The push mower is a great invention that has been around for decades. It’s a time-tested machine and does an excellent job at cutting grass, especially in places where a riding mower might have difficulty going.
Mowing with the push mower can be a lot of fun and allows you to get exercise while being productive. Also, there is something about a freshly cut lawn that you completed all by yourself. It’s so satisfying to look at your work.
However, you’re here with the question of what kind of oil a push mower uses in its engine?
Push mower engines can use SAE 30 oil in 40°F to 100°F temperatures, SAE 10W-30 oil in 0°F to 100°F temperatures, or Synthetic SAE 5W-30 oil in -20°F to 100°F temperatures.
| STANDARD SAE 30 | STANDARD SAE 10W-30 | SYNTHETIC SAE 5W-30 | |
| OUTDOOR TEMP (LOW) | 40°F | 0°F | -20°F |
| OUTDOOR TEMP (HIGH) | 100°F | 100°F | 100°F |
Different Types of Push Mower Oil
SAE 30 Push Mower Engine Oil
SAE 30 engine oil is suited for warmer climates with a temperature range of 40°F to 100°F.
SAE 30 oil can get thick and make an engine hard to start if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
SAE 10W-30 Push Mower Engine Oil
SAE 10W-30 has a much wider climate operating range when compared to SAE 30 engine oil. SAE 10W-30 has an operating range of 0°F to 100°F.
The wider operating temperature range makes SAE 10W-30 much easier to start than SAE 30 in temperatures less than 40°F.
In temperatures above 80°F, SAE 10W-30 does have an increased oil consumption and will need to be checked more often.
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Push Mower Engine Oil
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 has the broadest temperature operating range of -20°F to 100°F. This wide range offers easy starting at temperatures less than 40°F with no increased oil consumption at temperatures over 80°F.
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 offers easy starting in cold weather without increased oil consumption in hotter weather. However, it is not as readily available as SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 and is more expensive.
Can You Use Car Oil In A Lawnmower?
Can you use car oil in a lawnmower? The answer to that question is yes, you can! In fact, many people do use car oil in their lawnmowers. However, it’s important to be aware that using car oil in your lawnmower can have some negative consequences. For example, using car oil can actually damage your lawnmower engine and cause it to wear out prematurely.
The reason for premature wear is that car oil lacks the extra zinc and phosphorus that small engine oil does. If a car uses oil with high levels of zinc and phosphorus it can damage components of the car like the catalytic converter. Car oil does have some zinc and phosphorus but not nearly enough for small engines.
True small engine oil will have a high amount of zinc and phosphorus to provide protection for critical engine components from the wear caused by high pressure, heat, and friction.
Whats the Best Oil For Lawn Mower?
There is no one “best” oil for lawnmowers, as each model and make requires its own specific type of oil. However, there are a few general guidelines to follow when choosing the right oil for your mower.
For starters, you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual to see what type of oil your mower requires. You can usually find this information in the “Specifications” or “Product Specifications” section of the manual. Once you know the type of oil required, you can then begin looking for the best option.
In most cases, it’s best to stick with brand-name oils that are specifically designed for lawnmowers. These oils have been formulated to provide optimal performance and protection for your mower, and they often include lubrication additives that enhance the performance of your engine.
You can find these brand-name oils at any lawn and garden supply store, as well as many big-box retailers. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid generic oil brands and instead purchase a name brand of oil for your mower.
How Much Oil Does My Push Mower Take?
Each engine is different, so it’s difficult to say exactly how much oil your particular model of push mower will take. However, most mowers will take between 15oz to 18oz, so it’s best to start with that range and then add more or less depending on your individual machine.
Refer to the owner’s manual for your particular push mower when in doubt. If you have lost your manual you can do a quick internet search and usually locate a pdf version online.
Wrapping Up
Now you know the different types of engine oils available for push mowers. Remember to take into account your local climate temperature ranges, availability, and price when making your oil selection.
Whenever possible, always go for name-brand oil instead of generic oils sold at discount prices. Name brand oils are made with stricter and more consistent manufacturing processes. Spending a little more on name-brand oil can save you from having to replace your lawnmower’s engine sooner than expected.
The key takeaway to this blog post is that there is more than one correct oil type for push mowers. The oil you select really should depend on your individual circumstances. The most important factor in selecting your push mower oil should be the average outdoor temperature where you live. The second most important factor is price. Synthetic 5W-30 oil can have a significantly higher price than that of standard oils like SAE 30. The last factor in oil selection is availability. SAE 30 and SAE 10W-30 engine oils are readily available in more locations than Synthetic 5W-30.
Well, that about sums up which oils you run in your push mower. I hope you gained something that you can take away from this post.
Have a great day and remember to change your push mower’s engine oil.
Be safe out there!
Steven R
