Two stroke lawn mower. Do You Mix Oil and Gas for Lawnmower? (What You Need to Know)

What is the Best Oil for 2 Stroke Lawn Mower?

Are you new to gardening and landscaping? You have a 2-stroke lawn mover. Wondering what’s the best oil to use? You are on the right page! We have done the leg work for your convenience. Here’s what the experts say.

For 2-stroke lawn mowers, SAE 30 is the best oil to use that is suited for warm climates. You can also choose SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil that works best for warm and cold climates.

Oil is a crucial element in operating any engine. But with so many types and brands on the market, you need to choose what is best suited to your 2-stroke engine. Stay on this page as we delve deeper into the nature of the 2-stroke engine, the factors considered in choosing the right oil, and other needed information.

Why Does Oil Matter for Lawn Mowers?

The lubricating and cooling capabilities of oil can never be understated. It is the crucial ingredient that gets your lawn mower running!

Oil is the lubricant that makes all the moving parts of the combustion engine run smoothly. With the correct oil, the engine parts can work at high speeds and even at extreme temperatures.

Without oil, the lawn mower engine endures friction and will overheat in a short time, thus hastening wear and tear. At worst, the machine incurs further damage, leading to a chain of waste of resources.

Factors To Consider In Choosing Engine Oil For Lawn Mower

There is a myriad of choices of engine oil available at the hardware, DIY shops, and other commercial establishments. You need to choose what meets your requirements.

However, lawn mowers do not use the same type of engine oil. Every user should understand the best oil to maximize the machine’s performance. Here are the factors that affect the choice of engine oil:

Viscosity

Oil types vary in viscosity, that is, their thickness and consistency, as it freely flows under specific conditions.

The engine oil should have good film strength to reduce friction and also the ability to cling to dirt while operating the machine. Oil types that are too thin cannot properly lubricate the engine parts. Also, the dirt just repels since the oil lacks stickiness.

The right viscosity can extend the lifespan of the lawn mower. It affords the machine undue stress in the lubrication and cooling of engine parts. That said, this is the most important criterion in choosing engine oil.

Climate

A warm climate or high temperatures let the oil flow smoothly, while cold climates or low temperatures affect the oil’s consistency. Oil may be in semifluid form when the temperature drops.

Operating Conditions

The engine oil contains additives designed to protect the lawn mower from the rugged operating conditions it is subjected to. This refers to the wet and muddy grass and rough terrain.

The lawn mower is considered a powerful tool in lawn care and maintenance; thus, its engine should work doubly hard to endure the rugged environment, notwithstanding the air temperature.

Engine Size

Lawn mowers come in 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines. The former has a big-sized engine compared to the latter. Each size calls for a specific oil type.

Frequency of Use of the Lawn Mower

Typically, the 4-stroke lawn mower is for commercial use. The 2-stroke lawn mower is for residential settings. The machine will remain idle for several weeks, be used in a dirty or dusty environment, then put back into storage. When not in use, the right oil keeps the engine ready for lengthy periods.

What Makes SAE30 and SAE 5W-30 the Best Oils for a 2-Stroke Lawn Mower?

Choose SAE 30 for your 2-stroke lawn mower due to the following reasons:

• Designed for small engines, the 2-stroke lawn mower falls in this category.
• Perfect for warm or hot climates with a wide temperature range of 40-100 Fahrenheit or 4-30 Celsius. Even if you live in colder regions, you won’t start mowing until the temperature is warm again.
• A simpler and adaptive oil type because the viscosity isn’t easily altered due to the wide temperature range tolerance.
• It is economical and flexible. This is the same oil you use for other small lawn care equipment such as the chainsaw, water pump, and weed eater.
• This is endorsed by Briggs and Stratton, the industry’s recognized and largest manufacturer of small engines.

In a few instances that you need to mow in a cold climate or you are residing in a cooler than average climate, the SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil is the best because:

• The oil is thinner, so viscosity is acceptable even in extremely cold air.
• It gives continuous lubrication to the engine in cold weather.

Understanding the Engine Oil Code

Each type of engine oil you purchase displays a code with letters and numbers. Each code explains how well the oil performs in different weather conditions.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is the proponent of the scaling of different oil types. The numbers translate to the flow of the oil or its viscosity. Low numbers flow best at low temperatures.

Multigrade oil, such as SAE 5W-30, is perfect for high and low temperatures. It contains two numbers, separated by “W,” which stands for winter. The preceding number describes viscosity at low temperatures, while the number after W pertains to viscosity at high temperatures.

For example, a lower number after W, such as W20, isn’t a good choice because it is very thin and cannot properly lubricate. This can cause engine overheating in the lawn mower.

Why Choose Synthetic Oil?

The superior qualities of SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil make it the best bet for engine oil. It is artificially blended with chemical compound additives that make it slippery, thus minimizing friction. It also works well in extreme temperatures.

Synthetic oil is more refined to provide better performance for the lawn mower. The elements undergo rigid processes to remove impurities, thus creating a more consistent final product. The refining process of conventional oils is less intensive, producing more impurities that can hasten engine wear.

Using synthetic oils extends the serviceability life of the engine. It protects the engine from rigid wear and tear. The only drawback is that it is more expensive.

How about using motor oil for your lawn mower? Check out this post: Can You Use Car Motor Oil In A Lawn Mower?

The Nature of 2-Stroke Lawn Mowers

As previously mentioned, lawn mowers come in four-stroke or two-stroke engines. The former is bigger and for commercial uses. They burn gasoline and use motor-grade oil separately added to the engine’s crank.

However, two-stroke engines burn gasoline and oil simultaneously. There is no separate lubrication system. This means that gasoline and oil are mixed before pouring into the engine tank. The mixture lubricates the engine as it passes through. The oil is burnt alongside the fuel.

It is this premixing of gas and oil that gives an advantage in using 2-stroke engines. You are relieved from the chores of checking and changing the engine oil before every mowing session.

How to Identify 2-Stroke Engines

You might wonder what engine you have for your lawn mower. A straightforward way to determine is to visually check the number and type of filling ports at the engine. The ports are where you pour in either the oil or gas.

For 2-stroke engines, there should be only one filling port for oil and gas. If you see two filling ports, then it is a 4-stroke engine that separates the oil and gas chambers.

This post is worth reading related to your lawn mower engine: What Year Is My Briggs And Stratton Engine?

Mixing Gas and Oil for 2-Stroke Engines

First and foremost, since gas and oil are mixed before pouring into the engine tank, you need to refer to the accompanying operator’s manual to determine what specific ratio your machine requires. The mixing ratios are 32 or 50 parts to a gallon of gasoline.

A ratio of 32:1 translates to four US ounces of oil mixed with a gallon of gasoline. And similarly, for the 50:1 ratio, it is 2.6 US ounces of oil to a gallon of gasoline.

How to mix?

An empty gas can should come in handy. Here are the steps:

• Pour the required oil into the gas can.
• Head toward the gas station to fill in gas.
• You now have mixed gas.
• Shake the container to ensure thorough mixing before pouring it into the engine.

This gas can is a reliable, fuel-compliant container and easy to use. Operate it by pressing a button to control the flow while pouring, thus reducing overfilling and unnecessary spills. It has a translucent spout that lets you see the liquid as you pour. It also has a cap to prevent fumes from escaping, as well as a safety measure.

You can choose between 1, 2, 0r 5-gallon containers to purchase. This is a Briggs Stratton design.

There might be instances you’ve got fuel options at the gas station. Check out this post for a related topic: Can You Mix Ethanol and Non-Ethanol Gas?

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best oil for your lawn mower depends primarily on the viscosity, the climate, and the size of the engine. The 2-stroke lawn mower is a small engine, so SAE 30 is the best bet if you reside in warm regions. Use SAE 5W-30 if you are in colder regions.

With the correct oil, you will be able to maximize the optimum performance of your 2-stroke lawn mower. You will then enjoy your gardening and landscaping in the long term.

We hope you find this post interesting. If you wish to learn more about operating your lawn mower, we have these posts to provide more insights:

Do You Mix Oil and Gas for Lawnmower? (What You Need to Know)

If you’re a new lawnmower owner, you might be wondering, “Do you mix oil and gas for a lawnmower?” And if so, what’s the oil and gas ratio you should add?

The short answer is that 2-cycle engine lawnmowers require a gas and oil mixture for fuel, while 4-cycle engines run on straight gasoline. The most common gas and oil mix ratio for lawnmowers are 50:1, but you’ll want to refer to your owner’s manual for your particular model’s recommended gas and oil mixture ratio.

This can be confusing, primarily if you’ve never owned a lawnmower.

In the following paragraphs, we’ve provided all the information you need to help you answer any questions you may have regarding this topic, so stick around.

Do You Mix Oil and Gas for Lawn Mower?

You might be able to mix oil and gas and add them to a lawnmower. However, it’ll all depend on the type of engine your mower has.

Some engines allow you to add oil and gas together, while others will only work if you add them separately. This is why it’s essential to know the type of engine your unit is housing before you start mixing oil and gas.

What Engines Can You Mix Gas and Oil In?

Lawnmowers typically house one of two types of engines. The first is the two-cycle/cylinder engine, and the second is a four-cycle/cylinder engine.

If you own a two-cycle engine, you can add a mix of gas and oil. But, per contra, if you own a four-cycle engine, you need to refrain from mixing the gas and oil, or it may damage your engine.

If you checked and saw that you own a four-cycle engine, you’ll also notice that there are different tanks and openings where you can add oil and gas separately.

How to Know If You Own a Two-Cycle or Four-Cycle Engine?

There are many ways you could differentiate between a two-cycle engine and a four-cycle one. The most common way is to check the engine’s port. If it only has a single opening, then it’s a two-cycle engine, and you can add your oil and gas mix without any worries.

If you find two ports separating two tanks, then it’s a four-cycle engine, and you’ll need to add your gas and oil separately.

Another way to recognize the engine’s type is by checking if there are any warning stickers against mixing oils and fuel. You might also find them already labeling the engine as either two-cycle or four-cycle—they can also be called two-stroke or four-stroke, respectively.

If you have any trouble finding out the type directly from the engine, you can check the user’s manual that came with the mower. The manufacturer will always mention whether it’s a two or four-cycle engine in the manual.

What Is the Correct Oil-Gas Ratio to Add to Your Lawn Mower?

If you checked your engine type and found it to be a two-cycle, you can now add in your gas and oil mix. But before you do, you need to make sure you’re adding the appropriate amount.

The amount of gas and oil mixture you add will depend on how much your engine requires. Some two-cycle engines use a 50:1 gas to oil ratio; others use 40:1. Some older models may use 32:1.

You can check the ratio your engine uses by checking the port. Most engines will have the ratio written on the cover. If it’s not there, you’ll find it written in the user’s manual.

If you found that your engine uses a 50:1 ratio, you’ll need to mix around 2.6 ounces of oil with 1 gallon of gas.

If your engine uses a 40:1 ratio, add 3.2 ounces of oil to 1 gallon of gas. The 32:1 ratio will need 4 ounces of oil added to 1 gallon of gas.

What Type of Oil and Gas Should You Use?

Most manufacturers will include what type of oil and gas you should use on your grass cutter in their manuals. So checking the manual is a must.

If you have any trouble with the user’s manual, you can refer to the recommended type for each engine.

It’s advised for both two-cycle and four-cycle engines to use an unleaded gas with a minimum 87 octane rating and a maximum of 10% ethanol.

Most gas stations sell fuel with more than 15% ethanol, so be sure to check the ethanol percentage when buying your gas. It shouldn’t exceed 10%, or it may damage your engine.

As for the oil, there are oils available specifically for two and four-cycle engines, respectively, so it’s best to use them for your lawnmower depending on the type of engine you have.

How to Mix Your Gas and Oil Before Use?

Now that you have the gas and oil you need, you can start preparing your mix to use on your mower. Refer to the previous section to know the correct gas to oil ratio you should use.

The first thing you’ll need to do now is to prepare an empty gas bottle. Then, make sure it’s completely clean before adding the new gas.

Afterward, you can add in your oil and then start mixing. You can mix it up by stirring or shaking the bottle well. That should get your mixture ready for use.

Please note that you’ll need to use this gas-oil mixture for one month, or it’ll start losing its effect.

What Happens If You Add the Oil and Gas Mix to a Four-Cycle Engine?

All the previously mentioned steps are specifically for two-cycle engine use. Now, what if you accidentally added this newly made mix into a four-cycle engine instead?

As long as you notice the mistake quickly, there shouldn’t be much of a problem. You’ll need to drain all the mixture you just added out and replace it with the correct gas or oil per tank.

If you turn on your mower before you drain the mixture, it may, unfortunately, be too late, and you’ll start noticing your lawnmower smoking up.

Using an oil and gas mix on a four-cycle engine will cause it to overheat and eventually break down. So it’s best to be entirely sure of which type of engine your lawnmower has before use to avoid causing any damage.

How Often Should You Change Your Gas and Oil?

It’s recommended to replace your gas and oil mix after three weeks to one month of use. You can wait until two months to replace it, but it won’t be as effective anymore.

That’s why it’s better to use a new mixture every three weeks to get the best results and make sure you don’t exhaust your engine.

Conclusion

Lawnmowers tend to have two types of engines, and depending on which type they have, they can use a gas and oil mix, or you’ll need to separate the oil and gas from each other.

If you have a two-stroke engine, you can mix gas and oil without any problems. However, if your mower is equipped with a four-stroke engine, you can’t mix gas and oil. That’s why you need to know the difference before using it.

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How to Tell if a Lawn Mower is 2-stroke or 4-stroke?

“2-stroke” and “4-stroke” are terms you become familiar with as a lawnmower owner or someone looking to buy one. The words describe the type of engine your lawnmower has. If you aren’t a professional lawnmower, you might not be concerned about whether your lawnmower has a 2-stroke engine or a 4-stroke engine, as long as it cuts your grass perfectly and does its job efficiently. However, knowing what they mean would help you understand your machine better. Most lawn mowers had 2-stroke engines; however, 4-stroke lawnmowers have grown increasingly popular because of their environmental benefits.

Checking the type of fuel tank your lawnmower has is the quickest way to find out the kind of engine it has. A 2-stroke lawnmower engine has just one port for oil and fuel, while a 4-stroke lawnmower engine has two ports for oil and fuel.

Is Your Lawn Mower 2-stroke or 4-stroke?

It is very easy to determine the type of lawnmower engine you have. All you need to do is:

• Check Your Fuel Tank: we’ve established that the quickest way to know the type of engine your machine has is to check the fuel tank. If your fuel tank has a single intake port, it’s a 2-stroke engine. In 2-stroke engines, oil and fuel need to be mixed, and as a result, there’s just a single port. A 4-stroke engine, on the other hand, has individual ports for fuel and oil.

You can also know your engine type without doing any intrusive inspection of the machine itself. There are a few signs that indicate the type of engine your lawnmower has; all you need to do is:

• Observe The Noise: if you already have a lawnmower and you’re curious about the type of stroke your engine has, another way to confirm whether or not it’s a 2-stroke or 4-stroke is to check the noise produced by your machine. If your mower is very noisy, it’s a 2-stroke machine; if the noise is moderate and tolerable, it’s a 4-stroke machine.
• Observe The Exhaust: one way to identify the type of engine your mower has is to check the exhaust gas it produces. A 2-stroke lawn mower produces a lot of exhaust gas, while a 4-stroke lawnmower produces minimal gas.

How To Describe A stroke:

During the combustion cycle of an engine, the piston rises and falls in the engine’s cylinder. A stroke is the precise movement of the pistol through the cylinder in a combustion engine.

What Is A Combustion Cycle?

• Intake: The piston is pushed down the cylinder, and the air-fuel combination is drawn in.
• Compression: the piston moves upwards through the cylinder during this process. The moving action of the piston causes the air-fuel mixture to compress.
• Combustion: the spark plug plays a role in the combustion process. It produces a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture, resulting in an explosion. The piston moves back to the bottom of the cylinder due to the explosion.
• Exhaust: the burnt gas is pushed out as the piston moves upward through the cylinder.

What Is A 2-stroke Engine?

As the name implies, a 2-stroke engine uses only two strokes. The two strokes are known as compression and power strokes. This type of engine combines multiple functions into a single-piston movement. Fuel and air are drawn into the engine’s cylinder during the compression stroke. After this occurs, the spark plug ignites and explodes, causing the piston to be moved downward. When the piston gets to the bottom of the cylinder, the exhaust port becomes exposed, and the exhaust gas is forced out of the port by the cylinder’s pressure. The process of ignition and explosion is known as the power stroke because it results in the generation of power.

A 2-stroke engine has a single port that serves as the intake and exhaust hole. These engines lack valves and, as a result, are easy to operate.

Advantages Of 2-stroke Lawnmower Engines:

• They are more powerful than 4-stroke engines.
• 2-stroke engines have a simple design and are easy to use.
• They are easier to maintain and repair.
• They produce more power than 4-stroke engines.

Disadvantages Of 2-stroke Lawnmower Engines:

• Noise Pollution: 2-stroke engines make a lot of noise.
• They are less durable than 4-stroke engines.
• Malfunctions are more common in them.
• They are expensive to use.
• Environmental pollution: they are bad for the environment because they produce a lot of smoke during combustion.
• They consume more fuel than 4-stroke engines.

What Is A 4-stroke Engine?

Newer lawn mower models mostly use 4-stroke engines. They are better for the environment. 4-stroke engines have two separate ports for oil and fuel, and as such, mixing is not required. The oil level and quality are important in these types of engines. If your lawnmower uses a 4-stroke engine, it’s crucial to change the oil frequently and check the levels periodically.

4-stroke engines are usually heavy due to the numerous functions they perform. The machines need to be operated upright so that oil and fuel can get to the engine quickly.

Advantages Of 4-stroke Lawn Mower Engines:

• They are more durable than 2-stroke engines.
• They are more reliable.
• They don’t make a lot of noise, and they are efficient
• They are good for the environment
• They are less prone to damage as they don’t require oil and fuel mixing.
• They produce minimal pollution: they have a lower carbon footprint.
• There’s no need to mix fuel
• They utilize minimal fuel

Disadvantages Of 4-stroke Lawn Mower Engines:

• They have a more complex design than 2-stroke engines
• They are challenging to produce. They are also tricky to fix when damaged.
• They are not cheap to manufacture.
• Their intricate design makes them difficult to maintain

Are 2-stroke Engines Better Than 4-stroke Engines for Lawn Mowers?

It’s difficult to say that one engine is better than the other, as they both have many advantages and disadvantages. These engines are designed to meet several customer needs, and as such, you should pick the one that would suit your needs best when deciding on which to buy. A 2-stroke engine produces more power, so if power is important for you to have in your machine, this type of engine is recommended. On the other hand, a 4-stroke engine is the best option if you need greater efficiency. Both engine types work well, but you should get the one that best suits your needs.

FAQS

Are 4-stroke Engines Powerful?

There is no simple answer to this question. 4-stroke engines are often larger than 2-stroke engines, producing more power. However, a 2-stroke engine of the same size and weight is more powerful than a 4-stroke engine. Summarily, 2-stroke engines have a more excellent power-to-weight ratio.

What Happens If You Pour an Oil-fuel Mixture into A 4-stroke Lawn Mower Engine?

Mistakes happen all the time. You may pour the oil-fuel mixture of a 2-stroke engine into your 4-stroke mower engine by mistake. Once you realize this, drain the fuel tank immediately. Doing this won’t cause any damage to your machine. On the other hand, if you don’t notice it on time and start your engine, there will be a lot of smoke coming from the exhaust. Your spark plug may become damaged during this process, and it would have to be replaced.

Are All Lawn Mower 4-stroke?

No, not all lawn mowers are 4-strokes. However, 4-stroke machines have become very popular among consumers because they are better for the environment. People are increasingly leaning towards getting lawn mowers with 4-stroke engines because more people are becoming more aware of how what they use might affect the environment.

Our East Coast editor Frank focuses on lawn cutting and maintenance. His experience with lawn mower repair and lawn maintenance is second to none.

He is a lawn mower and fertilizer expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been providing advice to homeowners and businesses on lawn care since 1990 with his lawn maintenance business based in the small town of Waterbury, Connecticut.

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.

Two Stroke or Four Stroke – today we settle the age-old argument

To mow by two or four stroke – today we pull together the hard facts to find out which is best to maintain your lawn.

It’s been discussed over beers, battled over the back fence and has divided families and friends for years, but today, we delve into the age-old dispute of the two stroke versus four stroke lawn mower – and we guarantee a clear winner!

For professionals who care for large scale lawns that need to be cut at shorter heights, there’s no doubt that an engine powered cylinder mower produces the best cut. But unless you’re looking after some of the Central Coast’s best golf courses or bowling greens, such as those we have here at The Greens The Entrance, most of us are familiar with the good old rotary lawn mower.

In 1952, the Victa Mower company produced the world’s first lightweight rotary mower right here in NSW. Demand exploded for the new innovation and the humble Victa mower soon became a world renowned product. It was this two stroke phenomenon that kept Australian lawns looking freshly cut, well manicured and made mowing the lawns a breeze. No more pushing and pulling a manual cylinder mower back and forward, simply start the mower and push for a luscious manicured yard.

All of the early Victas were made using a two stroke engine and there are some clear benefits of a two stroke mower.

The PROs of a 2 stroke

The first win for a 2 stroke mower is simplicity. 2 stroke engines contain less moving parts and are cheaper to build making the cost of a two stroke mower less than that of a four stroke.

Weight is also a factor. 2 stroke engines are much lighter than four stroke engines. This was a huge factor back in the early days of push mowers when engine technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today. Larger 4 stroke engines were a lot heavier and bulkier making the two stroke a clear winner when Victa began producing mowers.

Another benefit for the old 2 stroke is that less maintenance is required. 2 strokes take a mix of oil and petrol into their fuel tank meaning there’s no need to perform an oil change once a year – simply mix the oil and fuel and go on your way!

Lastly, a two stroke mower has the potential to produce more power from a much smaller engine – however, we’ll talk about this later on as the torque created in a four stroke wins out here.

The PROs of a 4 stroke

The first, and arguably one of the most important points in favour of a four stroke engine is a cleaner, more efficient burning of fuel. 2 stroke engines burn the petrol/oil mixture in a very inefficient way, meaning that more pollution is put into the air. Because of their environmental inefficiency, the manufacture, production and sale of new 2 stroke lawn mowers is banned in Australia. To illustrate how inefficient 2 stroke mowers are, almost ⅓ of the petrol/oil mixture you put in is dispersed out into the air while running the mower. That said, it’s still perfectly legal to use and even repair your existing 2 stroke lawn mower.

Keeping the environment in mind, the 4 stroke mower is much more fuel efficient. You’ll use a lot less petrol mowing the same sized lawn and these days, with the price of petrol, that’s got to be a big factor in your choice of mower. Most tests have found that a well maintained 4 stroke engine will use ⅓ of the equivalent petrol of a 2 stroke mower, this combined with the fact that 2 stroke engines have mostly remained the same since the 1940s is a clear indication that the 4 stroke wins here.

No need to mix oil and petrol

Who has time to work out ratios of oil and fuel levels. With a 4 stroke mower, simply fill up your jerry can at the petrol station with regular unleaded petrol and put it in the mower. Yes, you do have to keep an eye on the oil level but it’s not hard to check the dipstick every few weeks. A service on your 4 stroke mower is only needed once a year in most circumstances and if you’re not comfortable changing the oil yourself, it’s a standard task for any local mower shop – one that also doesn’t come with a hefty bill.

Have you ever come in after mowing your lawn with ringing in your ears? Or had a neighbour complain about your mower noise? That’s likely because you’re using a 2 stroke – they’re much louder! Therefore, another big advantage of a 4 stroke mower is its noise/decibel level which is far lower than that of a 2 stroke mower.

Even though the smaller 2 stroke engines can run faster, they don’t have the torque that a 4 stroke mower has. If you’re not sure what torque means, it equates to rotational force which means that there’s more power in the spinning mower blades, this means that thicker and longer grass is cut more easily using a 4 stroke mower – you simply can’t argue with physics.

The verdict

We know that there’ll always be die-hard fans of the old 2 stroke mower engines, and we don’t blame them. When they were released, 2 stroke lawn mowers were simple, effective and at the time, efficient. Up until 2016, Victa was working hard to economise and reinvent their 2 stroke engines, but decided to pursue their 4 stroke models only. If you’ve still got one, and maintain it well, keep using your 2 stroke, properly maintained and cared for, a 2 stroke will do the job it’s built for, cut your lawn – and it’ll do it well, albeit a little noisier.

Hands down and based purely on the technical factors of environmental impact, petrol consumption, noise, torque and reliability we choose the 4 stroke to mow our lawns. You can’t beat the simplicity of filling the fuel, the ease of pushing the mower through thick grass and the serviceability of a good 4 stroke.

Don’t forget, after you’ve cut your grass, we recommended a nice cold beer – and we’ve got it on tap at The Greenkeepers Shed. If you’re a local of The Entrance, Long Jetty or Blue Bay, pop down after you’ve maintained your lawn and let us pour you one.