How to Change Your Lawn Mower’s Oil

Eastman Equipment Company is your Georgia lawn mower dealer, serving Warner Robins and Dublin. Below, you’ll find the steps you need to take to successfully change the oil in your lawn mower’s engine to keep it running smoothly.

1. What Purpose Does Oil Serve?

The oil in any engine, including that of your lawn mower, is designed to perform a few different tasks that help your engine to run as efficiently as possible, giving you the best mowing results. Here are a few of the functions of oil in an engine:

• Prevents metal components from grinding against each other.
• Reduces friction and absorbs heat, preventing engine overheating.
• Cleans engine parts and prevents dust accumulation.
• Seals moving parts with a fine film.
• Halts corrosion.

2. How Often Does Oil Need Changing?

It’s best to consult your owner’s manual to learn the exact recommendations from your manufacturer. However, how often you change the oil will depend on a couple of factors:

• The number of hours you go between each oil change.
• How clean the dipstick is when you remove it to check it.
• How frequently you use the mower, especially in dusty conditions (this can increase the amount of impurities that accrue in the oil).

Changing the oil before you store your mower for the winter is also a good idea, since allowing clean oil to circulate through the engine will help to lubricate and protect its parts in storage. Also, old oil can be extremely corrosive and could do damage to your mower if left inside it for too long.

3. What Tools Are Needed?

You’ll need several different tools to change your oil, including:

• Tarp or newspaper to cover the working area.
• Wood or bricks to lift your mower off the ground.
• Receptacle for dirty oil.
• Clean cloths.
• Socket wrench.
• Gloves.
• Oil appropriate for your particular mower.
• OIl filter.
• Funnel.
• Spark plug wrench.

4. How Do I Change Oil?

Here we are! Run the mower for a few minutes to allow the oil to heat up and circulate. Place your mower on bricks after you turn it off to allow for drainage and remove the spark plugs for safety.

Find the drainage nut, place your receptacle for dirty oil beneath it and remove the nut to allow the dirty oil to drain out. Tip the mower a bit to ensure all the oil is drained.

Change out the oil filter by removing the bolt, taking out the dirty filter, cleaning off the gasket, lubricating it with clean oil and installing the new filter.

Place your funnel into the oil opening and pour in the amount required by your owner’s manual. Check the level with your dipstick.

Clean up all spills and reseal bolts and nuts. Replace the spark plug and you’re done!

Remember: if you need some assistance with lawn mower maintenance, you can always get in touch with the Eastman Equipment Company service department to schedule an appointment with our mechanics. Our service team can address any issues you’re having and get you back to mowing in no time.

Looking to purchase a new lawn mower? Come on down to our dealership in Eastman, GA, today to take a look at our inventory of new and used lawn mowers for sale. Talk to our staff if you have questions about financing. Eastman Equipment Company proudly serves our customers in Warner Robins and Dublin, GA.