Oils for walk-behind tractors: which ones are suitable and how much to pour

The presence of high-quality elements in any equipment is the key to its safe and uninterrupted operation for a long time. But the presence of oil to lubricate the parts is also important. Without it, the engine will not last long, and soon the entire walk-behind tractor will have to be replaced or repaired. Oil is necessary for all systems and components to work without rubbing. This improves performance and increases service life.

Oil must be selected according to its intended purpose . Various lubricants are produced for the motor, transmission, and gearbox. Plus, you need to consider what fuel the engine runs on (gasoline or diesel). Also, some manufacturers immediately indicate what kind of oil a person should pour into the walk-behind tractor. If you do not follow their recommendations, you can significantly reduce the life of your equipment.

To understand what kind of oil to pour into a walk-behind tractor, you need to understand their types . The first division of oils is carried out according to the type of engine - two or four stroke. Next comes the difference in composition - semi-synthetic or synthetic. Oils are also distinguished by what time of year they will be used - summer, winter and all-season. Only by taking into account all the factors can you choose a lubricant that suits the walk-behind tractor.

What kind of oil should I pour into the walk-behind tractor gearbox?

The gearbox can be filled with transmission oil specified by the equipment manufacturer or selected from the available list. If the manufacturer does not indicate what cannot be used, then the oil is selected according to the parameters of the device. To select, you need to look at the letter and number designations. What can you find on a bottle of oil:

• SAE - oil viscosity. On the packaging there is a letter W, to the left of it are sub-zero temperatures, and to the right are positive ones. This way you can understand at what time of year and under what temperature conditions the lubricant will work well.
• API – type of engine fuel. There is a letter S next to it - this is for gasoline, and if C, then for diesel 4-stroke.
• ACEA is an energy saving indicator. If the load on the walk-behind tractor is high, then it is better to take oil with the maximum rating. The higher the numbers, the more protected the equipment will be from wear.

There are several most common types of oils:

• 10w30 , 10w40 - all-season, characterized by high anti-corrosion properties.
• 0w30 , 0w40 - suitable for use in winter.
• 15w40 , 20w40 - used at high temperatures.
• 5w30 , 5w40 - all-season, can be used if the street is not lower than -25 degrees.

There are also “win-win” options. If the packaging is marked with paired letters - SG/CD or SF/CC, then the lubricant is suitable for any walk-behind tractor with any fuel.

Considering that walk-behind tractors are used more often in the summer, all-season or anti-corrosion oils are more in demand, which extend the life of the equipment. The oil manufacturer can be any one, but often the brands on the shelves are ZIC, Mobil, Shell Helix and Castrol, which have shown a good price-quality ratio.

Different oils for different temperature conditions

For stable operation of the cultivator, you need to use lubricants that correspond to the operating time of the cultivator. Under different temperature influences, the lubricant behaves differently: when heated, it becomes more liquid, and when cooled, on the contrary, it thickens. Manufacturers, changing the nominal state of lubricants, adapt them to different operating conditions. Therefore, all the variety on the market can be divided into 3 groups:

• Summer engine lubricants. They are initially more viscous, due to which they do not become excessively fluid under conditions of high external temperatures. While maintaining a fairly thick consistency, they adhere more effectively to the surfaces of engine parts and provide reliable protection against friction and wear.
• Winter oils for motor cultivators. The viscosity of such grades is significantly lower, due to which they do not become excessively thick at low temperatures, make it easier to start the engine and more effectively protect it during cold operation.
• All-season varieties. The most common option, characterized by versatility of use. You can fill in this oil for both summer and winter. However, it is undesirable for critically low or high temperatures.

You can understand for which season of operation a particular oil was developed by its marking in accordance with SAE standards. Lubricants of five classes are intended for summer use: 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. The higher the numerical value here, the higher the lubrication efficiency will be ensured at higher temperatures.

The marking of winter oils according to SAE is distinguished by the addition of the W index after the number (from Winter - “winter”). For the cold season, 6 classes of motor oils are offered - 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W. Here, the meaning of the marking is the opposite of the summer standard - the lower the number in front of W, the lower the temperatures at which the material remains fluid.

The designation of all-season lubricants combines both of the above markings. This includes materials designated 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-50. The first number shows how effectively this oil will work in cold conditions, and the second characterizes its performance at high temperatures.

In addition, attention should be paid to such an indicator as the ratio of viscosity at high temperatures to the shear rate of the lubricant. The values ​​of this parameter are standardized according to the ACEA system. The larger its value, the higher the energy-saving properties of the oil you choose. Accordingly, the more effectively it will protect the engine of your cultivator. Therefore, you need to choose this indicator in proportion to the engine power and the intensity of the work to be done.

In general, when choosing oil for a motor cultivator, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. For each engine model, certain types and classes of lubricants are recommended, which optimally correspond to the design features and operating parameters of a particular power plant. Moreover, many motorcycle manufacturers, as a rule, recommend the use of lubricants from certain manufacturers. This is often due to marketing interests, but it is still better to adhere to these tips.

In addition, keep in mind that over time the engine will wear out, the gaps will increase - and this can lead to an increase in lubricant consumption. In this case, it is permissible to use oils with a slightly higher viscosity. However, the step must be within SAE class 1 - too viscous oil will only harm the engine.

What kind of oil should I pour into a walk-behind tractor engine?

To prevent the engine from overheating and its parts from rubbing against each other, it is necessary to use a lubricant. What kind of oil to pour into the engine of a walk-behind tractor depends on the type of fuel on which it runs. For diesel equipment, you should choose a lubricant based on the following considerations:

• Category CA is suitable for walk-behind tractors with light loads.
• SV - lubricants are used if the fuel has a high sulfur content.
• Grease marked CC is suitable for walk-behind tractors that do not have turbocharging and operate at high load levels.

If you use properly selected oil for a walk-behind tractor engine, you can reduce fuel consumption and increase productivity (equipment life).

For walk-behind tractors with gasoline as fuel, you need to choose oil according to a different marking:

• SA – the equipment is not heavily loaded.
• SB – the device can withstand medium load levels.
• SC – if the engine does not have PCV valves.
• SD – if PCV valves are installed.
• SE is an oil for walk-behind tractors with engines manufactured in 1980.
• SF is similar to the previous lubricant, but the quality is better (less agar).
• SH – universal for different systems.

Regardless of what fuel the walk-behind tractor uses, you should first read the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing liquid. Many companies even produce their own oils, which are tested at the factory and are really well suited for equipment. It is not necessary to give preference to recommended products, but then it is better not to skimp on oil and choose high-quality lubricant from a trusted company. Otherwise, there is a possibility of quickly “killing” the walk-behind tractor engine and spending more money on equipment repairs.

Device

The gearbox is a special device included in the design of any walk-behind tractor. It is this part that is responsible for converting and transmitting torque that is generated from mechanical transmissions. In fact, the gearbox powers the walk-behind tractor, making it work.

The service life of the entire walk-behind tractor, as well as its normal functioning, will depend on its quality, as well as on the correct lubrication of its components.

For more details about the gearbox, watch the video:

Depending on the model of the walk-behind tractor, be it Cayman, Patriot Ural, Patriot, Texas, Foreman or some other, the gearboxes may differ from each other in some design features. Conventionally, gearboxes can be divided into several types:

• Angular reducers. Such units are quite effective and allow you to couple the engine and transmission.

• Gear reducers. In this case, the gearbox transmission acts as a kind of intermediary between the engine and the wheelbase of the walk-behind tractor.
• Reduction gearboxes. These units achieve an increase in power indicators by reducing the total number of revolutions. Such gearboxes are most preferable because their design includes an air cooling system, which allows them to operate at maximum loads.
• Reverse gearboxes. The main advantage of such gearboxes is the ability to reverse the walk-behind tractor. However, units equipped with this type of gearbox do not show high performance indicators and speeds.

Regardless of which gearbox is used in the design of the walk-behind tractor, they all consist of almost the same components:

• shaft;
• gear housing;
• flange and its fastening;
• pulley with V-belt drive (or chain);
• ball bearing;
• stars;
• drain plug;
• steel washer and nut;
• input shaft

These components traditionally form the gearbox itself. and service life will depend on how well they are

Gearbox

Otherwise, if there is insufficient lubrication, the parts will wear out greatly, because they come into contact with each other during operation, and the resulting friction negatively affects their surface.

What kind of oil should be poured into the transmission of a walk-behind tractor?

The transmission is complex in design and has many parts. Therefore, it is also necessary to have lubricant to prevent frequent breakdowns. What kind of oil to pour into the box of a walk-behind tractor is mainly selected based on the degrees at which the walk-behind tractor is planned to be used outside. If there is only a number on the oil package, then this is an indicator of the positive temperature at the upper limit. Winter oil always has a mark in the form of the letter W, and if numbers are added to this letter on the sides, then it is an all-season oil indicating permissible temperatures. Examples of how oil in a walk-behind tractor transmission is marked:

• 20W40 – -15° – +45°.
• 15W40 – -20° – +45°.
• 10W40 – -25° – +35°.
• 0W30 – -35° and below – +25°.
• 0W40 – -35° and below – +30°.
• 5W30 – -30° – +25°.
• 5W40 – -30° – +35°.
• 75W90 and 75W80 – -40° – +35°.
• 80W85 and 80W90 – -25° – +35°.
• 85W90 – -12° – +45°.

When choosing which oil to pour into the transmission of a walk-behind tractor, you need to look to see if there are the letters “TM” on the label. If they are missing, then the lubricant is not suitable for the transmission.

It is best to give preference to oils that protect equipment from corrosion - this is the main enemy. The faster plaque and rust appear, the less the walk-behind tractor will last. Therefore, it is better to pay for high-quality oil according to the season, but with anti-corrosion properties. But buying an all-season vehicle may turn out to be less economical if the equipment quickly deteriorates.

A few specific examples of what oil to take based on the brand of the walk-behind tractor:

• MTZ -05 – oils M-8G1, M-8B1 and M-8B1.
• Neva MB-1 – TAP-15V, TAD-17I.
• Neva MB-2 – TM-5, SAE90 API GI-5, TEP-15, SAE90 API GI-2.
• Agat - MS-20 and TAD-17I.
• Bison - TAP-15.
• Ugra NMB-1 – TCn-10.

All these oils are constantly on sale, and finding the right lubricant is not difficult.

Oil for diesel walk-behind tractors

Motoblocks based on diesel fuel are very common and are often used in agriculture. Depending on the type of equipment, oil is selected. And here everything is quite simple, it is not possible to come across 2-stroke walk-behind tractors; these are most often cultivators. All walk-behind tractors are four-stroke, and you need to take oil according to this functional feature.

There are three types of oils - synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral - as all car owners will say. But if oil is chosen for a walk-behind tractor or other gardening equipment, then there are only two options:

• Semi-synthetic . Belongs to the budget segment. Great for summer and warm autumn and spring. In winter, walk-behind tractors are rarely used, but if you plan to take the equipment out into the cold, then you cannot use semi-synthetics, it will thicken.
• Synthetics , also known as mineral oil. Such lubricants are universal and can be used year-round. If a bottle of oil is marked W (Winter), then this product can be used at sub-zero temperatures. There are also all-season options, you just need to look at the numbers on both sides of the letter W - this is the temperature range.

Motor oil is produced by many manufacturers . Lubricants from the brands Mannol, Silver, Diamond, Mobil, Motul are very popular. They are affordable, suitable for any walk-behind tractor, and are most often found on sale in all-season vehicles. There are also oils with anti-corrosion properties. Oil marked 0w30, which can withstand both -35 and +25 degrees, has proven itself well. Also popular are 10w30 and 10w40, which have slightly different ranges.

Classification of oils

Husqvarna SAE 30, Husqvarna Universal SAE 30

Mineral motor oil produced by a Swedish company both for factory filling of its products and for subsequent maintenance. The use of a specially selected package of antifriction additives in the oil is indicated.

Mini tractors are very popular and widely used in housing and communal services, on construction sites, in rural work and in production. Scout mini tractors are very durable, economical and durable equipment.

To effectively clear an area of ​​snowdrifts, there are many models of tireless snowplows. It's all about the manual electric snow blower.

KamAZ 65115 belongs to one of the oldest series of this plant, production of which began back in 1998. By clicking on the link, you will get acquainted with the specifics of work, advantages and disadvantages of KamAZ 65115.

Not suitable for operating motorized equipment at low temperatures. The price of a 0.6 liter package is from 390 to 410 rubles.

Husqvarna

PATRIOT Supreme HD SAE 30

This oil, also produced by one of the well-known American manufacturers of garden equipment, is intended for summer use in gasoline and diesel walk-behind tractors, mowers, and mini tractors. For ease of use, the packaging has a long watering can spout. The oil base is mineral. The price of a 0.95 liter package is within 340 rubles.

PATRIOT SPECIFIC HIGH-TECH 5W-30

Semi-synthetic motor oil for year-round operation of garden equipment with four-stroke engines: walk-behind tractors, mini tractors, snow removal equipment

Low-temperature viscosity class 5W guarantees the oil freezing point of at least -38˚ C.

The price of a 0.95 liter package is about 410 rubles. This oil is used for the Patriot Ural, Patriot walk-behind tractor.

PATRIOT EXPERT HIGH – TECH SAE 10W40

Synthetic oil for operating garden equipment in hot climates and under increased loads, for example, when plowing large areas of land with a plow. The price of a 0.95 liter package is 420 rubles.

Home Garden 4 Stroke Oil HD SAE 30

Affordable summer motor oil on a mineral basis. The price of a liter jar is 240-250 rubles.

Garden Stroke

ELITECH 4T Premium SAE 10W30

Semi-synthetic motor oil for year-round operation of motorcycles. Includes anti-friction additives based on molybdenum disulfide, which, on the one hand, provides good engine protection against wear, on the other, requires careful attention to the timing of oil changes.

The price of a liter package is 420 rubles, a 0.6 liter package is 340 rubles.

ELITECH 4TD Standard SAE30

Summer mineral oil, which also includes a package of molybdenum-containing additives. A liter package of this oil costs about 300 rubles.

ELITECH 4TDUltraSAE 5W30

4-stroke oil for walk-behind tractor engines used year-round for the most difficult jobs. Has a synthetic base. The price of a 0.6 liter package is 480 rubles.

Anchor SAE 5W30

An affordable synthetic motor oil from a domestic manufacturer, which can be used in walk-behind tractors and other equipment with gasoline engines in summer and winter. The price of a liter package is 380 rubles.

Anchor SAE30

Cheap summer oil from the group of mineral lubricants. The price of 180 rubles per liter allows you to compensate for its average quality with more frequent replacements.

Anchor SAE 10W40

Unlike most motor oils for garden equipment, this oil is APISJ/CF certified, which allows you to compare its composition and quality with conventional budget automobile oils. Double certification means it can be used not only in gasoline (SJ) but also in diesel (CF) engines.

The relatively high high-temperature viscosity makes the use of this oil undesirable at moderate and low temperatures. The main advantage of this oil is its low price: only 200 rubles per liter.

REZOIL PREMIUM SAE 5W30

Domestic semi-synthetic oil for gasoline and diesel gardening equipment (meets APISJ/CF specification). Due to its low viscosity over a wide temperature range, it can work perfectly in engines with lubricant lubricant both in summer and winter. A container with a volume of 0.95 liters costs around 210 rubles.

REZOILRancherUniliteSAE 30

Exclusively summer oil for gasoline and diesel walk-behind tractors and mini tractors. The type of base is not indicated on the packaging, but the price of 140 rubles for 0.95 liters suggests that this oil is mineral.

REZOIL TITANIUM SAE 10W-40

This semi-synthetic oil can also be used in gasoline and diesel engines, but the viscosity index directly indicates the undesirability of its use in temperate climates. A 0.95 liter package costs 200 rubles.

MaxCut 4THDSAE 30

Summer mineral oil from a little-known manufacturer in Russia, which promises a higher content of anti-friction additives and the possibility of using the oil in highly loaded gasoline and diesel engines. The price of a liter jar is 240 rubles.

MANNOL Energy SAE 5W30

A well-known manufacturer of auto chemicals from Germany also has a line of motor oils for garden equipment. This semi-synthetic oil can be used in any garden equipment with four-stroke engines throughout the year. A liter package will cost an average of 420 rubles.

MANNOLMolibdenBenzinSAE 10W40 for air-cooled four-stroke engines

Semi-synthetic oil, the composition of which is improved by using a package of antifriction additives based on molybdenum disulfide. In walk-behind tractors it should be used during heavy work in hot weather. A liter of this oil costs 330 rubles.

Four-stroke oil Champion 4-Cycle SAE 30

This US company also does not need any special introduction. This mineral oil is designed for summer use in walk-behind tractors, trimmers and lawn mowers. Packaged in 0.6 liter (250 rubles) and 1 liter (360 rubles) packaging.

Champion Snowthrower 5W30 for an engine from a walk-behind tractor or cultivator

Mineral-based motor oil designed exclusively for winter use. It is noteworthy that at the time of release it was certified according to the strictest quality standard at that time, APISL. A liter package costs about 380 rubles. This oil is recommended for the Champion walk-behind tractor.

Champion

Summer mineral oil from a famous Russian-Chinese brand. The quality of the product is described by certification according to the outdated APISG/CD standard, which to some extent is compensated by the low price (180 rubles per liter).

It would be a good option for light work, especially if the engine of a walk-behind tractor or cultivator is noticeably worn out. This oil should not be used under difficult working conditions.

Caliber Semi-synthetic SAE 5W30

Winter oil from the same manufacturer on a semi-synthetic basis. A more advanced base allowed the quality to reach an acceptable APISJ/CF standard. At the same time, the manufacturer indicates a fairly low flash point - 228 ˚C, which means its high volatility and, accordingly, significant waste consumption.

The price is comparable to other oils of this quality group - 240 rubles per liter.

What kind of oil should I put in Shtenli walk-behind tractors?

] Shtenli[/anchor] walk-behind tractors in the instructions for each equipment gives recommendations on the type of oils used, replacement rules and frequency. Most devices are four-stroke, so it is prohibited to fill the container with oil for 2-stroke engines.

(API classification) are better suited ; SAE 30 and SAE 40 work excellently . But you also need to look at what degrees the motorcycle will be used on the street. The viscosity of the lubricating fluid depends on this. You should not allow the oil to thicken at minus temperatures, as this will lead to damage to the walk-behind tractor. So SAE 30 will work from -5 to +35 degrees, and SAE 40 from +10 to +40 degrees Celsius.

It is important to know not only what kind of oil to pour into the walk-behind tractor, but also how often to do it . After purchase, you need to immediately pour oil into the engine, since the manufacturer Shtenli does not do this at the factory. Next, you should completely change the lubricant with a new one after 5 hours of running the engine. Subsequent oil changes are carried out after 25 hours of active operation. All further replacements must be carried out every 50 hours of operation of Shtenli devices.

The manufacturer also gives instructions on changing the lubricant in the gearbox of any of the Shtenli walk-behind tractors. The requirements for the type of lubricant are the same. Every 150 hours of operation it is worth completely changing (filling in new) lubricant into the gearbox. If you do not follow the instructions, there is a high risk of engine failure. In this case, the walk-behind tractor will not be repaired under warranty service, because the recommended rules for its operation were violated.

Where can I buy?

You can buy lubricant of decent quality and at a reasonable price in the Gardenshop store. The store offers owners of motor-cultivators, walk-behind tractors and mini-tractors the best analogue of SAE 30 - high-quality SCOUT 10W40 oil. It has good lubricating properties and high energy-saving ability, prevents the formation of harmful deposits and is resistant to elevated temperatures. Remember that an oil change is essential maintenance for any engine.

You can purchase original motor lubricant at Gardenshop at the lowest price in the region - only 380 rubles per liter! Anyone who trusts the recommendations of professionals buys SCOUT four-stroke oil!

Is it necessary to add oil to gasoline for a walk-behind tractor?

Motoblock engines come in two types : two-stroke and four-stroke. What the device’s engine runs on is also important – diesel or gasoline. Owners of diesel walk-behind tractors do not have a question about whether it is worth adding oil to gasoline. Plus, all four-stroke walk-behind tractors are diesel, so we put them aside; here, oil is not added to the fuel.

For gasoline-powered vehicles with a two-stroke engine, you need to add oil to the gasoline. This is done in the following proportions - 1 part oil and 4 parts gasoline. So if the engine is designed for a volume of 1000 liters, then 200 ml of oil and 800 ml of gasoline are poured into it. The manufacturer of the walk-behind tractor indicates in the instructions which oil to fill. Therefore, there are no clear restrictions, you just need to look at the weather. After all, there are three types of oils - summer, winter and general for all seasons.

Is it possible to fill a walk-behind tractor with motor oil?

This question can be answered affirmatively if the owner has a vehicle with a 4-stroke engine. Regular car oil can easily be used for this. But you should still select it based on climatic conditions. If you plan to use the walk-behind tractor in the summer, it is better to give preference to SAE oils. They are designed for above-zero temperatures, and some options can even withstand extreme heat - +40+45°C. If you need to use a walk-behind tractor only in winter (which is very rare), then automotive lubricants marked 30w, 20w, 10w, 0w and others are suitable. And if you need an all-season option for wide temperature fluctuations, then you need to buy car oil that has numbers to the left and right of the letter “w”.

Car oil is not suitable for owners of two-stroke walk-behind tractors. Their engine is designed only for well-purified liquid. Incorrectly selected oil will lead to engine damage.

What is the difference between two-stroke oil and four-stroke oil?

Some types of motor oil are designed for four-stroke power units, while others are intended for two-stroke ones. They are not interchangeable, and they should be poured in accordance with their intended purpose, because lubricants for engines with different operating cycles have different requirements. Thus, oil for four-stroke high-speed engines, which use a forced lubrication system, is designed for prolonged exposure and is designed to provide a more stable coating of parts. In 2-stroke engines, the oil comes with the fuel and must instantly dissolve in it, burning smokelessly with a minimum of deposits in the form of soot and ash. Therefore, a characteristic feature of two-stroke oils is their good cleaning and minimal content of aggressive additives. They, unlike 4-stroke fluids, do not contain ash, extreme pressure and anti-wear additives. This allows them to burn almost completely along with the fuel without the formation of soot and toxic exhaust.

A special feature of oils for four-stroke engines is the content of many organometallic additives, which are aimed at improving their physical and mechanical properties and increasing their efficiency. And if such a mixture is poured into an engine with a two-stroke duty cycle, it will lead to the formation of ash deposits on the surface of the piston and the walls of the combustion chamber. Increased accumulation of deposits, in turn, can provoke the appearance of various troubles, which can only be eliminated by carrying out complex and expensive repairs to the engine, walk-behind tractor or motorized towing vehicle. Soot, which clogs the air filter and settles in the grooves of the piston rings if you use the wrong oil product, also causes a lot of harm. The accumulation of soot is fraught with loss of mobility of the rings, and this is a direct path to reducing the power of the walk-behind tractor engine, deteriorating its performance, and even complete failure.

How much oil is required for a walk-behind tractor engine?

It all depends on its volume . For gardening equipment with an engine of up to 8 horsepower, 0.6 liters of lubricant is sufficient. If the walk-behind tractor has 9-10 hp, then 1 liter of oil will be enough. You can pour 1.1 liters of oil into all other walk-behind tractors that have 11, 13, 14, 16 horsepower. After all, the difference in engine volume is small.

Knowing what kind of motor the walk-behind tractor has, you can easily choose the type of oil and its quantity. You should always read the walk-behind tractor manufacturer's instructions, and then there will be no difficulties with operating the equipment.

And you should not confuse the gearbox and the engine, because they require different amounts of lubricant. The transmission oil box will require more - from 1.5 to 2 liters on average, and sometimes 2.5 liters. The fewer horses a motorcycle has, the less lubrication will be required for its gearbox. The largest amount of oil is poured if the walk-behind tractor has 16 horses (like the Profi 1900 Pro or Centaur 2016B).

Prices

High-quality four-stroke oils for walk-behind tractors are produced by companies from different countries, including Russia, France, Germany, Sweden, and the USA. A wide price range and variety of products allows you to choose the best option for any piece of small-sized agricultural machinery.

The table shows average prices for the most popular types of lubricants for four-stroke internal combustion engines.

In order for a walk-behind tractor or cultivator to be durable and perform its functions efficiently, it is necessary to create optimal conditions for engine operation: troubleshoot problems in a timely manner and lubricate rubbing surfaces. It is important to use only suitable motor oil to lubricate parts in friction areas. It should be purchased based on the technical requirements of the power plant and the actual conditions of its operation.

How to check the oil level?

You can use the ordinary human eye to check the oil level. If, when pouring, you can see that the liquid is creeping up to the top, then it’s time to stop. But this method is extremely unreliable and is only suitable for emergency situations. To make sure that there is enough oil, it is in the middle between “minimum” and “maximum”, you should use a dipstick .

The dipstick plug is a special device that is screwed into the neck of the walk-behind tractor engine. Before use, the dipstick must be wiped dry and then screwed in until it stops. Afterwards it is removed and the remaining oil liquid is judged. The device has clearly marked boundaries. If the fluid level is normal, you can continue working.

One important rule is that you cannot measure the oil level immediately after turning off the walk-behind tractor. You need to wait 2-3 minutes for the liquid to cool and sink to the bottom of the engine crankcase. Only such a measurement will be correct. Otherwise, you may get an overestimate. And using equipment with insufficient lubrication risks rapid failure.

Popular models

Those who choose equipment for their garden most often buy the following models of Agat walk-behind tractors.

A few more simple tips

The issue of buying oil confuses beginners - owners of walk-behind tractors - at a dead end. There is nothing wrong with contacting a consultant in a store. But it’s best to still look at the factory’s recommendations. Trying to save on oil can lead to expensive repairs to the walk-behind tractor. What other advice can you give on this topic:

• It is important to change the oil regularly , looking at the time the walk-behind tractor has worked. Therefore, it is better to keep a notebook in which to record operating hours of the equipment.
• The oil for the gearbox and transmission can be the same ; there is no need to overpay for different fluids.
• If it is not clear what engine it is, then you should look at its registration certificate . 2-stroke engines have one piston, while 4-stroke engines have two or more pistons.
• The marking on the oil bottle always shows the operating temperature . Don’t look for the “+” and “-” signs, they won’t be there. If the number to the left of the letter W is a minus, and to the right is a plus.

Changing the oil is not difficult. Now on the Internet and even in the instructions for the equipment, the procedure for doing so is completely prescribed. Just be sure to find an option specifically for the walk-behind tractor model.

Results

Every equipment owner can understand how much oil and when to pour into a walk-behind tractor. First of all, the accompanying documentation for the device helps with this. Therefore, you need to read it first and then make a purchase. The choice of motor oils is wide; there are no bad or good options. Yes, they differ in price, but this is not always an indicator of quality. You just need to choose an oil that is suitable for the temperature in which the walk-behind tractor will operate. And if it also protects equipment from corrosion, then this is generally ideal. But the brand is a matter of taste. In both the budget and more expensive segments you can find high-quality motor oils for walk-behind tractors.

Specific Requirements

Most modern walk-behind tractors (the rating of walk-behind tractors can be studied in this article) are equipped with four-stroke gasoline engines that do not have an oil pump in their design.

The lower head of the connecting rod, which is a sliding bearing, is lubricated by scooping up oil with a special protrusion on the lower cover of the connecting rod; the crankshaft main bearings, gas distribution mechanism and cylinder-piston group are lubricated by the resulting splashes.

Also, these engines have unstable temperature conditions due to air cooling.

For more information about the 4-stroke engine, watch the video:

Thus, engine oil for 4-stroke walk-behind tractor engines must meet the following requirements:

• Low kinematic viscosity over a wide temperature range is necessary to avoid oil starvation when the engine warms up to operating temperature.
• The use of viscous oils in engines that do not have pressure lubrication can lead to scuffing on the surface of the connecting rod journal, followed by envelopment of the metal in this place and jamming of the engine.
• The stable composition of the antifriction and extreme pressure additive package will allow the oil to retain its properties for a long time during regular heating-cooling cycles during the operation of the walk-behind tractor.
• High strength of the oil film is necessary to protect the cylinder-piston group from scuffing when the engine overheats during hard work in hot weather.
• The cleaning properties provided by the appropriate additive package should counteract the formation of sediment and varnish formations in the engine pan and on oil-wet surfaces.
• Low coking is relevant for air-cooled engines, since the oil entering the piston ring area is heated in this place to a temperature of 270-300 degrees.
• The formation of carbon deposits will lead to loss of mobility of the piston rings and a decrease in compression with simultaneous excessive oil consumption.

Based on these requirements, we can describe the technical requirements that oil for 4-stroke walk-behind tractor engines must meet as follows:

• High-temperature viscosity class according to SAE is no more than 30 in moderate climates, 40 in hot climates. Low-temperature viscosity index – no more than 10W. These requirements are met by common oils of types 10W30, 5W30, 0W30, 5W40, 10W40 (the last two - at temperatures of 30 degrees or more).
• Purely summer options - SAE 30, SAE 40. You should carefully read the characteristics of the oils: a number of specialized oils for garden equipment with a viscosity of 5W30 are intended exclusively for winter use.
• Oil base: synthetic or semi-synthetic, since mineral oils are practically not found in the indicated viscosity ranges. In addition, they have significantly worse stability compared to synthetics and semi-synthetics.
• A number of lubricant manufacturers have special lines of mineral-based oils for garden equipment; in this case, the low cost has a downside in the form of the need for frequent replacement.
• API quality class (a complex parameter that determines the anti-friction, extreme pressure and detergent properties of motor oil, as well as many other parameters) is not lower than SG.

You need to understand that all the requirements for motor oils for walk-behind tractors Cayman, Texas, Foreman, Viking, Sadko, Don, Profi, Carver and Husqvarna are met by common automobile oils; the only difference may be its consumption and the amount of carbon deposits formed during long-term operation in an air-cooled engine .

For this reason, although this material considers specialized lubricants, if it is not possible to purchase them, you can always use automotive motor oils that meet the described requirements.