How Often Do You Need To Change The Oil On Riding Lawn Mowers?

When it comes to cutting grass on large properties, riding lawn mowers are the undefeated champs. They also make cutting grass easy for people who have physical limitations and cannot operate another type of lawn mower easily. However, deep down, their engines are working really hard, and one thing that keeps them running like all other gas-powered mowers is the oil. Oil lubricates different engine parts and keeps things cool. However, oil does not last forever, and you need to change it from time to time. So, how often should you change it on riding lawn mowers? Well, every 50 to 100 hours of use or at least once per mowing season, whichever comes first.

That's because, over time, the oil of a riding lawn mower can collect dust and other debris. This reduces its efficiency, and once that happens, the oil cannot protect the engine properly, which can lead to quite a few issues. Now, of course, not every riding lawn mower follows the same schedule. The exact time after which you need to change the oil in your riding lawn mower varies. There is also one important exception to remember if you have just bought a new riding lawn mower. Many manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil after the first five hours of use. This is commonly known as the break-in oil change.

So, make sure that you check out your riding lawn mower's manual. And if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with oil changes altogether, consider getting a battery riding lawn mower. They have electric motors instead of gasoline engines, which do not require engine oil.

Using the number of hours of use to determine when to change the engine oil of your riding lawn mower is a good rule of thumb, but the conditions in which the riding lawn mower operates get a say as well. If, for instance, you use your riding lawn mower in sandy or dusty soils, the engine oil might need to be changed sooner than the general 50 to 100 hours of use timeline. Similarly, cutting thick grass, mowing frequently in summer, and working on steep hills are all things that might require you to change the engine oil sooner, as these put stress on the engine, pushing it to work harder, which breaks down the oil faster.

When it's time to change the oil of your riding lawn mower, park it on a flat, level surface. If the engine is cold, run it for one to two minutes. This will help drain the oil more easily. Switch off the engine, engage the safety brake, and remove the ignition key. Then, disconnect the spark plug wire. Place a piece of cardboard under the machine to catch spills and drips, and slide a basin under to collect the oil. Open the drain valve or plug to release the oil. Once the oil is fully drained, change the oil filter, and replace the oil plug or close the valve. Then, then slowly pour in the recommended amount of a manufacturer-suggested engine oil.

Do not add more oil than needed. It can make the engine smoke. Plus, do not pour old oil down the drain. Instead, take it to a recycling center or collection facility. Also, make sure to service your riding lawn mower regularly, as it will keep your machine running optimally and may also help the engine oil last longer and save you from the trouble of changing it too soon.