How To Choose The Best Oil For Your John Deere Riding Lawn Mower

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One of the simplest ways to extend the life of your lawn mower is to regularly change the oil. This is even true of the most reliable brands like John Deere, which typically ranks right up near the top of various lists. However, you need to know how to choose the best oil for your John Deere riding lawn mower, as using the wrong oil can actually cause a number of issues.

The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to picking the right oil for you John Deere riding mower is to follow what the manufacturer suggests. Even if you don't have the manual anymore, you will likely find a sticker with the suggested oil type under the hood. You can also view your mower's owner manual online. In any event, the best choice is pretty straightforward and easy to remember. John Deere says all gas powered riding mowers should use their own label 10W-30 motor oil, such as the John Deere Turf-Gard SAE 10W-30. John Deere says its riding mowers, which are powered by diesel engines, should be filled with 15W-40. 

While those are the universal recommendations for general use John Deere riding lawn mowers, there are some situations when you may want to consider utilizing a lighter or heavier viscosity oil. Although most people put their mower away for winter, there are times when late season mowing may involve fairly cool temperatures. Additionally, some people use lawn mowers to clear snow in very frigid weather. In these cold conditions, it can be advantageous to go with a lighter weight oil, such as 5W-30. Because this oil is lighter, it offers less resistance, allowing engines to turn over and start easier when the temperatures plummet. Additionally, these lighter oils move more quickly through the engine to allow maximum protection literally right from the start.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you regularly using your riding mower in extreme heat, you may want to consider utilizing a heavier oil. The thicker, heavier oil holds up better and breaks down slower in high heat conditions. As a result, it offers superior protection to engine parts in this situation. However, before making a switch to a heavier or lighter oil, you should be sure to consult the John Deere owner manual to make sure it is appropriate for your specific model.