So you’re geared up and ready to purchase a new lawn mower, but you’re unsure whether it will come with oil already in the engine or if you need to get some first. Doubts like these can make purchasing a new lawn mower confusing and somewhat worrying because it’s not always clear what you should do. So, let’s take a look at the different situations, and let me share my best advice.
Will Your Mower Come with Oil or Not?
Well, it really depends on where you purchase your lawn mower. If you are heading out to an authorized dealer to purchase a leading brand mower, then the engine will have gone through a pre-delivery inspection. This means that the dealer has tested the mower to make sure it meets the standards of the manufacturer before the customer receives the lawn mower. This inspection requires the engine to be tested and the oil to be filled to the correct level.
Now, if you purchase a mower online that is shipped directly to you, it is very unlikely it will have oil in it. This is because if the mower is tipped over while in its packaging, the oil can leak into different areas of the engine where it can cause problems, such as into the oil filter. So, if you have seen a product online, it’s best to check if a bottle of oil is included with your purchase.
Why I Still Recommend Buying a Bottle of Oil
Once you have your new mower at home, it’s always best to keep a bottle of oil on hand. Here’s why I think purchasing a big bottle of oil is always a good idea.
The Right Oil Level All the Time
Once you start using your mower, you’ll need to be checking the oil regularly. To be safe, I recommend that you do this every time you mow your lawn. You would be surprised how quickly oil can burn off once the mower is put to work, especially if you have a big yard.
Also, always having spare oil around will make sure you’re not tempted to use your mower when it’s low on oil.
Different Climates
If you happen to be down in one of the hotter states, then you’re going to find that you may need to be topping off oil more regularly than if you live in a cooler state. Lawn mowers have to work much harder during the hot summer months as they contend with the heat. This is reflected in how the oil burns off. Additionally, cooler states sometimes require a slightly different oil to deal with the cooler temperatures.
Preparing for the First Oil Change
New lawn mowers are going to need an oil change pretty quickly. A general rule is that once the engine has completed 5 hours of engine running time, the oil should be changed along with the oil filter if the mower has one. This is because a new engine needs to be run in. This is the time the engine needs to evenly and smoothly wear in the pistons in the cylinders.
During the running in period, tiny metal fragments will wear off of the cylinders and mix with the oil. So, having a bottle of oil at hand not only means you can always keep the engine topped off, but you’ll also be prepared for your first oil change.
Why You Should Never Run Your Mower Without/On Low Oil
Running your engine without oil or on low oil is probably the worst thing you can do to an engine. Oil is used to lubricate the inside of the engine, such as parts like the piston and crankshaft. Without a lubricant at the correct level, then these parts will rub against one another and wear down extremely quickly. An engine without the correct oil level can be destroyed within a matter of minutes.
My Final Thoughts on Whether New Lawn Mowers Come with Oil
So, do new lawn mowers come with oil? The answer is (frustratingly) it depends. Where are you buying it from? But either way, it’s best to always have spare oil on hand for topping off and oil changes, so I recommend putting a bottle of oil recommended by the manufacturer in your shopping cart. If the engine is low on oil, then you can quickly fill it. A quick test of the dipstick and a can of oil, and you’ll always be able to get out mowing.
Leave a Reply