Options and types of oil for a four-stroke air-cooled engine


Few experienced owners of their own plot of land can do without a lawn mower. You may not even have a lawn that needs regular care, but still use a lawn mower. This equipment, like any other, requires periodic maintenance, for example, changing the oil. Every lawn mower owner needs to know what liquid can be used for these purposes, how to select it correctly and pour it into the unit.

Lubricating fluid for a lawn mower must be selected carefully and preference should be given to high-quality oils. If you save on this consumable fluid, it will not perform its functions fully, the lawn mower will fail in a short time and will require expensive repairs. The oil used for a lawn mower performs a very important task! Therefore, today we will talk about the best oil for lawn mowers, analyze all the pros and cons and make the top 10 best oil brands for 2022.

Photo: https://arditeh.by/katalog

LIQUI MOLY Rasenmaher-Oil 30


Photo: https://beru.ru

Seasonal mineral motor oil for lawn mowers with a 4-stroke engine LIQUI MOLY Rasenmaher-Oil 30 3991 is a universal product - suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines of four-stroke garden and power equipment with both air and water cooling systems. The product is recommended for use at temperatures above zero. The use of this oil guarantees high stability and durability of the units.

LIQUI MOLY Rasenmaher-Oil 30

Advantages:

  • practical expense
  • low price
  • good manufacturer

Flaws:

  • not detected

Replacement

The engine oil of a walk-behind tractor is changed at the intervals specified in its instruction manual, usually 60-80 engine hours. The specified interval should be shortened under severe operating conditions or when cheap mineral oils are used.

Before changing the oil on the walk-behind tractor, position it so that the engine is horizontal and warm up the engine so that the oil drains better. Then remove the oil filler plug and the drain plug, placing a container of suitable volume under it.

Be careful not to burn yourself with hot oil.

After waiting until the used oil stops dripping, screw the drain plug into place and pour fresh oil into the crankcase through a clean funnel, guided by the rated volume and the marks on the oil filler dipstick.

Since the engine is lubricated only by splashing oil from the crankshaft, try to always maintain the oil level at the “maximum” mark. Low filler holes without a dipstick must be filled with oil until it appears on the threads.

If the walk-behind tractor engine is equipped with a reduction gearbox, perform the same operations with it. Most often, the gearbox does not have an oil dipstick, and in order to measure the required amount of oil, use a small container of known volume.

LIQUI MOLY 2-Takt-Motoroil


​Photo: https://beru.ru

Semi-synthetic motor oil for 2-stroke lawn mowers 1l LIQUI MOLY 2-Takt-Motoroil 3958 consists of high-quality synthetic and mineral components in combination with a special additive package. Provides high reliability of engines and their protection from breakdowns and corrosion. The oil allows you to use various garden and motorcycle equipment in any season.

LIQUI MOLY 2-Takt-Motoroil

Advantages:

  • convenient to pour
  • good manufacturer
  • low price

Flaws:

  • not detected

What kind of oil to pour into the walk-behind tractor gearbox

The gearbox is part of the walk-behind tractor transmission, so gear oils are used for it. There are no special oils for walk-behind tractor transmissions; traditional transmissions are used.

Everyone knows the TAD 17 motor-block gearbox oil from Soviet times; it was often poured into Cascade brand cultivators. Today there are analogues on sale with other markings. But you can often see familiar markings on them in the Latin abbreviation TAD 17, or TAD 17a.

In addition to this marking, today there are others. For example, TM-4 80W85, where .

Rotating components do not have cooling, so they can heat up the oil very much. Because of this, all transmissions are designed for high operating temperatures. For example, TM 4 up to +150С.

Since Soviet times, many owners of walk-behind tractors have filled their gearboxes with regular motor oil. At the same time, it is believed that it better lubricates and protects the gears of the gearbox from abrasion. In any case, the gearbox of the walk-behind tractor does not have high speeds, which cause rapid wear of parts and overheating of the oil.

But this does not mean that the quality and quantity of transmission oil in the gearbox of a walk-behind tractor can be approached irresponsibly. In bad, old oil, with a shortage or no oil at all, the unit will fail faster.

Motul Garden 4T SAE 30


​Photo: https://beru.ru

SAE 30 Motul Garden 4T oil is specially developed for small, four-stroke and diesel engines. It has high antioxidant, anti-wear, non-foaming and anti-corrosion properties. Oil for 4-stroke engines is suitable for use in both summer and winter.

Motul Garden 4T SAE 30

Advantages:

  • does not foam
  • good price
  • practical expense

Flaws:

  • not detected

Classification of motor oils

The most important parameters of motor oil are the viscosity grade and the temperature range at which it can be used. In the marking, the number before the letter “W” indicates the temperature at which the liquid thickens. The number after the letter indicates the maximum temperature at which the liquid ensures uninterrupted engine operation. These indicators must correspond to those indicated in the operating instructions for the garden motor cultivator. It should also be taken into account that in winter and summer you need to use different high-viscosity lubricants. Such as SAE 30 and SAE 40 are intended for use of equipment in the summer, and low-viscosity ones, for example 5W30, for its use in winter. A low-viscosity oil product will quickly evaporate at high temperatures and will not be able to provide complete lubrication of mechanisms. Too thick a liquid will become an obstacle to starting the engine at low air temperatures.

The chemical composition of the lubricant base is also important, as it affects the properties of the product and determines its effect. Mineral motor oil:

  • provides a reduction in friction force;
  • reduces the formation of sediment and soot;
  • reduces wear of working parts;
  • does not produce harmful emissions and does not pollute the air.

Synthetics contain additives that prevent carbon deposits and protect the power unit from wear. Semi-synthetics are produced by mixing mineral and synthetic bases with the use of special additives. Advantages of synthetic and semi-synthetic motor fluid:

  • increased fluidity;
  • low volatility;
  • low waste consumption.

For 4-stroke engines of walk-behind tractors, cultivators and other garden equipment, oil products marked SAE-30, which have high viscosity and are intended for summer use, are excellent. They can be made on a mineral or synthetic basis and contain various additives. A liquid with this marking reliably protects rubbing surfaces from corrosion and rapid wear. The oil is distinguished by its ability to extend engine life.

An analogue of summer SAE-30 can be any all-season oil, in the designation of which the second digit is “30”. For example, a liquid labeled “5W-30” has similar characteristics when used in summer, but it can also be poured in winter, when the air temperature is not lower than -35 ° C. “10W-30” lubricant also has properties similar to SAE-30 when used in the warm season. But its operating range is limited to a temperature of -25°C.

Below are the most popular brands of summer oils labeled SAE-30, as well as oils? intended for all-season use.

CARVER SAE30

Summer mineral lubricant (produced in Russia), containing various additives with dispersant, antioxidant, and anti-corrosion properties. It forms a durable oil film that remains on the surface of parts for a long time. Provides reliable engine protection against wear and increases its resistance to heavy mechanical loads.

Motul Garden 4T SAE30

Motul mineral lubricant with anti-wear, detergent-dispersant properties. It has good temperature resistance and does not foam. Used in four-stroke gasoline engines and diesel engines. Compatible with unleaded and leaded gasoline and diesel fuel.

Husqvarna SAE30

This petroleum product, produced by a Swedish company, contains additives, thanks to which it has an anti-carbon, anti-wear, and anti-corrosion effect. Provides stable lubrication of parts, helping to increase engine life. Works effectively in the positive temperature range of 5-30°C.

Patriot Supreme HD SAE30

High-quality American-made motor oil with a mineral base. Suitable for summer use. Contains anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives and provides maximum engine protection under severe operating conditions. Used to lubricate walk-behind tractors, mini-tractors, lawn mowers and other agricultural equipment.

Premium Bison 10W-30

All-season semi-synthetic fluid of the Russian brand, intended for lubrication of four-stroke gasoline engines and diesel engines. It has increased resistance to oxidation at high temperatures, and has a viscosity that meets the SAE 10W-30 standard. Can be used effectively in the temperature range -25°C - +50°C.

Premium Inforce 11-04-03

All-season oil (produced in Russia) on a semi-synthetic basis with a multifunctional additive package that provides anti-corrosion, extreme pressure and anti-wear properties. Prevents the formation of carbon deposits, reduces engine noise, and effectively protects its moving parts from wear. Can be used at temperatures from -20°C to +30°C.

G-MOTION 4T 10W-30

All-season lubricating fluid, produced in Germany, is intended for four-stroke engines of walk-behind tractors, cultivators, snow blowers, mini-tractors and other small-sized equipment. It has thermal-oxidative stability, lubricates rubbing parts well, reduces technical wear, and prevents the formation of corrosion and harmful deposits. Ensures efficient operation of the power plant under any operating conditions.

Motor oil SCOUT 10W40

Semi-synthetic oil SCOUT 10W40 is one of the most popular lubricants used for walk-behind tractors, mini-tractors and other small-scale mechanization equipment. It is produced on the basis of mineral, synthetic petroleum products and is detergent, that is, containing detergent and dispersant additives. Therefore, it fully complies with technical requirements. This type of lubricant is all-season and can be used at temperatures from -25°C to +40°C without reducing its properties.

Hammerflex 501-018 SAE 5W-30


​Photo: https://beru.ru

Winter semi-synthetic motor oil, intended for use in four-stroke gasoline engines of snow blowers, generators, walk-behind tractors, mini-tractors and other garden and construction equipment, and even lawn mowers. 4-stroke lawn mower oil provides ideal lubrication during cold starts, excellent protection against deposits and corrosion, prevents premature wear of the piston group, keeps the engine clean and extends its life.

Hammerflex 501-018 SAE 5W-30

Advantages:

  • Convenient canister with pouring spout
  • low consumption
  • good price

Flaws:

  • not detected

Additional features of oils

Also, when choosing a suitable lubricant for a cultivator motor, you need to take into account recommendations for its type. It depends on the base oils used. On this basis, all lubricating fluids are divided into 3 types:

  • Mineral. These are the most affordable oils that can be used on engines of older designs at low loads. The disadvantages of such materials are low resistance to low temperatures, less stability, which is why they have to be replaced much more often.
  • Synthetics. Expensive, but stable and highly effective lubricants that can withstand high loads and wide temperature changes. Recommended for use exclusively in winter, as they withstand low temperatures better than other types.
  • Semi-synthetic. In terms of price, this solution is average between mineral and synthetic products, but in terms of reliability and engine protection it is closer to the latter. Semi-synthetic lubricants are rightfully considered a universal option, as they are suitable for a wide range of operating conditions and workloads.

Another quite important characteristic of oils for gasoline engines is the type of power plant in terms of the number of cycles. More powerful cultivators are equipped with 4-stroke engines, which are in many ways similar to automobile power plants: here the oil is poured into a separate crankcase and supplied by a special pump. Such models are more reliable and economical, at the same time their weight is noticeably greater.

2-stroke units differ, first of all, in the method of lubrication - here oil is added directly to the gas tank in the proportion prescribed by the equipment manufacturer. Structurally, such motor cultivators are simpler and therefore cheaper, but their reliability, as practice shows, is significantly lower. Features of the oil intended for such engines are:

  • absence of any additives;
  • low degree of aggressiveness;
  • high degree of purification.

Depending on what type of gas engine is installed on your tool, you need to choose the right oil - they are not interchangeable, an error in selection may lead to the need to flush the lubrication, fuel and other engine systems.

Gazpromneft Moto 4 T 30


​Photo: https://beru.ru

Gazpromneft Moto 4T 30 is a summer motor oil for 4-stroke engines and diesel engines of garden equipment - lawn mowers, cultivators, generators, motor pumps, etc. Thanks to the use of a deep cleaning base and a balanced additive package, the oil has high oxidation stability, a reserve of anti-wear properties and effectively protects the engine from deposits at high operating temperatures.

Gazpromneft Moto 4 T 30

Advantages:

  • good price
  • low consumption

Flaws:

  • not detected

When is the best time to change the oil in a motor cultivator engine?

The recommended service intervals should also be observed with regard to motor lubrication. General recommendations that do not take into account the characteristics of specific models and their operating conditions look like this:

  • the initial replacement is carried out after running in the new engine for approximately 10–15 hours (may vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions);
  • after the break-in has been completed, during normal use the oil is changed every 30–50 operating hours;
  • if the cultivator is rarely used, then replacement is made once every 3 months;
  • before seasonal use, that is, after removing the instrument from storage;
  • before sending for off-season storage.

In addition, you should regularly check the condition and level of the oil with a dipstick. If there is not enough lubricant in the crankcase, then it must be topped up and, if possible, completely changed. If it turns dark, you need to completely drain the old oil and fill in new oil.

Similar to changing the lubricant in a gearbox, the technical condition of the tool must also be taken into account. The older the engine gets, the more sensitive it becomes to the quality, cleanliness and sufficiency of lubrication.

If the power plant of your cultivator operated under critically high load conditions, then you can perform a double oil change with flushing. In this case, first the old oil is completely drained, then clean new oil is poured in and also drained. This procedure allows you to wash out any remaining contaminants from the crankcase. For flushing, you can use either basic lubricant or a cheaper brand. However, their viscosity should be the same. After the flushing oil has been drained, you can fill in the second, final portion.

Hammerflex 501-001

​Photo: https://beru.ru

High-quality mineral motor oil for air-cooled two-stroke engines designed for comprehensive engine protection under high loads. The oil mixes well with any type of gasoline, giving the fuel mixture a red tint. Ideal for use in garden equipment with two-stroke air-cooled engines: trimmers, brush cutters, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, motor drills, chainsaws. Provides ideal lubrication of engine elements, protection against the formation of sludge and deposits, rust and corrosion.

Hammerflex 501-001

Advantages:

  • good price
  • low consumption
  • convenient to pour

Flaws:

  • not detected

Choosing the best oil for walk-behind tractors and cultivators

Having a cultivator with a Chinese or American engine or a walk-behind tractor with a Honda engine, you need to remember that the duration of operation of the walk-behind tractor is affected not only by the timeliness of troubleshooting, but also by the quality of the oil used, as well as the systematicity of its replacement. The difference is that an incorrectly selected mixture or improper lubrication of parts in friction zones leads to increased carbon formation, increased fuel consumption and rapid engine breakdown.

Lubricants for four-stroke motorcycle engines are available in a fairly wide range: from budget to more expensive. To choose a suitable product, you need to focus on the labeling and parameters indicating its main criteria. Thus, the marking “S” classifies a group of lubricants intended for gasoline engines, and the letter “C” for diesel engines.

A number of automotive lubricants also meet all the requirements for motor lubricants for motor-blocks Neva, Scout, Crosser, Patriot, Salyut, Zubr, Favorit, Dobrynya and other models equipped with a four-stroke air-cooled engine. To the question: “Is it possible to pour automobile oil into a walk-behind tractor?” experts answer - “yes, only when using different types of liquid can different consumption rates and the degree of soot formed be observed.” But they do not recommend pouring transmission fluid into the motor of a walk-behind tractor, explaining that this type of substance is not intended to operate in the range of high speeds and high temperatures. If the transmission is poured into a single-cylinder engine, it will begin to burn intensely, precipitate, clog the channels and air filter, which can lead to serious damage.

Daewoo Power Products 4 Stroke Engine Oil SAE 30 SJ/CF

​Photo: https://beru.ru

Mineral oil for four-stroke engines Daewoo Power Products 4 Stroke Engine Oil SAE 30 SJ/CF does an excellent job and deserves a place in our review! For a volume of 0.6 liters, the price of oil is extremely low, which is good news, because in terms of price/quality ratio it is no worse than others. 4-stroke mower oil is suitable for both garden and motorcycle equipment.

Daewoo Power Products 4 Stroke Engine Oil SAE 30 SJ/CF

Advantages:

  • low price
  • convenient to pour

Flaws:

  • high consumption
  • acrid smell

How much should I fill?

Cultivators, mini-tractors and walk-behind tractors supplied to the Russian market are mainly equipped with power plants from Subaru, Briggs&Stratton, Honda or their Chinese analogues. They can be of different capacities and hold different amounts of lubricant. How do you know how much lubricant to pour from a canister so that the four-stroke engine operates in optimal mode and its parts are not worn out due to lack of lubrication?

Lubricant consumption rates can be found in the operating instructions or technical documentation supplied with the motorcycle. The table below shows individual lubricant consumption rates for the most popular engine models.

Required volume, l
Subaru EX21D (7.0 hp) 0,6
Subaru EH34B (11.0 hp) 1,1
Briggs&Stratton (from 8.0 to 13.5 hp) 1,2
Honda GX-390 (8.0-13.0 hp) 1,1

You can simply fill in engine lubricant by determining its amount using the dipstick on the plug. The minimum level is practically limited by the length of the dipstick itself, and the maximum level reaches the thread of the drain hole. You can also navigate by looking into the crankcase hole.

As a rule, about 0.6 liters of liquid are placed in a walk-behind tractor or motorized towing vehicle with a 6-8-horsepower engine, and a little more than 1 liter in more powerful units. It is not for nothing that the most popular volume among manufacturers is 0.6 liters. This is exactly the amount of oil that is enough to fill medium-power motorcycles, which are in greatest demand among owners of garden and dacha plots, to full level.

PATRIOT Power Active 2T

​Photo: https://beru.ru

POWER ACTIVE 2T PATRIOT mineral oil is used in two-stroke engines with a displacement of up to 200 cm3 of garden equipment, such as chainsaws, trimmers, gas shears, blowers, lawn mowers, motor pumps, etc. The oil is pre-mixed completely with fuel and provides excellent lubrication under high loads. Oil for 2-stroke lawn mowers forms a reliable protective film on rubbing surfaces. Well prevents corrosion, wear and deposits on the piston. Helps keep the engine clean and reduces smoke. Significantly extends engine life. Does not contain mechanical impurities and water. A convenient dispenser allows you to measure the exact amount of oil and simplifies its pouring.

PATRIOT Power Active 2T

Advantages:

  • dispenser
  • low price

Flaws:

  • not detected

4TD semi-synthetic oil

Series 4TD PREMIUM SAE 10W-30 is considered a high-quality product designed for all-season use and use in four-stroke air-air engines. Semi-synthetic oil of this type can withstand intermediate temperatures from -25 to + 40 degrees and significantly expands the scope of its use.

If we compare it with a mineral product, the main difference will be the immediate appearance of a protective layer between the working and rubbing surfaces already when the unit is started. Thanks to the excellent structure of which the base is made, the oil resists deposits that occur under increased loads and elevated temperatures. In addition, semi-synthetics do not allow oxidation of parts to form.

AL-KO Zweitaktmotorenol


​Photo: https://beru.ru

Semi-synthetic oil for two-stroke engines - AL-KO Zweitaktmotorenol. Made in Germany, which immediately indicates good quality production. The 1L packaging volume does not have the most expensive price on the sales market. Which also can’t help but make you happy when purchasing. Honda lawn mower oil is definitely a worthy candidate in our category.

AL-KO Zweitaktmotorenol

Advantages:

  • nice price
  • good manufacturer

Flaws:

  • not detected

Husqvarna WP 4T SAE 30


​Photo: https://beru.ru

And our review of the best oils for Husqvarna four-stroke engines concludes. High-quality mineral motor oil for 4-stroke gasoline engines. Viscosity class - 30. Provides lubrication of all parts, the oil significantly increases engine life. Motor oil for four-stroke engines has high anti-corrosion properties; a specially developed additive package prevents the destruction of rubbing surfaces. The oil is intended for use in summer. Can be used for construction equipment and garden equipment.

Husqvarna WP 4T SAE 30

Advantages:

  • nice price
  • good manufacturer
  • low consumption

Flaws:

  • not detected

And with this we bring our section to a conclusion. Today we found out which oil would be more practical to choose for gardening equipment, including lawn mowers. We looked at the pros and cons of this segment, and also compared brands by price/quality category. And we hope we helped you choose what’s right for you!

#Top 10

Read us first - add the site to your favorite sources.

Add a comment

{"commentics_url":"\/\/express-novosti.ru\/comments\/","page_id":1408048,"enabled_country":false,"enabled_state":false,"state_id":0,"enabled_upload": false,"maximum_upload_amount":3,"maximum_upload_size":5,"maximum_upload_total":5,"securimage":true,"securimage_url":"\/\/express-novosti.ru\/comments\/3rdparty\/securimage\ /securimage_show.php?namespace=cmtx_1408048″,”lang_error_file_num”:”\u041c\u0430\u043a\u0441\u0438\u043c\u0443\u043c %d \u0444\u0430\u0439\u043b\u043e\ u0432\u043c\u043e\ u0436\u0435\u0442 \u0431\u044b\u0442\u044c \u0437\u0430\u0433\u0440\u0443\u0436\u0435\u043d\u043e.","lang_error_file_size":"\u041f\u043e \u0436\u0430\u043b\ u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430, \u0437\u0430\u0433\u0440\u0443\u0437\u0438\u0442\u0435 \u0444\u0430\u0439\u043b \u0440\u0430\ u0437\u043c\u0435\u0440\u043e \u043c \u043d\u0435 \u0431\u043e\u043b\u0435\u0435 %d MB.","lang_error_file_total":"\u041e\u0431\u0449\u0438\u0439 \u0440\u0430\u0437\u043 c\u0435\u0440\ u0432\u0441\u0435\u0445 \u0444\u0430\u0439\u043b\u043e\u0432 \u0434\u043e\u043b\u0436\u0435\u043d \u0431\u044b\u0442\u044c \ u043d\u0435\u0431\u043e\u043b\ u0435\u0435 %d MB.","lang_error_file_type":"\u041c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e \u0437\u0430\u0433\u0440\u0443\u0436\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0442\u0 43e\u043b\u044c ""lang_text_loading":" u0437\u043a\u0430 ..","lang_placeholder_state":"\u0420\u0435\u0433\u0438\u043e\u043d","lang_text_country_first":"\u0421\u043d\u0430\u0447\u0430\u043b\u0430 \u0432\u044b\u04 31\u0435 \u0440\u0438\u0442\u0435 \u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0443″,”lang_button_submit”:”\u0414\u043e\u0431\u0430\u0432\u0438\u0442\u04 4c","lang_button_preview":" \u041f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0441\u043c\u 043e\u0442\u0440″,”lang_button_remove ":"\u0423\u0434\u0430\u043b\u0438\u0442\u044c","lang_button_processing":"\u041f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0436\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0435..."}

Rating
( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]