Best Oil for Lawn Mower – Toro 38916 SAE 30 Oil
After trying out dozens of different oils suited for the correct type of engine, we’ve found the Toro 38916 SAE 30 to be the most reliable option.
Toro’s Key Specifications—
- For 4-Stroke Engines
- SAE 30
- 18-oz. Bottle
- For Any Climate
The 38916 is a product made by none other than the world-renowned Toro.
Even though this oil is made specifically by Toro for Toro products, it is a viable—and best overall—choice for any 4-stroke engine that requires SAE 30 oil
Toro has put the 38916 through a set of rigorous safety tests before deeming it worthy of any compatible model that needs OEM products.
The 38916 causes the least amount of molecule-shearing while the mower is in operation. This bottle of mower oil has an SEA 30 viscosity grade, meaning that those living in cold climates (40°F and below) should avoid using it.
Pros
- Compatible with numerous lawn mower models
- Inexpensive
- Surpasses API SJ specifications
- Genuine OEM Toro
Cons
- A single bottle may not be enough for certain lawn mower models
In our experience, the 38916 is the overall best. We’ve asked partners from across the country, with Toro lawn mowers and without, to give this bottle a go. We’ve all found it to exceed our expectations.
Lawn mowers, like any engine-powered piece of equipment, require oil to run. Since lawn mowers only require annual oil changes, finding the right oil can be a challenge.
We’ve tested dozens of different brands on different lawn mowers (with help from partners across the country) to create this list of the best lawn mower oil.
Top Oil for Lawn Mower Compared
Here’s comparison between Top Oil for Lawn Mower Compared:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toro 38916 SAE 30 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Honda 08207-10W30 PK2 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Briggs & Stratton SAE 30 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Husqvarna 32-oz 4-Cycle SAE 30 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Kohler 25 357 05 PK2 10W-30 Oil |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of the Top Oil for Lawn Mower
Now, allow us to talk about the other top oils for lawn mowers.
Best Premium - Honda 08207-10W30 PK2
Key Specifications
- For 4-Stroke Engines
- SAE 10W-30
- 18-oz. Bottle
- For Small Engines, Any Climate
The Honda 08202 is a lot pricier than the other bottles on our list, but since it’s sporting the Honda name, we can give it a pass.
From the get-go, users have noticed an immediate change in performance after changing their oil with 08202.
The 08202 is made specifically for smaller engines that use at most 18 fl. oz. at a time. To use this Honda-grade oil, simply drain the oil tank and fill it back up with a bottle of 08202.
Even if you don’t have a Honda engine, this stuff will work in any 4-stroke engine that requires SAE 10W-30 (any climate is fine!).
Pros
- Usable by both Honda and non-Honda engines
- Can be used in any climate
- Honda ingenuity
- Immediate positive results
Cons
- Lawn mowers in colder climates may end up using more oil over time
It only makes sense for the 08202 to take the best premium spot on our list—it’s a premium product made by an infamous manufacturer of heavy-duty equipment.
Best Budget - Briggs & Stratton SAE 30
Key Specifications
- For 4-Stroke Engines
- SAE-30W
- 48-oz. Canister
- For Warmer Climates
Just because you spend less per fluid ounce of the Briggs & Stratton SAE 30 Grade Mower Oil doesn’t mean you’re getting a shoddy product.
Each canister contains 48 fl. oz. of SAE 30 grade oil. You can rejoice if you live in a warm part of the planet (between 40 and 100°F).
Engineers at Briggs & Stratton—one of the most well-known manufacturers of power tools and lawn mower engines—have put their product to the test. In the end, it has been deemed fit for use in small-sized 4-cycle engines.
Before you go falling into the same trap as past customers, note that this is a 48-fl.-oz. bottle of oil, or 1.5 quarts!
Pros
- Cost-efficient
- One canister is enough for multiple oil changes
- Works great in small 4-stroke engines
- One of the best warm-climate SAE 30 oils on the market
Cons
- Container looks larger than it is
Excellent value, produced by a popular manufacturer, and enough for multiple mowing seasons. It don’t get much better than that!
Kohler 25 357 05 PK2 Command 10W
Key Specifications
- Motor Oil
- SAE 10W-30
- 32-oz. Bottle
- Anti-Wear Additives
If you need oil for a Kohler engine, choose the Kohler 25 357 05 PK2 Command. Even small 4-stroke engines can benefit from this SAE 10W-30 oil that’s compatible in practically any climate.
Here’s an excellent reason to get stoked about this mower oil: it comes with higher concentrations of zinc and phosphorus to reduce the amount of wear and tear on your engine.
The result is a longer-lasting engine that performs at optimal levels (for its age, anyway).
Upon arrival, you may find the bottle completely soaked in oil. This, if you don’t know, is a major inconvenience with a simple fix—wipe the sludge away.
Pros
- More anti-wear additives compared to most oils
- Multi-viscosity for any climate
- Great for any many small 4-stroke engines
Cons
- May arrive soaked in oil
This mower oil is great for Kohler engines or any other small-sized 4-stroke engine. Regardless of your lawn mowers make and model, if it uses this type of oil, it’ll work.
Best Husqvarna Mower Oil
If you have a Husqvarna lawn mower, Husqvarna’s 32-oz 4-Cycle SAE 30 Mower Engine Oil is all you need.
Key Specifications
- For 4-Stroke Engines
- SAE 30
- 32-oz. Bottle
- For Warm Climates
Why go off-brand when Husky has something for your Husky mower? Choosing the same brand of oil as your lawn mower won’t cause any issue, assuming you’re getting the right stuff.
This 32-fl.-oz. bottle of Husqvarna-made oil is more than enough to fill the tank of most Husky lawn mowers. The sad thing is that the remaining oil isn’t going to be enough for the following season.
Pros
- Made for Husqvarna mowers
- Ideal 2 and 5.5-HP engines
- Surpasses API SJ specs
- Additives reduce wear and tear
Cons
- Could be cheaper
If you got a Husqvarna lawn mower, then Husqvarna lawn mower oil is the safest bet. Make sure your lawn mower can accept this mower oil before pouring it into your machine.
Discussion
We need to address two major issues.
Can I use 2-cycle oil in my lawn mower?
2-cycle engines combine fuel and oil in a single tank. 2-cycle oil will gum up the mower’s engine and cause overheating. Read the manual before purchasing mower oil.
Can I use 5W-20 oil in my lawn mower?
5W-20 is a lot thinner compared to oils made for small engines. Using 5W-20 in your lawn mower puts it at risk of premature failure. Once again, we urge you to consult the owner’s manual before doing anything drastic.
FAQs
Now, onto the FAQs. If you aren’t sure of anything, leave us a commend below.
For brand-new lawn mowers, you need to replace the oil after the first five hours of operation. After that, change it again after every 50 hours of use. Most people don’t mow for more than 50 hours a season, so a good rule to go by is to change the oil every season.
You should always check the lawn mower’s paperwork to see how to perform maintenance tasks, including how to select and change lawn mower oil. However, the one part where you do have control is selecting the right viscosity grade. The two main types for lawn mowers is SAE 30 and SAE 10W-30. The former is for climates between 40 and 100° (everywhere, really), and the latter can be used anywhere, including in extremely cold climates (between 0 and 100°F).
All hell breaks loose. The engine will get too hot, thereby resulting in accelerated wear and tear, a significant drop in fuel efficiency, and, ultimately, total destruction. You only need to change the lawn mower’s oil once a year, so make sure you don’t miss this important step in lawn mower maintenance!
SAE 30 is a single-viscosity oil that does not adjust well in the cold. This means it will retain its viscosity and flow poorly in freezing climates. Choose the right type oil type based on how hot or cold it gets outdoors.
Summary
SAE 30 is a single-viscosity oil that does not adjust well in the cold.
This means it will retain its viscosity and flow poorly in freezing climates. Choose the right type oil type based on how hot or cold it gets outdoors.
Last update on 2024-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API