Regular topping up of engine oil is not enough. With every lawn mowing, the oil loses its lubricity due to the effects of heat and dirt particles. An oil change fixes the problem and contributes significantly to the long service life of your valuable petrol mower. This guide gives tips on how often it makes sense to change engine oil and explains how to do it.

An oil change should be done once a year

Annual oil change is good - every 25 hours is better

Freshly poured in, engine oil shimmers in the crankcase in a gold to amber color. Heat, dirt, dust and grass clippings darken the oil, which progressively reduces its ability to lubricate. The more difficult the conditions when mowing the lawn, the faster lawnmower oil loses its effectiveness. In practice, the following intervals for an oil change have therefore proven themselves:

  • Commercially available 4-stroke lawn mower with normal use: once a year, ideally in the spring
  • Heavy-duty petrol mower: every 25 operating hours
  • Newly broken-in lawn mower: first oil change after 5 to 6 hours of operation

If you own one of the rare types of lawnmowers with a 2-stroke engine, the oil is burned at the same time as the petrol, so an oil change is not part of the care and maintenance program here.

Changing the lawnmower oil correctly - you should pay attention to this

An oil change on the lawn mower should always be carried out when the engine is warm, because in this way more suspended particles are removed than when the engine is cold. In addition to the right type of oil, a collection container is the most important utensil. How to proceed professionally:

  • Start the lawn mower and let it run for a few minutes
  • Stop the engine and pull the spark plug connector
  • Place a container under the oil pan
  • Unscrew the oil drain screw anti-clockwise
  • Allow all the used oil to run into the collection container

Then tighten the oil drain screw clockwise. Now open the filler neck. Using a funnel, fill in the fresh oil to just below the maximum mark in the tank and put the lid on. Start the mower again to check the engine for leaks while idling.

tips

After changing the oil, clean your lawn mower carefully. Even the smallest residue on the mowing deck burns up as blue-white smoke the next time you mow the lawn and will give you a real fright. Therefore, wipe the device thoroughly with a damp cloth and a cleaning agent with degreasing power.

Category:

Garden design