Craftsman mower oil type. Can You Use Car Oil in a Lawn Mower? (YES and NO! )

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How to fix, maintain be safe with chainsaws, lawn mowers, engines DIY tools and kits. Maybe some beer talk.

How to choose the best oil for your lawn mower

Just as you should regularly change the oil in your car or truck or chainsaw, the same should be done for your lawnmower. If you want to have the best looking lawns in the street, you’ll need your lawnmower to have a sharp blade and to be filled with the best oil so that while you are pushing the damn thing, the engine operates well and gives a long lifetime of service. You could be tempted to think of your lawnmower as being ‘just a lawnmower’ so any kind of automotive car oil will do but that could mean the difference between extending the life of your lawn mower or causing it to clog and become inoperable. This is especially so if your mower doesn’t get used very often. So if you want the ‘good oil’ on what to put in your grass cutter, read on.

What kind of oil do I need to use in my lawnmower?

The temperature of the climate in which you will operate the lawnmower will have an influence on your oil needs.

Lawnmower engine experts Briggs and Stratton advise that Engines on most outdoor power equipment operate well with 5W30 Synthetic oil.

For equipment operated in hot temperatures, Vanguard 15W50 Synthetic oil provides the best protection.

What that means for you as the oil user is that you need to check what range your engine will run on. The easiest way to do this is to check your engine’s user manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you have lost the manual or never had one, then use a search engine to find a PDF of it.

A general rule of thumb though is that engines on most outdoor power equipment operate well with 5W30 Synthetic oil.

Once you have found the right kind of oil, it’s now time to consider what brand of oil you want to use.

We typically recommend you avoid the cheapest range of any tool or safety gear or oil and most certainly do the same with lawnmower oil. we suggest you used tried and trusted brands. because these oils have been road-tested in many machines being pushed many thousands of miles.

If those brands didn’t cut it, they wouldn’t survive in the market. If you don’t believe me, read this tale of how the Slitz company turned a quality beer into a joke and ran their brand into the ground. One rule of thumb to bear in mind is that the older your engine is, it’s more likely that it will suit the traditional SAE30 oil ranges.

Recommended oil: Briggs and Stratton Small Engine 30W

Briggs and Stratton is arguably the biggest named player in the lawnmower engine market (Husqvarna is probably second). Their engines are known for ‘going and going’ so much so that several other ‘big name brands’ simply use the Briggs and Stratton engine on their own branded push machines as a selling point.

So, the biggest name in lawnmower technology is sure to have a quality oil product for their machines and their version of 30W for small engines is most likely what your engine would benefit from.

Bought a brand new lawnmower, and didn’t want hubs to blow this one up too because he forgot to put oil in it.

Classic and it’s always worth a reminder that if buying a new lawnmower, you need to add oil before you use it or you will destroy the engine.

Can I use synthetic oil in my lawnmower?

Yes, you can use synthetic oil in a lawnmower. Oils like Amsoil are designed for more modern engines. Synthetic oil is a small engine lubricant full of chemical compounds that are artificially made using chemically modified petroleum components. The benefit of using synthetic oil is they tend to offer better viscosity, wear and deposit control, and low-temperature fluidity. This means that if you regularly use synthetic oil in your lawnmower (over the long term) then you greatly increase the chances of long service life and reduce the need to replace your lawnmower at year 6 instead of year 10 (excuse the hyperbole!). So the regular use of synthetic oils in your engine reduces the chances of it failing and thus in the process, extends its service life. The only real downside to using this kind of oil is that it is usually priced significantly higher than standard oils. Check out this example from Pennzoil for example, their 530-30 Full Synthetic can price over 50 bucks!

Using Toro Synthetic oil with a lawnmower

Designed to work across a range of extreme conditions, Toro synthetic oil will handle the heat and the cold to help you get your lawns cut.

Toro is a massive brand worldwide, in addition, to push lawn mowers they produce golf cars, ride-on mowers, spray equipment, diggers, bunk rakes, and top dressers. So they know engines and they know oil so you can be sure the oil is engineered and tested to meet the needs of their machines. This means due to its quality, Toro oil will do most lawn mowers a favor in terms of engine performance. It certainly meets the performance requirements of brands such as Briggs Stratton, Kohler, Honda, Tecumseh, and Craftsman!

How often should I replace my lawnmower oil?

Many car owners change their car’s oil once a year as part of an annual tune-up up. It lengthens the life of the engine as its parts are protected from wear.

For smaller engines, the comparison is the same. many lawnmowers will change their oil once a year in the spring when the grass starts to grow long and the mower is used more regularly.

This is tied to the use of the mower. your mower can have varying needs depending on use hours. A lawn that’s mown for half an hour once a month, may only need a change once a year but a weekly mower of a larger lawn may require two changes.

A ride on mower is probably more likely to benefit from a change at 100 hours of run time and annually.

If you feel your engine isn’t performing well, a change of oil may help. As we always recommend, your user instruction manual should be able to give you advice. and it will be good advice too because the dudes and dudettes who made the engine have tested it to the ground in the lab so they will know how their machine works under so many conditions.

How to remove old oil from a lawnmower

When it comes to changing lawn mower oil, there are certainly a few tips and tricks that you can do to make sure you have an oil splash free transfer. So now you’ve understood the reasons why you need to regularly change your engine’s oil, the next question might be how! Items you may need to change the oil:

• A pan or contain to catch the old oil
• some old rags or cloths
• A wrench with appropriate socket size for the oil drain nu
• Engine oil that suits your needs
• Funnel
• Siphon or oil kit system if you are going to siphon rather than drain

Location of the oil change

The first thing to do is consider the location where you will drain the oil already inside the mower. Naturally, you’ll want to avoid doing this operation on your grass lawn or near your garden in case of spillage. To that end, a concrete surface such as a driveway is ideal. You’ll, of course, want to lay down newspaper or cardboard to catch any oil drops that may collect to avoid staining the concrete.

Warm the engine before you drain the oil

It is best to have turned the lawnmower’s engine over for a few minutes before you drain the oil. This is because particles that have collected will be floating around in the old oil. Take care that when draining the oil that the engine parts are not too hot. you may need to use gloves if you have run the engine for a while. It’s also now time to disconnect the spark plug to prevent any accidental ignition of the engine.

Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the push mower

Clean the general area with an old cloth to prevent any external debris from falling into the crankcase when you open the drain plug. Tilt the mower deck and then position some newspaper and an oil pan or jug beneath the mower. Then take a socket wrench to run the plug counterclockwise. This allows the oil to drain into your collection device. Once the oil has fully drained, secure the drain plug by twisting clockwise and tightening gently with the wrench. If your mower has an oil filter, it’s the opportune time to replace it as well.

Removing the engine oil with a siphon kit

If your preference is to siphon via the oil entry point rather than drain, a siphon kit might be just the ticket. Once you have your siphon at the ready, place one end of its tube into the oil fill hole and make sure it has reached the bottom of the reservoir. The other end of the tubing needs to be placed into a container that will not knock over during the process. Engage your siphon and do your best to empty as much of the used oil as you can. Tilting the engine on its side slightly can help pool the last of the oil and the tube can be manipulated into a position to collect the last of the oil. These kits can also be used to transfer fuel from your car or fuel container directly into the lawn mower‘s fuel pump. A handy way to make an efficient transfer! Once you have completed the siphoning, you are ready to add some new oil. And what could you use?

Can You Use Car Oil in a Lawn Mower? (YES and NO!)

Has the time come to change your lawn mower oil? If so, you might be wondering if you can use motor oil in a lawn mower. Some people will tell you that you don’t have to buy separate oil for your car and your lawn mower. This is true to some extent, assuming that you use high-quality oil in your car.

Keep reading to find out more about the type of oil to use in your lawn mower. We’ll also answer some questions you might have about lawn mower oil and offer some tips for changing the oil.

What Oil Can You Use In a Lawn Mower?

The type of oil you use will make all the difference in how long your lawn mower lasts and the quality of service it gives you. There are many types of oils out there but we recommend that you only invest in a high-quality oil. If you want to learn more about lawn mower oil, we recommend this interesting tutorial.

One of the factors to keep in mind when picking lawn mower oil is the climate in your area. But, you should also heed your manufacturer’s recommendation for the best oil to use in your mower.

Some of the oil options from which to choose are:

• SAE 30: This is the most common type of oil used in small engines like those found in lawn mowers.
• SAE 10W-30: This high viscosity oil is specially formulated for cold temperature. It is ideal if you live in cooler regions but colder temperatures may mean higher oil consumption.
• SAE 5W-30: If you live in very cold temperatures, you will need specially made oil that can withstand extreme weather. The SAE 5W-30 is a good choice.
• Synthetic SAE 5W-30: Synthetic lawn mower oil is the preferred oil for lawn mowers. Not only is it gentler on the metal parts of the mower; it also offers protection regardless of the temperature. You will get the most out of synthetic oil whether you live in extremely low or high temperatures. Most synthetic SAE 5W-30 oils are also formulated for lower oil consumption.

Does Lawn Mower Oil Need Additives?

When changing oil for your lawn mower, it is best not to use special additives. You will come across claims encouraging you to add special concoctions to ‘improve your lawn oil.’’ But, these are unnecessary; they may adulterate and lower the quality of the oil.

That said, some manufacturers recommend using oils with additives such as detergent additives, anti-wear agents, friction modifiers, viscosity index improvers, or dispersants. Each type of additive plays its own role whether that is lubrication or separating solid particles from the oil. Before using any additive, be sure to find out what your manufacturer recommends for your particular type of lawn mower.

Is Car Oil the Same As Lawn Mower Oil?

Carmakers urge their customers to use premium conventional oil, which includes synthetic 5W-30, 5W-20, or 5W-30 oil for cooler temperatures. For areas with slightly higher temperatures, 10W-30 oil is advised.

Oil for four-stroke lawn mower

Modern lawn mowers have a four-cycle or four-stroke engine, which stores oil and gasoline in separate compartments, as is the case with motor vehicles. Most lawn mower engines use SAE30 oil or 10W-30 oil, which are also popular options for auto engine oil.

The oil you use for your car’s engine is the same one you can use for your lawn mower. However, make sure that your motor oil is of high quality before using it in a lawn mower engine, which is comparably smaller and less hardy. The quickest way to shorten the life of your lawn mower is to use low-quality engine oil.

Oil for two-stroke lawn mower

Two-stroke lawn mowers are no longer common and have been replaced by the more fuel-efficient, cleaner, and quieter four-stroke mower. But, just in case you have a two-stroke mower, you should not fill it up with the same oil that you use in a vehicle.

Unlike four-stroke engines that have separate compartments for gasoline and oil, two-stroke engines mix gasoline with oil. A lightweight oil is required to mix with the gasoline to thoroughly lubricate the parts of the small, lightweight engine.

For this reason, you should not use motor oil in a two-stroke lawn mower, as the oil tends to be heavier and can bog down the small engine. Instead, use your manufacturer-recommended lightweight oil to protect your engine and preserve its longevity.

How Often Should You Change Lawn Mower Oil?

Every lawn mower maker will recommend their own timeline for changing the engine oil. Generally, for walk-behind lawn mowers, it is best to have an oil change after every 50 hours once a year.

Owners of riding mowers are advised to change the oil every 100 hours or so, or whichever comes first. If your lawn mower or its engine is new, it is best to add new oil after five hours of operation.

That said, these are just general guidelines. You might have to change your oil more frequently than this depending on factors such as high temperatures, mowing uneven terrain, or too much dust. All these tough conditions can quickly dirty your oil and necessitate regular oil change.

Tips For Changing The Oil In Your Lawn Mower

Now, you have found out that you can use motor oil in a lawn mower as long as the oil is of high quality and has not been disqualified by the lawn mower manufacturer. Next, let’s take a look at some things to keep in mind when changing lawn mower oil.

Inspect the dipstick

A sure way to know whether it is time for an oil change is to check the dipstick. If the level is lower than the add marks, that is a good sign that your mower needs fresh oil. Ideally, the oil level should be between the add and full marks.

To check engine oil, unscrew the dipstick cap and pull it. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag to check the reading then replace the readings. Take the cap out again and view the oil level.

If the oil level is lower than the add mark, pour fresh oil gradually and be sure not to fill the compartment with excessive oil. Recheck the oil level to ensure that it is enough. Check your oil regularly to ensure that there is always enough in the mower.

Run the engine to make the oil less viscous

You will need to remove the old oil before filling up the mower with new oil. But, first, run the engine to warm the oil and make it more fluid for ease of draining. Five minutes of the engine running is enough to make the oil less viscous without getting it too hot and potentially dangerous.

Something important you should do is to detach the spark plug lead and spark plug from the engine. This will prevent the engine from accidentally starting.

Empty the oil

There are several ways to drain the oil from the lawn mower. You can do it through the drain plug, dipstick plug, or using an oil extractor kit.

If you decide to use the drain plug, you will first have to tilt the mower to its side. Be sure to turn off the fuel tap to prevent oil from trickling into the engine and potentially causing a fire.

Check with your dealer or manufacturer which method to use to empty the oil through the drain plug. Some manufacturers recommend tilting the mower on its side where the breather is to prevent oil from getting to the air filter or carburetor. Others advise that you lay down the mower on its handle and hold it in place with a rock or other heavy item.

Alternatively, you can use an oil extractor kit to empty the oil tank. Simply insert the oil extractor’s tube into the tank through the oil fill plug and siphon the old oil out. This method is faster and a lot less messy.

Pour in the new oil

Add the new oil through the fill plug. A neat trick is to use a funnel to avoid spilling oil as you pour it into the small inlet. Then, replace the dipstick and check that the oil is at the correct level. If you are satisfied with the oil level, tighten the dipstick cap into place and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Summary

Your lawn mower needs clean, high-quality oil to function properly and to serve you for longer. As we’ve explained, you can use motor oil in a lawn mower as long as it is a good quality oil and is the appropriate type of oil for your specific mower.

Generally, SAE30 is a good choice for both cars and lawn mowers but you should always check with your manufacturer or dealer if you aren’t sure which oil is best for your machine. When the time comes to change your oil, keep in mind the tips we have outlined above and your lawn mower will thank you with many years of service.

Proper maintenance for your mower is key to a working machine and a healthier lawn—and it all starts with the right refill. Get to know your lawn mower engine oil options here.

By Amy Lynch and Bob Vila | Updated May 27, 2021 10:13 AM

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Q: I haven’t changed my lawn mower’s oil since last season, so I’m feeling rusty. Remind me: What type of oil can I use in my lawn mower?

A: You’re not alone. In fact, this bit of lawn mower maintenance happens so occasionally that some people forget to replenish lawn mower oil in the first place. It needs replacing after every 20 to 50 hours of operation, depending on your mower’s specifications. If your yard is small, that might mean as few times as once a year! But, while this task is infrequent, it’s also important to change the oil properly—starting with the correct type of oil for lawn mowers—to keep your machine running.

Two types of oil can go into operating lawn mowers, but your mower’s size, type, and capacity might help determine which of these two is the better option. Even the climate you live in can make a difference when the time comes to change or add oil, since each type of oil for lawn mowers has its own recommended temperature range. If you live in a place that frequently heats up to more than 100 degrees, for example, it might be wise to choose an oil made to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Different Kinds of Lawn Mower Engine Oil

According to a survey of consumers conducted by Briggs Stratton, the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, 48 percent of those who buy automotive oil for their mower believe that automotive oil and small engine oil are one and the same.

In fact, lawn mower engine oil (as well as oil for other small engines) might actually be the only type your mower can tolerate. Using motor oil meant for a tractor or car can clog and disable some units completely due to its higher viscosity.

Always check your manufacturer’s specifications first. No owner’s manual handy? If yours has a Briggs Stratton engine, you can use the company’s interactive tool to determine the best oil for your specific lawn mower’s engine based on its make and model, motor type, and local climate. Talk about a shortcut! Otherwise, at a minimum, it’s important to keep a few guidelines in mind.

Lawn Mower Oil Types

Not all oils are equal, and it helps to get to know the subtle differences to determine the best oil for a lawn mower and avoid a costly mistake. In general, there are two main types of oil: motor oil and small-engine oil. Brands vary in their formulas, with some being regular oil, some a mix of regular and synthetic and some fully synthetic. Older oils typically were one weight or grade only, but newer oils have a viscosity rating added.

• SAE 30 is a single-grade, or straight weight, oil with a viscosity rating of 30 and is safe for small, air-cooled engines, typically older models.
• SAE 10W-30 is a multigrade engine oil that can work in cold temperatures, as well as hot, for a fairly balanced temperature range.
• SAE 5W-30 is a multigrade engine oil with a low viscosity to flow better at colder temperatures (than 10W-30), but protect the engine enough in heat.
• Synthetic SAE 5W-30 is a synthetic (artificial) lawn mower oil that works for both cold and warm weather. Synthetic oils tend to be more stable across temperature ranges than conventional oils.
• Vanguard 15W-50 is a brand of fully synthetic engine oil designed for commercial applications that operates at temperatures ranging from 20 to 130 degrees.

Motor Oil SAE Viscosity Grade

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades motor oils by viscosity. Viscosity loosely relates to weight, or thickness, and more accurately as a measure of how the oil flows at specific temperatures. In colder temperatures, thinner single-grade oil performs better in engines.

It gets a little more complicated with multigrade engine oil. Look at the first number, with a W (10W, for example) as a measure of flow in cold temperatures. The W stands for winter (not weight). The lower this number, the less viscosity an oil will have at colder temperatures, and the better it will flow. Too thick when the engine starts, and it won’t flow through and protect those critical engine components.

The higher number that follows (the 30 in 10W 30) refers to viscosity at higher operating temperatures and in hot weather. Multigrade oils typically are designed to flow in a range of temperatures to match conditions. Some oils have additives that also keep viscosity steadier in cold or heat.

How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Lawn Mower Engine

When choosing the right lawn mower oil type for your mower, your best bet is to check the manufacturer recommendations. Also consider the engine type (such as 2-stroke engine), oil viscosity, and average temperatures where you live.

Motor Oil for Four-Stroke Engines

Four-stroke engines tend to power heavy-duty equipment, but are reliable and your best bet for larger lawns. These engines are common in large and/or riding lawn mowers as well as some push mowers. Even so, be sure to check your manufacturer’s manual or website for specific instructions on which grade of motor oil to use, since—much like a car—the engine might be sensitive to certain additives.

Oil and gas are kept separate in a four-stroke engine. Oil with a grade of SAE-30 is often a safe bet, but it’s still worth confirming since a lawn mower is no small investment. You can buy SAE-30 motor oil online (view example on Amazon), at any auto parts store, from most gas stations, and in the automotive section of a hardware store.

Small Engine Oil for Two-Stroke Engines

This type of engine is most commonly found in smaller and older push mowers, plus other small engines, like on weed trimmers and chainsaws. Its popularity as a preferred lawn mower engine has decreased some over the years as four-stroke units have become more common. Louder and smokier than their four-stroke counterparts, two-stroke motors can keep running no matter how steep an angle you’re trying to tackle (think: hilly or sloped terrains).

Two-stroke engines are lighter and cost less, too. And, since they use the same fill port for both gasoline and small engine oil, two-cycle motors require owners to mix them together in a specific ratio such as 32:1 or 50:1—refer to your operator’s manual for the correct gas-to-oil ratio.

These oils typically have additives to help clear carbon deposit and minimize wear, among other tasks. Find small engine oil online (view example on Amazon) or in the lawn and garden section of any hardware or auto parts store.

Know when to change your lawn mower’s oil.

A brand new mower might need an oil change after the first 5 hours of use; refer to your unit’s manual. Beyond that, small motors might need an oil change every 25 hours of use or thereabout, while larger motors typically can last up to 50 hours before requiring oil replacement.

A handful of factors can increase the frequency of oil changes, including extreme dust and dirt, rough terrain, frequent mowing of wet or muddy grass, and even a hot climate—conditions in which the engine is forced to work harder. If you have a large yard (or if you mow a small yard frequently), use a dipstick or clean cloth to check the lawn mower engine oil level before each use once it’s run beyond 20 hours or so.

Even if the mower hasn’t hit the 20-hour mark at the end of a season, make a point of changing your oil each spring, before your first mow. Avoid overfilling the mower by checking the oil level with a dipstick.

FAQ About Lawn Mower Oil

What kind of oil do you use in a lawn mower?

The oil type depends on the engine type, typical operating temperatures, and especially the recommendations of the lawn mower manufacturer. In general, small-engine oil that is a mix of oil and fuel works in two-stroke engines, and straight oil typically works for four-stroke engines. Factors such as temperature affect which grade to choose.

Can you use regular motor oil in a lawn mower?

Lawn mowers with four-stroke engines might do fine with regular motor oil, but always check the manufacturer documentation to make sure. Some automotive oils are too high in viscosity and meant for larger engines, so don’t assume that more is better. Many deluxe models of push mowers and riding mowers use regular motor oil. Two-stroke engines cannot use motor oil; they need a mix of fuel and oil specially designed for small engines.

What’s the best oil to use in a lawn mower?

The best oil to use in a lawn mower is the one recommended by the manufacturer. Viscosity and whether the oil is synthetic or regular oil can vary based on climate, conditions, and engine type.

Can I use 10W30 instead of SAE 30 in my lawn mower?

No, it is not recommended. Most engines that call for SAE 30 are older models of mowers with engines designed for straight weight oil. These models were designed before multigrade oil became available, so you should not substitute with the multigrade option.

Final Thoughts

Lawn mower oil is essential to keeping your mower running efficiently and effectively, and use of the right oil, plus regular oil changes, can protect the life of the mower’s engine. Take the time to find out the best oil for your lawn mower based on the mower’s model and recommendations of the manufacturer. Also consider operating conditions, viscosity, and type of engine.

A little prep avoids irreversible damage caused by forcing the wrong oil through your lawn mower’s engine.

The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers in 2023 for Making Your Yard Work Easier

These lawn mowers drive themselves, taking the load off you in the process.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 21, 2023

One of the perks of the warm-weather season is getting to spend time outside. If you own your own home and have a yard, it’s very likely that in order to enjoy your outdoor space, you need to mow the lawn. The larger the yard, the more work it will be to maintain. If you have a lot of grass to cut, you’d be wise to consider a self-propelled lawn mower especially now that there are a ton of sales just in time for Memorial Day.

The primary difference between a standard push mower and a self-propelled mower is that the former moves when you push it, and the latter essentially moves itself with only your guidance. Once the engine is running, all you have to do is squeeze a handle or push a lever and the mower will start moving forward with you as you walk.

Turning the mower around is your job, but once you have your heading, just keep the drive handle squeezed and escort the mower down the path, no pushing necessary.

Self-propelled law mowers take power off the engine and route it via a belt to a pulley on the transmission and axle. When you move the drive control lever on the mower handle, you tension the belt, causing the pulley to turn, and this drives the transmission, moving the mower forward.

Move the drive control lever back and the tension is released, the pulley stops turning, and the mower stops moving forward. The belt-driven transmission is a time-tested design to power the mower and take the load off you in the process.

What to Consider

A mower is like many consumer products in that the more features a manufacturer adds, the more expensive it becomes. But a longer or more eye-catching list of features isn’t necessarily better. Sometimes less is more. Here are the most important to keep in mind.

Front-wheel drive mowers tend to be less expensive than rear-wheel drive units. They can be easier to turn because you don’t have to disengage the drive wheels to do so. Simply push down on the handlebar to raise the front wheels off the ground. However, their traction isn’t as strong on hills or when the bag is full, as there isn’t as much weight over the drive wheels.

Rear-wheel drive mowers do cost more and aren’t as easy to turn, as you do need to disengage the drive—but this isn’t too much of a hassle. Rear-wheel drive mowers shine on hills and inclines, and when the grass bag is full. In either scenario, weight is shifted rearward and over the drive wheels, which enables superior traction, thus making the self-propel more effective.

An engine as small as 125 cc can power a mower, but most are somewhere in the 140 cc to 190 cc range. A large engine helps when powering through tall, lush grass or in extreme conditions, such as with a side discharge chute in place and mowing tall weeds in a border area. Also, the extra torque provided by a larger engine can improve bagging when the going gets tough (tall, leaf-covered grass in the fall). But if you mow sensibly and pay attention to deck height—and especially if you don’t let your lawn get out of control—an engine between 140 and 160 cc has more than enough power to get the job done.

A mower can have all four wheels the same diameter (7 to 8 inches), or it may have rear wheels that range from 9.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. Larger rear wheels help the mower roll more easily over bumpy ground.

With some mowers you can start the engine with the twist of a key or the press of a button. It’s a great option, but a luxury. Keep the mower engine tuned and use fresh fuel with stabilizer added to it, and you’ll never have trouble starting.

Any number of mechanisms can control a mower’s ground speed—a squeeze handle, a drive bar that you press forward, even a dial. There’s no single right answer here. Look at the design and think about how you like to work. For example, if more than one person will be using the mower (and not all of them are right-handed), a drive control like that on a Toro Personal Pace mower might be the answer. Just push down on the bar to make it go faster. Let up on the bar to slow down.

A mower that can bag, mulch, and side discharge is known as a three-function mower, the most versatile kind. Two-function mowers bag and mulch or mulch and side discharge.

Mowers will typically have one, two, or four levers to control the deck height. Single-lever adjustment is the easiest to use, but it requires more linkage, which adds weight and complexity. If, for some reason, you find yourself varying deck height frequently, it’s a good option. Otherwise, two or four levers work just fine.

Only Honda makes a gas-engine mower with a high-impact plastic deck (there are battery mowers that have plastic decks). Otherwise, mowers generally have a steel deck, and a few manufacturers—Toro, for one—offer a corrosion-resistant aluminum deck. An aluminum deck won’t rot the way a steel deck will, but you still need to keep it clean.

This is a hose fitting mounted on top of the mower’s deck. When you’re done mowing, hook up a hose and run the mower to power wash the underside of the deck. We’ve had mixed results with these, but they’re better than just letting a mass of dried grass clippings accumulate.

expensive mowers come with a more durable bag with more dust-blocking capability. If you bag a lot, especially leaves or other lawn debris in the fall, then you need a mower with a higher quality dust-blocking bag. Having said that, if you rarely bag, the standard one that comes with a mower will last you the life of the mower.

Also called wide-area mowers, machines in this subgroup help homeowners better reconcile their need for more power and speed with the fact that they may not have enough storage for a tractor or zero-turn mower. A typical residential walk mower has a single-blade deck that cuts a swath from 20 to 22 inches wide. Wide-cut mowers (built for homeowner use) have either a single blade or, more typically, a pair of blades, cutting from 26 to 30 inches with each pass. Some of these are rated for light commercial use and have larger decks, in the 32-inch range, and engines that start at 223 cc and go up to about 337 cc.

Wide-cut mowers typically employ gear or hydrostatic drive transmissions, and they have top speeds of about 4 to 6 miles per hour. At their fastest, they move so quickly you have to trot to keep up with them. Needless to say, they’re overkill for small yards; only opt for one of these if you’ve got a significant plot of land that you need to keep tidy, but not one so large that you’d be better off going with a full-on riding mower.

How We Tested and Selected

We compiled this list based on Popular Mechanics mower testing and our knowledge of the lawn mower market at large. For our testing, we put mowers through the paces using our standard Popular Mechanics methodology: We cut turf grasses such as fescues and blue grass and rougher non-turf grasses like Timothy, clover, orchard grass, and wild oats, all in both normal and shin-deep heights. We mow uphill, downhill, and across the faces of hills. The maximum slope we cut is about 30 degrees.

That may not sound like much, but it’s about all you can do to stand on it, let alone push a mower up it or across it. We mow damp and wet grass to test general cutting performance and whether clippings accumulate on the tires. And we cut dry and dusty surfaces to see how well the bag filters under less-than-optimal conditions.

Honda HRN 216VKA

Key Specs

Honda mowers enjoy a sterling reputation. Having tested their walk and self-propelled mowers for the last 30 years, we feel confident that Honda’s entry level mower is a great choice for homeowners looking for power and durability. The HRN features a GCV 170 gas engine that’s built to withstand long hours of operation.

If you do your own maintenance (and most owners who buy this class of product do), you’ll appreciate the easily accessible spark plug and the fuel shutoff valve that enables better winter storage. Close the fuel shutoff and run the mower until it sputters to a halt. This will clear the carburetor of any gasoline, which will prevent the ethanol in it from disintegrating and causing running issues later on. Open the shutoff valve in the spring, add some fresh gasoline, and the mower should start easily.

All this maintenance stuff is great, but we can also tell you that our past test findings on other Hondas prove that their cut quality is outstanding for cleanliness. Sharp blades deliver a velvet-like finish. And their bagging ability is also quite good, in the same league with other well-bagging mowers from Toro.

In all, if you take mowing seriously, you should enjoy this Honda. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, consider the Honda HRX, which features a mower powerful engine and a composite deck that won’t rust and is renowned for its durability.

One note is that Honda has announced that it will cease selling lawn mowers in the United States after this year—so if you’re considering buying one, best do it sooner rather than later.

Toro Recycler 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion

Key Specs

Toro mowers have garnered more recommendations from us than any other brand for two reasons: build quality and cut quality. These were amply demonstrated in our testing as the Recycler turned in the best ratio of cut area per amp-hour of battery in the self-propelled category, while at the same time not skimping on cutting, mulching, or bagging quality.

We attribute this outstanding mower performance to three features, all upgrades to the previous version of this machine. First, the air vent at the front of the mower deck seems to improve mulching and bagging performance. Toro calls it Vortex technology, a design that increases air flow under the deck. This helps to stand the grass for a cleaner cut, which improves mulching performance, and also allows better airflow into the bag when collecting the clippings.

Next, the company’s redesigned “Atomic” blade configuration appears to assist the air flow and clipping movement. Finally, the three-phase, 60-volt motor is exceptionally efficient, resulting in a large cut area for a single battery.

Toro has maintained features that make this mower work: rear wheel drive, a one-piece deck that’s all steel (no plastic nose), 11-inch wheels to help it roll over roots and crevices, and the same fold-forward handle that was an industry breakthrough when it was introduced some years ago.

Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Mower

Key Specs

This is one of Ryobi’s top-of-the-line mowers, and it’s American-made construction is something we wish we saw more of. It delivers a tremendous cut area with its two 6-Ah batteries providing a total of 12-Ah of capacity, and its X-shaped blade leaves a pristine surface in its wake.

Ryobi estimates the design should provide 70 minutes of run time; we didn’t time our cut, but it strikes as plausible. Its rear-wheel drive and reasonably aggressive tire tread pattern provide good hill climbing and sidehill cutting performance, and its bagging on all surfaces (level, sidehill, and uphill) is also commendable.

Other ease-of-use features include an easily installed or removed bag that mounts and dismounts straight up and down through the handle; deck adjustment is quick and easy thanks to a single-level deck height adjustment. The straight edge deck is polypropylene; it will never rust and needs very little care other than basic cleaning.

Toro TimeMaster 30 in. Briggs Stratton Personal Pace

The Toro Timemaster 30-in. mower has been around for several years and has earned a reputation as a sturdy workhorse for homeowners who want to cut down on their mowing time. It’s also used by some professionals as well. A few years ago the Timemaster got a slightly more powerful Briggs and Stratton gas engine, so it should have no issues powering through most demanding mowing jobs.

The Timemaster is rear-wheel drive and features Toro’s Personal Pace drive system that’s used on many of its self-propelled mowers. This allows the mower to move at your speed by simply pushing down or releasing the handle, which is spring-tensioned.

With a 30-in. deck, Toro claims the Timemaster will help you reduce your mowing time by about 40% compared to using a standard-sized mower. You can mulch, back, or side discharge with the Timemaster, and the handlebar can be locked in a fully vertical position to reduce space consumption in storage.

If you have half an acre to a full acre of lawn to mow and prefer the experience of a walk-behind mower versus a tractor or zero-turn, the Timemaster is worth a look.

Craftsman M220

Key Specs

Craftsman mowers have been doing very well in our tests, so we can recommend this one because it’s so much like the many other of the brand’s models that we’ve tested. If you’re looking for a good blend of maneuverability and power, you’ll get it with this mower. Its front drive helps move it along and makes it easy to turn.

It’s important to note that front-drive mowers do lose some traction when running uphill, particularly with a full grass bag. But if your slope is less than 20 degrees, and you’re not bagging uphill, you’ll be fine. The side discharge will also help you handle tall grass. Adjust the two deck levers to bring the mower up to full height and have at the rough stuff.

The fact that this mower bags, mulches, and side discharges is a plus, enabling you to handle a wide range of mowing conditions, from early spring and late into the fall. Three-function mowers like this are our preference for that versatility.

Toro Super Recycler Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Key Specs

This is a beauty of a mower, with a cast-aluminum deck and a smooth-running Briggs Stratton 163-cc engine. We tested the Honda engine-equipped version, and it was effective at both bagging and mulching, even in moist grass.

Equipped with rear-wheel drive and the Personal Pace system (the farther you push the drive bar, the faster the mower goes), it’s an effective hill climber and moderately effective on sidehill cutting. It has relatively small 7.5-inch tires on all four corners, which causes this Toro to bump up and down a bit on washboard surfaces. But the good news is that it’s equipped with a far higher quality tire than we’re used to seeing these days. We didn’t notice them pick up any grass on moist surfaces.

Other features we like include its forward-fold handle that has a built-in shock absorber that Toro calls a Flex Handle Suspension, and a high-quality grass bag that loads through the handle, from the top.

QA

Are there special maintenance considerations with self-propelled mowers?

Yes. Both front- and rear-wheel drive mowers typically feature a drive belt, which can crack or wear out over time. Fortunately these belts are not difficult or particularly expensive to replace.

Secondly, you may have to replace the drive wheels occasionally. These wheels are driven with gears. there are typically teeth on the inside diameter of the drive wheel that line up with a gear on the axle. These teeth can wear out, especially if they are made of plastic. Higher-end mowers may feature drive wheels with a metal gear that meets the metal axle gear, which improves longevity of these components.

My lawnmower says I don’t ever have to change the oil, but just add oil when needed. Is this OK?

It’s not a good idea to never change the oil in your lawn mower. In a lawn mower, same as a car, oil degrades over time and is less effective at reducing heat and friction in metal components. Changing the oil in your lawn mower is easy to do and will significantly increase its service life. For most homeowners, changing the oil at the beginning or end of each mowing season should be sufficient, though there is certainly no harm in doing it more often.

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.