most popular. The lubricating fluid must be fully matched to the requirements of your lawn mower.

There is no universal option, therefore each case is unique and the choice of oil should be based on the recommendations of the equipment manufacturer.

  • In terms of viscosity, the oil is selected in accordance with the temperature conditions that are typical for the operation of garden equipment. For summer, when the ambient temperature reaches 30 degrees, it is advisable to use oil from the SAE-30 series. For the off-season it is recommended to use 10W-30 series oil. Synthetic 5W-30 fluid works well at low temperatures.
  • For 2-stroke engines, it is necessary to use a mixture of oil and high-octane gasoline in the ratio recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Usually the ratio is 1/25. According to these figures, 25 ml of gasoline is added for every milliliter of oil. There are exceptions, so you need to study the instructions for the lawn mower.
  • In the case of four-stroke type motors, mixing of fluids is not required. A simple automobile fluid is optimal for such mechanisms. It can be SAE30, 10W40 or SF. The main thing is that the technical and operational properties match the list recommended by the manufacturer. For winter use, a liquid must be chosen with frost-resistant properties.

You cannot experiment and use oil that is not suitable for the existing motor. There is a huge difference between the fluids that are used for different types of motors. For example, a fluid for four-stroke type motors must keep its composition unchanged for a long time. Oil for two-stroke engines must have a minimum amount of mineral components to prevent the formation of carbon deposits.

How to choose your lawn mower oil?

Rarely does the owner of a private home can do without a lawn mower. You may not even have a lawn that needs regular maintenance, but still use a lawn mower. This technique, like any other, needs periodic maintenance, such as an oil change. Each lawn mower owner needs to know what kind of liquid can be used for these purposes, how to choose it correctly and fill it into the unit.

Manufacturers

When choosing an oil, great attention should be paid to its manufacturer. It is better to choose the brand recommended by the lawn mower manufacturer. In the instructions for the technique, you can find information about the filled oil, the frequency of its replacement and recommendations regarding the choice of working fluid.

Also, many lawn mower manufacturers release their own oils, which will have to be used for replacement if you want to maintain the warranty on the equipment. In addition, the instructions provide general characteristics that the oil must meet. When choosing a replacement fluid, you need to focus on this list. This will allow you to choose the oil that will most closely match the manufacturer’s requirements.

Many self-respecting manufacturers of lubricating fluids offer their consumers a separate line of products that are designed to service garden equipment. If it is possible to choose such a special oil, then you need to buy it.

  • Among all the companies that present their products on the Russian market, Shell Helix Ultra is the best. These oils are popular in all countries. Shell specialists have been working for 40 years to create a unique technology for producing synthetic oil from natural gas. The resulting product is characterized by an improved composition, which has no analogues at this time. The manufacturer adds the necessary additives to the base composition, which makes it possible to obtain products with different characteristics. Such oil must be bought only at specialized points of sale, since low-grade counterfeits are often found.
  • Also, high-quality products are represented by Liqui Moly. The manufacturer produces several product lines that have different purposes. This assortment includes products for the maintenance of garden equipment. Such oils are designed for long-term operation of trimmers and lawn mowers, their technical characteristics are developed in accordance with the features of modern technology and manufacturer’s recommendations.

Liqui Moly adds additive packages to lawn mower oils that are necessary to reduce equipment wear and keep the engine clean. The main advantage of such fluids is environmental friendliness, because they are created on a plant basis. Liqui Moly lawn mower oils meet all environmental standards.

Rasenmaher produces a good mineral type lubricant specially developed for gardening machines. This tool can be used to service 4-stroke engines with different cooling systems. The substance from Rasenmaher can only be used at freezing temperatures. The manufacturer has carefully developed and selected additives for its product. The result of such actions was a wide list of functionality:

  • maintaining the pressure in the system at a stable level;
  • effective lubrication of all parts that need it;
  • preservation of the viscosity of the grease throughout the entire service life, until the next change;
  • providing excellent protection for the motor from normal wear and tear;
  • minimum evaporation rate.

Oil functions

Lawn mower lubricant should be carefully selected and high quality oils should be preferred. If you save on this consumable liquid, then it will not perform its functions to the full, the lawn mower will fail in a short time and will require expensive repairs. The oil used in a lawn mower has an important role to play. It has the following functions:

  • lubrication of parts that experience a high frictional force during operation;
  • removal of thermal energy from heated parts;
  • reduced engine wear;
  • minimizing the development of such negative phenomena as deposits of various types, the formation of soot and varnish;
  • protection of parts from the formation and effects of corrosion;
  • decrease in the toxicity index of exhaust gaseous substances;
  • minimizing the amount of smoke.

The engine of a lawn mower is significantly different from that which is installed in cars and motor vehicles. Therefore, different lubricants should be used for these units. You cannot replace one oil with another. The consequences for technology can be the most unpredictable.

The engines used for lawn mowers do not have an oil pump. This circumstance creates high requirements for the oil, especially for the indicators of its viscosity.

In a lawn mower engine, the crankshaft is responsible for distributing the oil. The liquid is scooped out of the crankcase by parts that resemble spoons in shape. The speed of their movement is colossal. Such design features of the motor require the use of oil, which contains high quality additives. These components reduce the ability of the working fluid to foam and become more viscous from high temperatures.

In low-cost, low-grade oils, these additives are found in smaller quantities and their quality is highly questionable. A good oil should have such a viscosity so that it can stick well on parts and not create difficulties for the movement of mechanisms inside the motor.

Varieties

In order to choose the right gardening fluid and always know what to buy, you need to study the existing varieties of oils. First of all, technical oil fluids are separated by chemical composition.

  • Mineral oils are created from the base obtained from petroleum refined products. These fluids are viscous and must be changed frequently. They are designed for low power motors. Most recommended for summer use.
  • Synthetic fluids are based on special synthetic substances, which include esters. The viscosity is at a low level, long service life and year-round use. no other type of lubricant can boast such high characteristics. These fluids are ideal for demanding applications in harsh conditions.
  • Semi-synthetic motor oil is created from mineral and synthetic type substances. These oils are the middle choice between the two previous fluids. Semi-synthetic oils are ideal for garden and park equipment, two- and four-stroke engines.
better, fill, engine, lawn

There are several other classifications based on different requirements. The most common API classification. It is supported by different countries and many manufacturers. According to this classification, all engine oils are divided into the following types:

  • TA is the best option for household appliances with a motor up to 50 cc. cm;
  • TB is intended for equipment with a higher power, equipped with a motor of more than 50, but less than 200 cc. cm;
  • TC is an oil that is intended for motors with increased requirements for the quality of the lubricating fluid, such oil can be safely poured into lawn mowers;
  • TD is designed for water cooled outboard motors.

Due to the 20% solvent composition, the oil of the two-contact type is able to mix well with automotive fuel. In addition, such liquids are capable of completely burning. Lubricants can be painted in various colors. Coloring does not indicate the quality of the oil. Its function is different. it makes it easier for the user to distinguish between lubricant and fuel.

Replacement recommendations

It is important not only to choose a quality oil that will suit your technique in terms of its characteristics. You also need to know how to properly pour it into the mower. The rules are simple, but must be followed:

  • turn on the unit and warm up the engine idle for a quarter of an hour;
  • remove the plug from the tank and substitute a container of the required volume to collect the waste liquid;
  • tilt the lawn mower and drain the waste material;
  • We twist the plug, put the unit on the most even surface. After that, you can open the hole from above;
  • fill in a new working fluid, observing the recommendations of the manufacturer of the equipment regarding the volume, check the fluid level conveniently with a dipstick;
  • when the amount of liquid has reached the required volume, you can tighten the plug.

In most cases, about 500 ml of fresh oil should be used to replace the used fluid. This norm corresponds to most of the units that are common in Russia. Exceptions, of course, are encountered, therefore you need to study the instructions before replacing the spent fluid.

If your lawnmower is equipped with a two-stroke engine, and this indicates the need to mix the lubricant with gasoline, then this should be done immediately before replacement. It is impossible to make such a composition with a margin, since due to a chemical reaction, the mixture loses its properties. The approximate shelf life is no more than a month. Only components will be damaged from such actions.

It is strictly forbidden to pour waste liquid onto the ground or down the drain. Working off should be given to special points for processing. It can also be used for personal purposes. Be responsible and do not pollute the environment with waste technical fluids.

For information on how to change the oil in a lawn mower, see the next video.

What kind of oil to pour into the lawn mower?

Internal combustion engines used in lawn mowers come in two and four strokes. When changing the engine oil in lawn mower engines, owners have a question. what kind of engine oil to fill in the lawn mower? Today we will analyze this issue in detail and start first with four-stroke engines.

Lawn mower features

The engine oil in the mower engine is distributed by the crankshaft: it is scooped up from the crankcase and sprayed onto the parts. Due to this design, the viscosity of the lubricant must be sufficient to retain the oil film on the parts, at the same time it must not be too thick to interfere with the movement of parts or form a hard crust.

On the other hand, lawn mowers operate mainly in positive ambient temperatures and the load on their engines is not as severe as on car engines. Lawn mowers most often do not require a “cold start” in the cold, which greatly reduces the service life of a car engine and requires low-temperature properties from lubrication.

On the contrary, lawn mowers are generally air-cooled and therefore have a higher engine temperature than liquid-cooled car motors.

The first filling is intended for running in the engine. after five hours of operation, it is replaced, after which it is possible to work on the new grease for the whole season. In the future, the replacement is done according to the regulations after a certain number of hours, or it is drained at the end of the summer season and a new one is poured in the next year.

General Guidelines for Choosing Lawn Mower Oil

Based on the above design features of the engines, it is best to use a special lawn mower oil for lubrication, and it should be suitable for the temperature conditions in which the unit will be used. The best option is a specialized grease of the SAE 30 class. It is used at temperatures above 5 degrees.

If a special one is not available, then automotive lubricants of the class can be used:

These lubricants are also designed mainly for positive ambient temperatures and a maximum value above 35 degrees.

By the type of lubricant. mineral and semi-synthetic are allowed. Fully synthetic would be too expensive. The quality level of performance properties according to API. “SF”, “SG”, “SH”, “SJ” and higher. For four-stroke engines of garden equipment, the label must be marked “4T”.

Recommendations for the selection of oils from specific manufacturers

Manufacturers of lawn mowers in the instructions for them must indicate the type that is used in their technology, as well as the frequency of oil changes, usually in operating hours. Usually manufacturers indicate their branded lubricants and they should be used if you want to keep the warranty on the equipment. But often manufacturers also indicate the general characteristics of lubricants, and then you can pick up similar lubricants from more widely available automotive oils.

The one recommended by the manufacturer is considered the best for any engine. Shell Helix Ultra is world renowned Shell has been developing a new technology for producing synthetic oil from natural gas for 40 years. Pureplus technology has resulted in an improved base oil composition. On its basis, with the addition of the necessary additives, the leading manufacturers recommended for their equipment are obtained.

Changing the engine oil in two-stroke lawn mowers

The two-stroke engine is usually mounted on grass trimmers (hand-held grass clippers). These devices are small in size and weight, so the number of parts in them is minimized. They do not have a separate oil reservoir and need to mix gasoline and oil. Here, amateur performance is no longer appropriate. it is necessary to use only a special one for two-stroke engines and mix it with gasoline in the proportions specified in the operating instructions for the grass trimmer.

It is imperative to pay attention to the type of oil to determine the correct mixing ratio: for mineral oils, the ratio of oil to gasoline should be from 1:32 to 1:35, and for semi-synthetic oils. 1:50.

Once again, we draw your attention. on canisters with oil for two-stroke engines, the marking “2T” MUST be indicated!

The fuel mixture for two-stroke engines is prepared as follows:

  • The exact amount of gasoline is poured into the canister (for example, for a grass trimmer 5 liters),
  • Then, using a dispenser, add oil (semi-synthetic. 100 milliliters)
  • Cover with a lid and mix well

The finished fuel mixture can be stored for no more than two weeks in a metal or polypropylene container.

Do not use plastic bottles for storage! Polyethylene dissolves in gasoline and then, getting into the combustion chamber, increases carbon deposits in the engine. With prolonged storage of the fuel mixture, it loses its properties due to chemical reactions. There is an increased risk that the engine will not start on old fuel.

We hope our review has helped answer your question. what kind of oil to put in a lawn mower? We ask you to share your best practices on replacing engine oil in lawn mowers under the review in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.

Lawn mower engine oil function

Gasoline lawn mowers are equipped with two-stroke and four-stroke internal combustion engines. The movement of the knives is provided by the energy transmitted to them from the internal combustion engine. It occurs due to the expansion of gases formed during the explosion of gasoline or a fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In this case, the compression of gases is provided by the movement of the piston.

For the system to work well, there must be the minimum required clearances between mating parts. If their sizes increase due to wear of the working parts, this leads to a deterioration in the operation of the motor unit, and over time to the complete impossibility of starting it into operation. The problem is connected with the fact that the required pressure value for ignition of the fuel mixture mixed with atmospheric air is not reached.

Engine oil covers engine parts with a thin film, which slows down their wear, and also prevents the appearance of scoring on the metal surface of mating structural elements. This is the main role of oil in the gasoline drive train of a lawn mower.

The destruction of knots caused by friction between parts does not completely stop, but the use of high quality materials significantly slows down the process.

In addition to reducing friction between interacting parts of the internal combustion engine, the use of oil allows:

  • provide better cooling of the drive unit during operation, improving heat exchange processes between metal and atmospheric air;
  • perform work, operating the motor at maximum speed, which increases labor efficiency and leads to a decrease in time costs;
  • protect the metal of the drive mechanism from corrosion during the winter downtime of the apparatus.

Quality oils reduce the negative effects of high temperatures on engine parts. Removing heat, they increase the operating time of the unit before overheating.

Engine oil is a special material that ensures trouble-free operation of the internal combustion engine, as well as other systems in the mower. Neglect of its quality leads to various breakdowns of the unit.

Difference in operation of 2 and 4 stroke engines

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

  • adding oil to fuel in an exact ratio;
  • pour oil separately, the mixture is formed when fuel is injected into the cylinder.

In the photo, the oil supply through the plunger pump dispenser into the inlet pipe of the combustion chamber.

The second scheme is the future, while the first method is used in gardening equipment. drawing up a combustible mixture. New engines are quiet, economical, but more complex.

To prepare a combustible mixture, you can use the table and dispenser.

The four-stroke engine has a container for oil, which is used to create protection for rubbing parts. In this case, the lubrication system consists of a pump, an oil filter and pipes that supply the composition to the units. Crankcase or tank lubrication can be used. In the first case, oil is supplied to the system from the crankcase and from there it is pumped into the supply pipes by a pump. With a “dry sump”, drops of oil collected in the sump are sent back to the tank.

Pictured is wet sump grease and dry sump grease.

The difference in the composition of the oil for different types of engines is fundamental. Lawnmower oil with a 4-stroke engine must remain unchanged for a long time. The composition for two-stroke engines should have fewer mineral inclusions during combustion to prevent the formation of carbon deposits.

If the recommended oil is available, you should not experiment with the selection of a different composition. If absent, select the one recommended for 2 or 4 stroke models. Use gasoline above the recommended brand. it is premature to replace burnt-out valves and other components.

better, fill, engine, lawn

An important characteristic when choosing a protective ingredient is its operating temperature. The additive should be heat-resistant, but not thicken at low temperatures. Therefore, for each mechanism, depending on the operating conditions, there is its own brand of oil.

Fuel selection

Fuel preparation for a two-stroke engine consists in mixing a special engine oil (it is bought in the same place as lawn mowers or car parts) with gasoline. Mineral oil is mixed with fuel in a ratio of 1 to 32 (or 1 to 35), and if it is synthetic, then the ratio is 1 to 50. all this should be indicated on the package. You can prepare fuel for the lawn mower for the whole season by adding 100 g of oil to a 5-liter can of gasoline.

To the question: “What gasoline should I use?”. the answer is simple: the brand should not be higher than that indicated by the manufacturer of the lawn mower. The octane number matters. the higher it is, the longer the burning time of the fuel, if you use a fuel of a higher grade, this will shorten the operating time of your device. The four-stroke engine has a crankcase that contains a lubricant that lubricates the engine, so it is only fueled with gasoline. But it will have to be changed at intervals of 50 hours, whatever it may be, since there is no special oil filter.

Only a cooled engine can be refueled, and the tank cannot be filled to capacity, you need to leave a little space for expansion. Of course, safety rules must always be followed.

What oil and gasoline to choose for refueling lawn mowers with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine

Internal combustion engines used in lawn mowers are available in two or four strokes. For users need to know, 4 stroke lawn mower oil is filled separately from gasoline. For a two-stroke engine, a fuel mixture is prepared with the addition of oil. At the same time, different compositions are recommended that cannot be replaced and mixed.

What gasoline to fill?

Almost all lawn mowers use unleaded AI-92 gasoline, which is called Regular at some gas stations. However, some models are designed for gasoline AI-95 (Premium) or even AI-98 (Super).

WHAT IS THE BEST OIL FOR LAWN MOWER

Therefore, before refueling, you must carefully read the operating instructions for the gasoline lawn mower, and purchase fuel for it only at proven gas stations.

If you fill in the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer, then the engine will use its resource very carefully and it will last for many years or even decades. There are cases when lawn mowers produced in the mid-eighties of the last century still work without repair or replacement of the engine.

better, fill, engine, lawn

Selection and use of oil

By design, the engine of a gasoline lawn mower differs from a car engine only in the number of cylinders and air cooling.

Its closest analogue is moped motors, because they also have only one cylinder and air cooling. Therefore, for engines of gasoline lawn mowers, the same oil is suitable as for cars or mopeds, which meets the manufacturer’s requirements according to SAE and API.

If the manufacturer has not specified the SAE and API parameters, then you need to focus on the following values:

  • according to SAE5W30, 10W30, W30, 10W35, 15W35, 10W40, 15W40, W40.
  • according to APISG, SH, SJ or SL (for lawn mowers with fuel injection only SJ or SL).

At the same time, such oil “for lawn mowers” has no real advantages, because automobile engines operate in much heavier modes, which means that the requirements for oil for them are much higher.

In addition, it is important to choose the right oil by the type of base, because it can be:

  • mineral;
  • semi-synthetic;
  • synthetic.

The choice of base depends on the age of the mower and the presence of a carburetor:

  • 20 years or more. only mineral.
  • 0–20 years old, carburetor. mineral or semi-synthetic.
  • 10–20 years old, fuel injection. semi-synthetic.
  • 0-10 years, fuel injection. synthetic or semi-synthetic.

The difference between motors

The main difference is the number of strokes, on which the method of lubrication of rubbing parts and fuel supply depends.

Four-stroke engines run on pure gasoline, because oil for lubricating rubbing parts is in a special container. a sump or crankcase.

Two-stroke engines do not have an oil reserve, therefore they run on a mixture of gasoline and oil, and rubbing parts are lubricated with the same mixture.

Therefore, oil for trimmers and other two-stroke equipment is not suitable for lawn mowers, and vice versa, oil for lawn mowers or other four-stroke equipment cannot be used to mix for two-stroke engines.

How to refuel a gasoline lawn mower?

For refueling, use pure unleaded gasoline, which was stored for no more than a week in a clean container without oil residues.

It is necessary to fill in fuel using a watering can or a special tip put on the canister to avoid spilling gasoline.

After all, spilled fuel poses a serious fire hazard, and also emits an unpleasant odor and stains hands or clothes.

Do not fill a full tank of fuel, because during operation the engine generates a lot of heat, part of which reaches the mower’s gas tank and, at least a little, heats its contents. This leads to increased fuel evaporation and an increase in pressure inside the gas tank, which also leads to an increase in pressure inside the fuel system.

If this happens, the air-fuel mixture entering the cylinder will be richer, which means that the fuel contained in it will not burn completely, but will burn out in the engine head and its muffler, which will reduce the resource of these parts.

Before refueling, you must carefully read the operating instructions for the gasoline lawn mower, because there is indicated the maximum fuel level, which must not be exceeded.

In order to fill fuel, you need to do the following:

  • stop the engine, if the machine was mowing the grass before, then wait 5-10 minutes for the engine and the surrounding space to cool down (if the mower was just delivered to the work site, then this item is not required);
  • With a clean cloth, clean the fuel tank cap and the surrounding area from cut grass or dust;
  • unscrew the lid and put it aside;
  • using a watering can or a special nozzle on the canister, pour fuel into the tank;
  • put on, then wrap the lid;
  • wipe the lid, filler neck and tank with a clean dry cloth.

Fuel consumption and what it depends on?

The fuel consumption of a gasoline lawn mower is measured in l / h, that is, the number of liters of gasoline that the engine consumes during mowing per hour.

This parameter depends on:

  • engine power;
  • cutting width;
  • the presence of a self-propelled drive;
  • the density of the grass;
  • features of operation.

The more powerful the engine, the more fuel it consumes, because the energy of rotation of its shaft is formed as a result of the combustion of gasoline and the appearance of exhaust gases pushing the piston, which turns the engine crankshaft through the connecting rod.

The wider the cutting width, the more energy the engine needs to generate in order to effectively cut the grass. The self-propelled drive takes away part of the energy produced by the motor to move the mower, which means that additional energy is needed to maintain the same mowing efficiency, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption.

The thicker the grass, the higher the load on the knife, which means that more energy must be generated by the engine to maintain mowing efficiency.

The mowing modes are of no small importance, because in the mulching mode, as well as in case of untimely emptying of the grass catcher, fuel consumption increases.

Manufacturers sometimes indicate fuel consumption for a particular model, but these data are average, so the margin of error is ± 30%. It is possible to more accurately determine this parameter using a full-scale test, for which exactly 1 liter of gasoline is poured into the tank and the grass is mowed until the engine stalls, and then these data are converted into the required (l / h) format.

What gasoline to fill in a lawn mower and how to choose oil?

The engine of any gasoline lawn mower is very demanding on fuel and oil, so the use of unsuitable fuel or oil that is not suitable for the engine leads to a decrease in its resource, as well as its failure.

After all, a lawn mower engine works on the same principles as a car engine. Therefore, in order for it to work without breakdowns and with maximum power, it is necessary to use not only high-quality, but also the corresponding gasoline and oil.

For example, only four-stroke engines are installed on lawn mowers, while brushcutters and other hand tools, only two-stroke, and it is better to fill it with fuel suitable for this type of engine.

Next, let’s try to understand the question of which gasoline to pour into the mower, in more detail.

Why is it important to choose the right fuel??

Liquid fuel (gasoline) passes through the carburetor or injector and enters the cylinder, where it mixes with air, after which it burns, releasing heat and exhaust gases, creating sufficient pressure for the piston to move.

If the gasoline is of high quality, that is, it does not contain harmful impurities and its composition complies with GOST 32513-2013 “Motor fuels. Unleaded petrol. Technical conditions “, then its negative impact on the fuel system, as well as elements of the combustion chamber, is minimal.

After all, this GOST, although inferior to the regulatory documents adopted in the EU, the USA or Japan, but the negative impact of the corresponding fuel on the engine fits into the standards adopted by these countries.

Therefore, the main difference between the Russian GOST and the regulatory documents of these countries concerns the impact of gasoline on the environment and modern environmentally friendly engines. But the vast majority of lawn mowers are equipped with engines developed in the middle of the last century, which means that their impact on the environment is comparable to the same car engines. Therefore, even the most environmentally friendly gasoline cannot make a difference.

If sulfur and resins are higher than required by GOST 32513-2013, then such gasoline poses a serious threat to engines, because:

  • resin gradually settles on the walls of the fuel system channels, reducing their throughput and disrupting the ratio of fuel and air in the fuel-air mixture;
  • sulfur changes the combustion temperature of gasoline, due to which the parts of the combustion chamber, that is, the cylinder, piston, valves and head, operate at temperatures higher than the calculated ones, which means that their resource is consumed several times faster.

If the fuel differs in octane number, then the fuel with a lower octane number ignites earlier, which causes detonation, which destroys all parts of the combustion chamber. If the octane number is higher, then part of the fuel burns out in the muffler, which leads to burnout.

The use of correctly selected oil and gasoline allows the lawn mower motor to use its safety margin very carefully, so that their service life can be tens of years.

The main parameter that determines the choice of gasoline or oil is the manufacturer’s recommendation, which can be found in the operating instructions for the device.

If the instructions are not at hand, you can use the recommendations that you found in the article. This will help you decide which fuel to fill and which oil to use for a gasoline lawn mower, regardless of its brand and characteristics.

Change of oil

Changing the lubricant in a lawn mower engine is not as difficult as changing the oil in a car. Everything is much simpler here. The algorithm of work is as follows.

  • Prepare enough fresh oil for replacement. Usually, no more than 0.6 liters of oil is poured into the lubrication system of many lawn mowers.
  • Start the unit and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up the oil so that it becomes more liquid. This promotes better drainage.
  • Switch off the engine and place an empty container under the drain hole from the crankcase to collect the used oil.
  • Unscrew the drain plug and allow all the oil to drain. It is recommended to tilt the device (if possible or advisable) towards the drain.
  • Screw the plug back into place and move the machine to a level surface.
  • Open the filler hole on the oil tank and fill it to the required level, which is controlled by a dipstick.
  • Tighten the tank cap.

This completes the process of replacing the lubricant, and the unit is again ready for operation.

Selection recommendations

It is best to use a specially designed oil for 4-stroke lawn mower engines in accordance with the ambient temperatures in which the equipment will be used. For example, specialized grease grades 10W40 and SAE30 are quite suitable for four-stroke mowers in terms of their operational parameters, which can be used at ambient temperatures in the range from 5 to 45 degrees Celsius.

These oils are recommended as the optimum lubricant given the seasonality of lawnmower use. It is unlikely that anyone would come up with the idea to “start” a lawn mower at a negative temperature outside the window.

In the absence of specialized oils, you can use other classes of oils used for cars. These can be grades SAE 15W40 and SAE 20W50, which are also used at positive temperatures, but only their threshold is 10 degrees lower than specialized ones (up to 35 degrees). And also for 90% of the available models of four-stroke lawn mowers, the oil of the SF composition will do.

The container with engine oil for a four-stroke lawn mower must be marked with the “4T” sign. Synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils can be used. But most often they use semi-synthetic or mineral oil, since synthetic oil is very expensive.

And in order not to guess what oil to fill in the engine of your mower model, it is better to look at the instructions. The required type of oil and the frequency of its replacement are indicated there. It is recommended to use only the types of oils specified by the manufacturer until the expiration of the warranty repair period, in order to maintain the issued warranties. And then pick something more affordable, but, of course, not inferior in quality to branded oils. You should not save on oil quality.

Why do you need lubricant?

Gasoline lawn mower engines are internal combustion engines (ICEs), in which the driving force transmitted from the ICE to the working bodies (cutting knives) is generated by the energy generated in the combustion chamber of the cylinder when the fuel mixture is ignited. As a result of the ignition, the gases expand, forcing the piston to move, which is associated with the mechanism for further transfer of energy to the final organ, that is, in this case, the lawn mower knives.

In the engine, therefore, many large and small parts are mated, which need lubrication in order, if not completely to prevent their abrasion, destruction, wear, then at least to slow down these processes, negative for the mechanism, as much as possible.

Due to the engine oil that enters the engine and covers its rubbing elements with a thin layer of oil film, the occurrence of scratches, scoring and burrs on the metal surface of parts practically does not occur on new units.

But over time, this cannot be avoided, since the development of gaps in the mates still occurs. And the better the oil, the longer the service life of the garden equipment will be. In addition, with the help of high-quality lubricants, the following positive phenomena occur:

Opinion Vlog. Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil in Small Engines

  • better cooling of the engine and its parts, which prevents overheating and thermal shock;
  • engine operation is guaranteed at high loads and with a long time period of continuous grass mowing;
  • the safety of internal engine parts from corrosion is ensured during seasonal equipment downtime.

Lawn mowers have long taken their place among the necessary equipment among the owners of country and private houses, as well as employees of park facilities. In the summer, this technique is used quite intensively. For the reliable and durable operation of lawn mower engines, the quality of fuels and lubricants, in particular oils, is of great importance. Oils for 4-stroke engines of this type of gardening machines are described in this article.

Features of the four-stroke engine

Lawn mower gasoline engines are divided into two groups: two-stroke and four-stroke. Their difference in the way of filling the oil is as follows:

  • a lubricant for two-stroke engines must be pre-mixed with gasoline in a separate container and in a certain ratio, mixed thoroughly, and only after all this it must be poured into the fuel tank of the car;
  • lubricant and gasoline for four-stroke are not pre-mixed. these fluids are poured into separate tanks and work separately, each according to its own system.

Thus, a 4-stroke engine has its own pump, filter and piping system. Its oil system is of a circulation type, that is, unlike a 2-stroke analogue, the lubricant in such a motor does not burn out, but is supplied to the necessary parts and returned to the tank.

Based on this circumstance, the requirement for oil is also special here. It should retain its properties for a long period, when, as for the lubricating composition of a two-stroke engine, the main quality criterion, in addition to the basic properties, is the ability to burn without a trace, without leaving carbon deposits and deposits.

How often do you need to change the lubricant?

As noted above, the operating instructions for garden equipment with a 4-stroke engine must indicate the frequency of oil changes. But if there are no instructions, then they are guided primarily by the number of hours that the equipment has worked (engine hours). Every 50-60 worked hours, you need to change the oil in the engine.

However, in the case when the plot is small and you can process it in no more than one hour, it is unlikely that for the entire spring-summer season the lawn mower will work even half the operating hours of the norm, unless it is rented out to neighbors. Then the oil must be replaced when the equipment is preserved in the fall before the winter period.

What kind of oil should not be poured?

Do not fill the four-stroke engine of the lawn mower with lubricant intended for two-stroke analogs (on the labels of oil containers for such engines, the marking “2T” is put). However, you cannot do this and vice versa. In addition, it is unacceptable to fill in the liquid that was stored in plastic bottles from under drinking water.

This polyethylene is not intended for storing aggressive substances in it, therefore a chemical reaction is possible that affects the properties of both lubricants and polyethylene.

For information on how to change the oil in a four-stroke lawnmower, see the following video.

Why is it so important to comply with the frequency?

First, let’s take a look at how important it is to periodically change the oil in your lawn mower. Firstly, this fluid provides air cooling of the mechanism, thereby allowing the engine to operate at extremely high revs. Secondly, lawn mower oil protects its parts during winter storage.

How often should the fluid be changed?

If the engine is not new, the lawn mower oil can be changed approximately every 25-50 hours of tool operation. This is an average of 2-3 months of work. Also, the condition of the oil can be determined without measuring the number of hours worked. Just make sure that it does not start to take on a black tint. When this happens, be sure to change the fluid, otherwise the engine may soon simply jam.

Change of oil

  • The old liquid is drained first.
  • The mower then turns to the side (to the side where the drain hole is located) for a few minutes until the waste fluid is completely drained. Then the tool is put back in a horizontal position. In this case, it is necessary to prepare in advance a small container for the old oil.
  • After that, a new one is poured into the mower through the neck into the mower.

Everything, at this stage, the oil change can be considered complete. When you pour new fluid into the neck, remember that it must be poured strictly up to the indicated mark in the crankcase.

Lawn mower oil: how to change it correctly and which fluid is better to fill

A lawn mower is a very useful thing for those who need to periodically mow grass on lawns and other land plots. However, with the purchase of this tool, do not forget that it, like any other mechanism, requires periodic maintenance. One of these moments is the oil change. How to change the oil in the lawn mower, which liquid is better to fill? You will learn the answer from the article.

Which lawn mower oil should you choose?

It is necessary to make Accent on the fact that a certain type of fluid and its viscosity directly depends on the temperature conditions in which this tool is used. So, if the weather is warm (temperatures from plus 5 to plus 30 degrees Celsius), it is recommended to use the SAE-30 series fluid. In the off-season season, experts recommend pouring lawn mower oil with a viscosity of 10W-30. In winter, 5W-30 series fluid can be used. You should also pay attention to Synthetic 5W-30, which, by its properties, ensures reliable operation of lawn mower parts at relatively low temperatures.

Lawn Mower Motor Oils

In a private house, you cannot do without lawn care equipment. For owners of summer cottages and land plots, a lawn mower is practically a necessary unit, and, like any other equipment, it needs to be looked after. Modern mowers are equipped with an internal combustion engine, two-stroke or four-stroke. And internal combustion engines, during operation, need engine oil and periodically require its replacement: it is necessary so that the engine continues to work as it should.

Mix type

There are three main types of lubricants on the market, and this is true for automotive oils and those intended for small equipment.

  • Mineral oils are cheaper than others. They are derived from crude oil through distillation and distillation, have a shorter lifespan and are usually loaded with more additives.
  • Fully synthetic fluids are synthesized using a complex technology. They have better lubricating properties than mineral ones: the size of all molecules in the mixture is approximately the same, and this provides less friction. The main disadvantage is the price: they are more expensive than other options. But you can use them longer.
  • A compromise solution between the two types is semisynthetics. Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of mineral and synthetic fluids. They are cheaper than full synthetics, and better than mineral ones in terms of performance. ROLF GARDEN 2T. semi-synthetic oil.

Quality class

Lubricating fluids are labeled according to the API system developed by the American Fuel Institute. For oils intended for small equipment, there is a labeling. It determines how the mixture can be used.

  • TA. the lowest class, suitable for use in engines up to 50 cm 3.
  • TB is designed for motors from 50 to 200 cm 3.It is sometimes used in light scooters.
  • TC is a common class for engines with high quality requirements. It is most often used for mowers, such as the ROLF GARDEN 2T brand.
  • TD is commonly used in motor boat engines where liquid cooling is used.

Why does a lawn mower need engine oil?

Lubricating fluid is needed for the same reason it is used in cars and motorcycles: it reduces the friction of engine parts and makes their movement smoother, that is, prevents rapid wear. Besides this, the oil has other functions:

  • remove heat from the heating engine;
  • protect metal from corrosion and oxidation;
  • dissolve soot and deposits, keep them in suspension and prevent settling.

A high-quality lubricating fluid contains additives that improve its properties and protect the engine. Selecting a good oil is a prerequisite if you want your lawnmower to run for a long time.

How to choose the right oil

The market offers a wide variety of lubricating fluids. They differ in price, quality class, type of mixture, quantity / composition of additives and features of use. For example, ROLF GARDEN 2T is used in vehicles equipped with two-stroke engines. Before choosing it is necessary:

  • familiarize yourself with the documentation for your lawn mower: it usually indicates which mixtures are suitable for a particular model;
  • decide on the budget and the nature of the use of technology in order to better understand what properties are required from the oil;
  • choose a type: mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetics;
  • select the appropriate quality class depending on the operating conditions and design features of the mower.