I use whatever extra I have. Never had an engine problem before something else breaks.
What's the proper oil for a push mower
- Thread starter jayjr1105
- Start date
Originally Posted by Jackson_Slugger
Toro mounted Briggs and Stratton engines have vacillated. My father's old beater mower he bought in the mid 1990's preferred 10W-30 but said you could use SAE30. But his Toro 22" Recycler from around 2010 only says detergent SAE30 SF-or newer. I did use 10W-40 in it and noticed it did burn some, but nothing major. I picked up some VWB SAE30 on clearance at TSC for it. I preferred using multi-weight oiis like 10W-30 just for ease of starting in colder months in spring and fall. But modern GII-III SAE30's seem to flow as well as older 10W-30s with a pour point at -27C.....
If the grass is growing and needs mowing, pour point is not an issue for a lawn mower, unless you mow in January.
Toro mounted Briggs and Stratton engines have vacillated. My father's old beater mower he bought in the mid 1990's preferred 10W-30 but said you could use SAE30. But his Toro 22" Recycler from around 2010 only says detergent SAE30 SF-or newer. I did use 10W-40 in it and noticed it did burn some, but nothing major. I picked up some VWB SAE30 on clearance at TSC for it. I preferred using multi-weight oiis like 10W-30 just for ease of starting in colder months in spring and fall. But modern GII-III SAE30's seem to flow as well as older 10W-30s with a pour point at -27C.....
If the grass is growing and needs mowing, pour point is not an issue for a lawn mower, unless you mow in January.
Last edited:
Originally Posted by 4WD
I like 5w30 synthetic in pull start
10w30 Delo or 15w40 Delvac in rider
Why the blends and higher weights in riders? Are you noticing more burning from synthetic 5W-30?
I like 5w30 synthetic in pull start
10w30 Delo or 15w40 Delvac in rider
Why the blends and higher weights in riders? Are you noticing more burning from synthetic 5W-30?
4WD
$50 site donor 2024
The 40 is not necessary but many commercial lawn services do this in the hot south … was using Delo 10w30, but with just two quarts left, decided that's on hold for my boat.
Had a partial jug of the Delvac leftover … so changed, ran, drained, filled again to not mix oils …
(left filter on).
As for a seat of the pants dino test … mowed yesterday and it ran great …
Had a partial jug of the Delvac leftover … so changed, ran, drained, filled again to not mix oils …
(left filter on).
As for a seat of the pants dino test … mowed yesterday and it ran great …
10w30 if I have some on hand. Otherwise 5w30. Change it once a year, I have 1 B&S engine that is now 16 years old, starts right up and runs great everytime. 1 Kohler that is 3 years old and is doing just fine.
I tap out the air filter a few times a year to get all of the junk out. During winter I usually start it once or twice just to move some fuel through the carb.
I tap out the air filter a few times a year to get all of the junk out. During winter I usually start it once or twice just to move some fuel through the carb.
4WD
$50 site donor 2024
Exactly … my mowers are leaf blowers in the off season …
Rotella or your favorite flavor HDEO.
I retired my Toro Recycler 20007 (2004) this AM, sold to a landscaper. The transmission bearings went and I just didn't want to go through the time of changing them again as it has other issues.
I bought the new equivalent, the Recycler 20378. Kohler engine and everything else looks similar.
Was glad to see that the new OM lists 10W-30 or 30W. I don't run it below 50F and as my previous Recycler didn't consume 30W, I'll continue using it in the new mower.
I bought the new equivalent, the Recycler 20378. Kohler engine and everything else looks similar.
Was glad to see that the new OM lists 10W-30 or 30W. I don't run it below 50F and as my previous Recycler didn't consume 30W, I'll continue using it in the new mower.
I think about any oil would work in there. The Best choice would be a 30HD oil such as Supertech. I've used 10w30/ 10w40/ 20/50/ 30HD and 15w40 truck oil with no problems.
I like 15W-40 HDEO for cheap, and change more often.
Last edited:
