Mower oil.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Most petrol mower manufacturers recommend SAE 30......which I don't have.

However, I have plenty of 5/30 left over following an oil change on my desirable Vauxhall.

So, is 5/30 OK?

The 4 stroke OHV 173cc lump only revs to 2800 RPM.

[Sir Tigger KC]

You might invalidate the warranty if you use the incorrect oil.   

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

You might invalidate the warranty if you use the incorrect oil.   

Just looked at the owner manual. It says SAE30, but also mention 5/30 and 10/30.

3KW  of power is apparently the same as 4 BHP which is pathetic from 173cc. My old moped made 6 BHP from only 49cc.

[Nick W]

You might invalidate the warranty if you use the incorrect oil. 

But he will invalidate the warranty and future use if he doesn't use any oil


A basic mower engine probably doesn't need fancy multi-grade oil, but using one that meets the required grade ought to work. Although I have a nagging doubt that SAE grades and motor-oil grades aren't the same. Americans; what can we say....

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Only takes 400 ML, apparently. Which doesn't sound like much.

[JasonH]

I was looking at something similar for air compressors.

Basically 30W oil is 30W oil when cold and when hot, so it's thick when it's cold.

5W30 is like 5W oil when cold, but like 30W oil when hot.

If your mower engine runs nice and hot then it'll be seeing 30W oil when it's hot, i.e. running. So 5W30 will be fine.

In an air compressor the piston etc. doesn't get very hot so when it's running with 5W30 it's seeing 5W oil when it needs 30W oil - bad!

(With air compressor oil apparently there's more to it, you actually need special compressor oil too...)

[TheBoy]

My mower gets GM 10w40, because that's what I have in the garage.

[Andy B]

Oil is oil ..... 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Oil is oil ..... 

Ah...but I have a racing mower.

Apparently it can reach 2.5MPH when the 'thrust lever' is pushed all the way in drive mode.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

.....and the controls are set for the heart of the sun.

[STEMO]

.....and the controls are set for the heart of the sun.

No! Got to keep the loonies off the grass.

[ronnyd]

Me? i'm just a lawnmower, you can tell it by the way i walk. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

Oil is oil ..... 

Ah...but I have a racing mower, with cup holders!

Apparently it can reach 2.5MPH when the 'thrust lever' is pushed all the way in drive mode.

FTFY M'Lud! 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Oil is oil ..... 

Ah...but I have a racing mower, with cup holders!

Apparently it can reach 2.5MPH when the 'thrust lever' is pushed all the way in drive mode.

FTFY M'Lud! 

A bottle of Bud fits nicely.

I always have beer to hand when washing the car. A reward for hard graft.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Oil is oil ..... 

Ah...but I have a racing mower, with cup holders!

Apparently it can reach 2.5MPH when the 'thrust lever' is pushed all the way in drive mode.

FTFY M'Lud! 

A bottle of Bud fits nicely.

I always have beer to hand when washing the car. A reward for hard graft.

I have cup holder envy! 

I paid £100 for my 12 month old MacAllister (B&Q) which is in very good condition, with 18" deck and it's Tig propelled feature, and I'm happy with that. 

Had I seen yours though when I was looking, the cup holders might persuaded me to shell out the extra cash. It'll be interesting to see how you get on with it.