Inadequate or excessive oil can cause harm to your lawn mower’s engine. So, while using a lawn mower, it’s a kind of prerequisite for you to know how much oil does a lawn mower take if you want to get rid of lawn mower woes.
If the engine is not served adequate oil, you won’t get your expected output; on the other hand, the lack of lubrication can cause overheating, friction, and emit smoke. Eventually, it may damage the engine, resulting in costly repair or engine replacement. Let us share all you need to know how much oil does a lawn mower take and explore the oil capacity of different brands and models of lawn mower.
How Much Oil Does A Lawn Mower Take?
The oil intake capacity of a lawn mower generally depends on the lawn mower engine and the outside temperature. Usually, the oil capacity for a walk-behind lawn mower is around 15 to 20 ounces; some models may need 20 to 24 ounces. On the other hand, a riding mower/tractor lawn mower’s engine intakes 48 to 64 ounces of oil.
Now, take a look at the oil capacity of the different brands and models we have listed below.
See Also: How to Store Lawn Mower in Garage: 8 Easy-to-follow Tips
Oil Capacity of Different Brands and Models
Honda
| Model Name | Oil Capacity |
| GCV 160 | 0.55l |
| GXV 160 | 0.65l |
| GCV 190 | 0.55l |
| GSV 190 | 0.55l |
Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower
| Model Name | Oil Capacity |
| E series engines | 48 oz |
| EX series engines | 48 oz |
| EXi series engines | 64 oz |
| PXi series engines | 67 oz |
| Commercial performance series | 67 oz |
Toro
| Model Name | Oil Capacity |
| Smartstow 21565 | 0.25 gallon |
| Electric Start 21564 | 0.2 gallon |
| Blade Spin Stop 21563 | 0.25 gallon |
| Personal Pace 21462 | 0.25 gallon |
| Electric Start 21464 | 0.2 gallon |
| Smartstow 21465 | 0.2 gallon |
| All-Wheel Drive 21472 | 0.25 gallon |
| Push 21332 | 0.2 gallon |
| Variable Speed 21352 | 0.2 gallon |
| High Wheel 21442 | 0.2 gallon |
| Smartstow 21445 | 0.27 gallon |
| Personal Pace TimeMaster 21199 | 0.3 gallon |
| Electric Start 21200 | 0.3 gallon |
Oil Types
There are two grades of oil- Single Grade Oil and Multi-Grade Oil.
Single Grade Oil
Single-weight oil like SAE30 works well at 40-to-100 degrees Fahrenheit, and they are typically used for small and older engines. But if you are using four-stroke engines, especially in cold temperatures, it’s best to use multi-grade oil.
Multi Grade Oil
Multi-grade oil, like SAE 10W-30, is used in modern engines. This type of oil is used in engines that cover a wide temperature range, like working on extremely hot or cold weather. Car/truck owners use multi-grade oils, especially during winter.
Since different oil types and their consumption is dependent on temperature as the temperature affects the oil flow. So, you should be aware of temperature before, using a particular oil for your lawn mower engine. Check out the popular single-grade and multi-grade oils and how they react to temperature:
SAE 30: This oil is appropriate for a small and older engine. SAE 30 is most popular in warmer areas.
SAE 10W-30: The consumption of this oil can increase with temperature rise. If the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you have to check the oil level frequently.
Synthetic SAE 5W-30: This oil type is suitable for all temperatures, and its consumption is less than SAE 10W-30.
SAE 5W-30: This oil works best in extremely cold temperatures.
Vanguard 15W-50: It also works in different temperatures, including extremely hot weather. This oil is best for commercial purposes.
How To Check Oil Level?
You should frequently check the engine oil level so that the mower doesn’t stop in the middle of trimming. We have added easy-to-follow steps on how to check the oil level of your lawn mower engine.
Step 1: Remove The Dipstick Blade
Park the lawn mower on a level surface and remove the dipstick cap. After that, bring out the dipstick blade and clean it with a clean rag to get an accurate reading.
Step 2: Reinstall The Blade
After wiping, reinstall the dipstick blade and remove it again. Now you can see the oil level get marked on the bottom of the dipstick blade.
Step 3: Determine the Oil Level
The level of oil should be between the sign ”full and add”. If the oil level is low, carefully pour a few ounces; don’t overfill the oil. Before you check the oil level for the next time, allow enough time for the added oil to settle down.
Why It Is Important to Check the Oil Level?
An adequate oil supply prevents the engine from overheating and keeps it cool. Otherwise, an overheated engine can damage the entire mower.
The oil also lubricates the engines, preventing rust, cracks, and damage. If there isn’tisn’t enough oil in the engine, the friction will increase, which will cause wear and tear. In some terrible cases, the lack of proper lubrication breaks down the engine altogether. So, it’s very important to keep the oil level in check.
When to Change Oil?
If you’re using a walk-behind lawn mower, then you should change the oil after every 50 hours of run time. Similarly, the oil should be changed after 100 hours of run time for tractors or riding lawnmowers. Provided that, you should change the lawn mower oil every year or end of runtime, whichever comes first.
How Much Oil Does A Lawn Mower Take: Final Words
To increase your lawn mower’s shelf life, you must maintain its engine oil intake properly. It’s also necessary to change the oil from time to time. We recommend using an extracting pump to extract the oil out of the mower, refill it, and keep the oil level close to the maximum level to avoid any unwanted interruption while mowing.
