Should You Lubricate Your Lawnmower?

Last Updated on July 13, 2022 by woodcutter

It’s important to keep your lawnmower well-oiled and in good working condition. Lubricating its various moving parts is a big part of this. However, there is a lot of confusion out there about which parts need to be lubricated. Some people even question if it’s necessary to lubricate a lawnmower at all. But the truth is, it’s important to keep your lawnmower well-maintained.

Yes, a lawnmower needs to be lubricated in order to work properly. Lubricating your mower helps to prevent friction within the engine and makes it run more smoothly. Choose the best type of oil for your mower and lubricate it regularly to keep it in good condition.

Why Lubricating Your Mower is Important

Lubricating your lawnmower is important to keep it running smoothly. Without lubrication, your lawnmower can malfunction and break down.

Prevents Friction

Lubrication is key to maintaining the performance and longevity of your mower. By preventing friction between moving parts, it allows them to run smoothly and efficiently. Over time, friction can cause damage to your mower, which can be expensive to repair. By regularly lubricating your mower, you can help extend its life and keep it running like new.

Protects the Machine

When you take your lawnmower in for servicing, you’ll notice that one of the first things they check is whether it’s getting adequate lubrication. The oil/grease acts as a protective layer, safeguarding the mower from rust, corrosion, water, and other damage. It also acts as a barrier, preventing contaminants from reaching the mower’s delicate inner workings.

Improves Lifespan and the Efficiency of the Machine

Lubrication not only extends the lifespan of your lawnmower, but also makes it more efficient. By reducing the potential for failures and breakdowns, lubrication allows your lawnmower to work as if it is new. It becomes faster, more effective, and more consistent (unless it has other issues).

Reduces Costs Associated with Maintenance

Regular lubrication can help reduce maintenance costs for your lawnmower by making it more reliable and longer-lasting. It will be less affected by heat, contaminants, and corrosive substances, and normal wear and tear will be reduced. By keeping your mower well-lubricated, you can help extend its life and reduce your maintenance costs.

When should I check the oil in my lawnmower?

You should always check the oil level of your lawnmower before you start operating it, just like with your car. However, you might forget to confirm the oil level from time to time. If this happens, here are a few telltale signs that your lawnmower needs oil:

If your lawnmower is producing a lot of smoke, it is likely due to a low oil level. This causes friction within the engine, resulting in smoke. If you hear knocking or rough sounds when you start your mower, it is also an indication of low or no oil. The best course of action is to switch it off and inspect it to determine what the issue is.

If you want to avoid damaging your lawnmower’s engine and internal parts, always check the oil dipstick before you start mowing and add oil if the level is low.

How Often Should You Lubricate Your Mower?

This depends on how often you use your lawnmower. For example, if you have a commercial mower that cuts large areas, you should lubricate it at least once a day.

To keep your lawnmower running smoothly, grease the wheels every month or so, and at the start of each mowing season. Change the oil before each mowing season, or after 40-50 hours of usage.

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Mower

The right oil for your lawnmower can make all the difference. With so many different oils on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your machine. However, doing your research and selecting the best oil for your mower will ensure that your lawnmower runs smoothly and efficiently.

While many people believe that car engine oils can work fine in lawnmowers, this may not always be the case. It is best to always use oil that is specifically designed for lawnmowers. Personally, I usually choose the oil sold by the mower’s manufacturer (if they have such a product), even if it is more expensive.

Other than that, it is always best to follow the directions in the user’s manual. If you no longer have it, you can check the recommendations on the manufacturer’s website, or ask an employee in your local lawnmower shop for advice.

Lubricating your lawnmower

Different types of mowers have different features, but all of them need to have their wheels greased. To lubricate your mower’s wheels, detach them from the mower. According to Advanced Engine Tech, using a grease gun makes the process simpler. Make sure that you have disconnected the power supply (or spark plug) before proceeding. The detailed process is beyond the scope of this article, but if you are curious you can check out the article I linked above.

You need to be careful with anything that gets onto your lawnmower’s surface – it can be a significant investment. Most lawnmower owners make the mistake of going for a particular grease because it is “high quality”. That should not be the case. Some have lithium with molybdenum disulfide, while some contain plain lithium. Hence, it is crucial to always check the manufacturer’s recommendation before buying. Lubricated wheels increase speed and also make the wheel’s lifespan a lot longer.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, lubricating a mower is a fast and straightforward process that prevents potential damage. In addition to other standard lawn maintenance practices, doing this regularly will keep the mower in an optimal working condition.