Oil for air-cooled walk-behind tractor engine. Oils for four-stroke engines of light equipment. Fourth: how does engine break-in occur?

In two-stroke power units, the lubricant dissolves in the fuel, and then burns simultaneously with it. Oil for four-stroke engines differs significantly from analogues used in two-stroke engines. It is of higher quality and retains the effect of its useful properties for a long time.

It contains a large number of special additives (at least 25%). Unlike other brands, there are no increased requirements for this oil in terms of ash content and opacity. Their level reaches elevated levels (ash content - more than 2%).

Features of the lubrication system of two- and four-stroke engines

Many consumers wonder what the difference is between 4-stroke engines and two-stroke engines. In the crankcase of a four-stroke power unit the specified amount of lubricant is constantly maintained. From there it is fed to lubrication system under the influence of the oil pump.

As a result, an oil film forms on the pistons. In this case, there is no friction when it slides along the cylinder walls. In order to prevent penetration, oily liquid oil scraper rings are installed in the combustion chamber, cutting off lubricant leaks, directing them back to the crankcase.

The lubrication system of two-stroke engines is based on mixing fuel with motor lubricant in a ratio of 50/1. Modern automobile oils have the unique property of self-mixing. If there is not enough substance to fully lubricate the working surfaces of the cylinders, the power unit operates “dry”. At the same time, the overall engine life is sharply reduced.

More powerful two-stroke engines over 40 hp. With. equipped with a special tank for car oil. It automatically dispenses and mixes the mixture in the correct proportions.

The disadvantage of 2-stroke lubrication systems is a decrease in combustion efficiency due to the content of oil particles in gasoline. Opening the intake and exhaust valves also negatively affects the performance of the power unit. In this case, a large release of unburned mixtures occurs into environment.

Differences between 2 and 4 stroke oils

Due to the presence design differences lubrication systems of these engines, the requirements for lubricants differ significantly:

  1. For two-stroke engines a necessary condition is the ability most complete combustion oils In this case, a minimal amount of soot (soot and ash) is formed.
  2. In four-stroke engines, the main requirement for motor oil is long-term provision of lubricating effects by preserving the beneficial properties of the material used.

Earlier in production lubricants The method of simple oil distillation was used. The resulting product was suitable for lubricating parts and assemblies, engines of any kind. Their specifications satisfied the requirements of motors with low power, low friction force and little wear at the interfaces of parts.

With the increase in performance indicators and engine speeds, the need arose to create motor oils with new capabilities. Additives have begun to be added to lubricating fluids, which significantly improve technical specifications lubricants:

  • reducing wear;
  • antioxidant;
  • anti-foam;
  • anti-scuff;
  • detergents.

Modern motor oil for 4-stroke engines contains additives in an amount of 25% of the total volume. For such liquids there are no increased requirements for ash and soot levels.

Why is filling a 2-stroke engine with 4-stroke oil harmful?

Motor oil for four-stroke engines is not recommended for use in two-stroke power units. When the mixture burns, ash is formed, which forms a deposit in the combustion chambers and pistons.

When combined with lubricant, combustion residues turn into abrasive powder. Sharp abrasives cause irreparable damage to the mirror surfaces of cylinders, significantly reducing their service life.

Soot is very harmful to the performance of piston rings. It gets clogged into the grooves, as a result the rings lose mobility, and engine power decreases sharply. Soot deposits also accumulate in the exhaust system, narrowing the clearance in the pipe, making it difficult for exhaust gases to escape and causing additional power losses.

Carbon ash and soot deposits on pistons and cylinders cause detonation. In this case, the operational life of the power unit is sharply reduced. Coking of the electrodes and spark plugs leads to their short circuit and blocking the engine.

Types of four-stroke motor oils

The most popular among users is motor oil for a four-stroke power unit that meets the JASOMA-2, APISN specifications. Domestic oils produced in accordance with GOST 17479.1-85 are adapted to the requirements of the SAE system.

Like all lubricants, motor oil for a 4-stroke engine has the following varieties:

  1. Synthetic motor oil. It does not form deposits and has many positive characteristics. It is used for extreme trips.
  2. Semi-synthetics and high-quality mineral lubricants are wear-resistant, smoke-free during combustion, and keep the engine clean. Recommended for daily use.
  3. Special semi-synthetics. These types of lubricants are used when working on low-grade fuel. Thanks to the included additives, this oil characterized by excellent cleaning properties, low consumption on waste, maintaining beneficial qualities for a long period.

Choosing the right 4-stroke engine oil

For ordinary consumers, the most determining factors when choosing suitable brand serve viscosity motor lubricant and its quality.

By viscosity lubricant product is selected based on the StrAU tables according to three criteria:

  • lubricant used in engines in summer, SAE 20, 30, 40;
  • winter materials from SAE 0W to SAE 25W;
  • all-season automobile oils.

In addition to the basic base, all-season tires contain special additives. They dilute the lubricant to speed up engine starting in winter cold. At the same time, with their help, all working elements of the engine are reliably protected from harmful oxidative processes and high friction forces.

Designation of all-season motor oils according to SAE: 10W30, 14W40, etc. The number in front indicates the lowest air temperature at which the oil will not begin to thicken. The last numbers are the maximum permissible ambient temperature for normal uninterrupted operation engine in the summer heat.

Selection of oil quality in accordance with API specification

Quality level motor oil according to this system it is denoted by two Latin letters. The first indicates that the product belongs to the group of materials intended for gasoline or diesel engines- S and C respectively. The second letter is the direct quality level of the product. Oils of the SL, SJ, SH brands are very popular. While classes SM, SE, SF, SG are used extremely rarely.

When producing motorcycles, manufacturers indicate the types of motor oils recommended for use in a particular vehicle. This information placed on branded stickers and on engine filler plugs.

Usage lubricating fluid more high class inappropriate. However, if operating conditions are more complex, it is recommended to use machine oil with an increased viscosity index.

Air-cooled engine lubricant

For motors equipped with the system air-oil cooling, this is especially important because the temperature in a running engine exceeds 100°C.

IN vehicles For those with worn four-stroke engines, it is also recommended to use more viscous lubricants to reduce losses.

What oil to use in old 4 stroke engines

All lubricants are suitable for older engines modern brands. The main thing to remember is that synthetics are characterized by greater fluidity compared to mineral analogues.

The retail chain also has a large assortment of both mineral and semi-synthetic motor oils.

What kind of oil should I put in a 4-stroke engine? Automotive oil poured into this device, has many significant differences from the petroleum product used in two-stroke engines. Oils for two-stroke engines lubricate spare parts after dissolving in fuel.

When the internal combustion engine is operating, the lubricating fluid burns with the fuel. This is the key difference between a two-stroke engine and a four-stroke engine.

Four-stroke engines

Oil for four-stroke engines does not enter the combustion chamber. It should lubricate the parts for as long as possible. This is due to the high content of various additive elements in such a lubricant. Difference with motor oil for two-stroke internal combustion engine is approximately thirty percent.


Engine operation in 4 strokes

The ash content of motor oil for four-stroke engines can be as high as two percent. That's quite a lot. Also, such petroleum products smoke heavily. They are poured into various equipment: boats, motor cultivators.

To understand how 4-stroke engine oil works, you need to understand how consumables are absorbed and processed. A four-stroke engine has a crankcase that maintains the optimal amount of lubricant. From the crankcase, the oil product enters the oil complex via an oil pump and onto the cylinder walls. Because of this, the piston, when rubbing against the cylinder, slides along the lubricating film.


Scheme of operation of the lubrication system in an internal combustion engine

To prevent oil flows from ending up in the fuel combustion chamber, the lubricant is discharged back into the crankcase, equipped with special rings. Sometimes, if the power of the power unit is no more than 5 hp, there is no oil pump. In such internal combustion engines, motor oil is distributed in the form of oil mist formed when the crankshaft rotates.

The loads in such small engines are small, so the oil we pour is regularly supplied in the required volume. This has a positive effect on the life of the engine. Fresh grease must be added annually. You need to constantly monitor the amount of motor oil. Motors produced today are equipped with special sensors. To check the volume of oil fluid, you do not need to disassemble the internal combustion engine.

Characteristics of motor oils

The lubrication complex of a four-stroke engine has special properties due to the design and operation of the unit. Four-stroke engine lubricant does not penetrate the combustion chamber. This is what distinguishes the unit from a two-stroke power unit. Consequently, the oil in a four-stroke internal combustion engine provides longer-lasting lubrication of engine parts.

Previously, in order to create the motor oil that we pour into internal combustion engines, oil was distilled. Currently, with an increase in speed and certain indicators, it is necessary to use special additives that improve the characteristics of the oil fluid. Now there are such additives:

  • cleansing;
  • anti-seize;
  • reducing oxidation;
  • preventing foaming.

In modern synthetic oils, which are poured into the necks of engines with air cooled and four strokes, the volume of filler elements can be thirty percent. Differences in the composition of the lubricant impose restrictions on use. It is not recommended to pour motor oil for a four-stroke engine. internal combustion in a two-stroke engine. If you do this, the ash that appears during combustion will settle on the walls of the combustion chamber and the pistons. The remains of burnt petroleum products form an abrasive powder that settles on the cylinder walls. The abrasive simply saws the parts. Because of this they operational period decreases significantly.


Lubricants for four-stroke engines are divided into the following categories:

  • mineral oil;
  • semi-synthetic;
  • synthetic oil.

Petroleum products that are poured into internal combustion engines can be produced either in Russian Federation, and abroad. Russian consumables today are slightly different for the worse from foreign ones, because the latter use higher quality additives. The buyer, when choosing an oil product to pour into the engine, must take into account, first of all, the quality and viscosity index of the lubricant.

Lubricant selection

Currently, the viscosity of lubricants in the Russian Federation is determined according to GOST 17479.1-85. Motor oils are divided into three categories:

  1. Summer. Such petroleum products can rarely be found on the shelves of Russian stores. This is due to the rather severe climatic conditions. They are marked as “SAE 30”.
  2. Winter. Used less frequently than summer lubricants. This is due to the fact that the walk-behind tractor engine is not intended for operation in cold conditions. An example of marking is SAE 5w oil.
  3. Universal. Today these oils are the most common. They are made by adding additives to the base fluid. Additives thin out car oil. This greatly simplifies engine starting in low and high temperature conditions. Additive elements are ideal for air-cooled engines. In addition, additives are good because they provide reliable protection contacting engine parts. The number that is located in the marking SAE oils before the letter “w”, indicates low temperature viscosity. The number after the "w" indicates the high temperature viscosity. For example, the marking may be “10w30”.
Four-stroke engine oil

Which oil is better? There is no point in pouring a lubricant whose characteristics are much better than required. If the manual indicates one viscosity, and you fill in an oil product with more high rate, then this will not harm the engine, but it will not bring any benefit either.

Using motor oil

Motor oil for four-stroke engines is used in various techniques. It can be used effectively in engines produced a long time ago. There is no need to purchase a modern unit that meets the requirements for using consumables.

Synthetics poured into four-stroke engines, unlike mineral water, have increased fluidity. Currently, additives added to consumables can be purchased at every construction and hardware store. There are many different brands for different viscosity levels.

The lubricant purchased must be of high quality. High-quality lubricant for a four-stroke power unit has the following properties:

  • motor cooling and protection;
  • preservation of own operating indicators for a long period of time;
  • compliance with the requirements of the vehicle make and model;
  • low kinematic viscosity. Allows you to avoid oil starvation when warming up the power unit to operating temperature;
  • the presence of antifriction and anti-seize additive components;
  • formation of a durable lubricating film that protects cylinders and pistons from scuffing during vehicle operation;
  • engine cleaning. Provided with a special set of additive elements that counteract the formation of sediment and varnish deposits in the engine sump;
  • slight coking. Relevant for internal combustion engines with air cooling, because the oil that gets into the piston rings heats up to almost three hundred degrees;
  • elimination of carbon deposits leading to a decrease in the mobility of the piston rings, a decrease in pressure, high costs lubricating fluid.

If all these properties are present, then you have chosen the right consumable. He will lubricate everything efficiently motor spare parts, will allow the power unit to operate without failures for a long time.

Power units of varying degrees of complexity, power and size are now present everywhere. Any technique, no matter how big freight car, jet ski or garden cultivator, powered by an engine. Most often this is an internal combustion engine running on gasoline or diesel fuel.

All engines can be divided into 2 groups according to the principle of operation: two-stroke and four-stroke. They differ not only in the operating cycle, but also in the methods of cooling and protection. The 2T engine is lubricated with oil, which enters directly into the unit, into the combustion chamber. In 4t, on the contrary, no lubricant is allowed to enter the cylinder. This is where the differences between oils come from.

Features of 4T and 2T oil

A lubricant for a four-stroke engine must retain its lubricating properties for as long as possible and form a stable oil film on the surface of metal parts. In a two-stroke engine, as already mentioned, the oil “works” directly in the combustion chamber. Therefore, it must be produced without residue along with the fuel, without leaving deposits, sludge, soot, etc. 4T oil usually contains a large number of additives that improve the performance of the liquid, and it is they that, when they enter the cylinder of the unit, will form carbon deposits and increase the toxicity of the exhaust.

For this reason, liquids marked 2T and 4t should never be mixed or used for other purposes. They are not interchangeable; using the wrong lubricant for an engine with one or another operating cycle can cause serious damage and even failure. Your equipment will need expensive repairs, which can be avoided if you follow the manufacturer's instructions and select oil in accordance with tolerances and instructions.

What does the 4T oil marking mean?

All engines that modern cars are equipped with are four-stroke. However, separate product lines are provided for them by manufacturers lubricants. But 4t oils, in turn, are intended for light equipment:

  • garden cultivators,
  • lawn mowers,
  • ATVs,
  • motorcycles and jet skis,
  • snowmobiles.

Typically, in the data ICE cars They have an air or air-oil cooling system, and therefore the motor oil familiar to motorists is not suitable for them. In addition, the operating conditions of power units are very different: load level, operating speed, temperature range, and finally, the ratio of idle periods and equipment activity. In this regard, manufacturers have developed special oils 4t, which take into account all the features and most accurately meet the requirements of modern small-sized special equipment and transport.

Challenges of lubricants for four-stroke engines

  • The oil cools and protects the engine at the same time;
  • It forms a stable, durable film that protects cylinders and pistons from scuffing due to the content of special additives;
  • The lubricant must retain its performance characteristics throughout the entire period of use;
  • The material must exclude oil starvation immediately after starting the unit. To do this, it is necessary to purchase a product with low kinematic viscosity;
  • 4t oil should not coke. This is especially important for engines with air system cooling, since in such units the lubricating fluid can heat up to 300° C, and if it has a poor composition, soot or coke may appear;
  • Lubricant cleans engine parts. Special additives help eliminate varnish deposits, dissolve sediment, and remove carbon deposits, which have a very negative effect on engine efficiency (reduces the mobility of piston rings, reduces pressure and increases oil consumption).

A high-quality liquid with the right composition will cope well with all tasks. If you are going to buy 4t oil for replacement or topping up, be sure to read the acceptable markings for your equipment, fluid compatibility, and pay attention to the properties of a particular product. In case of difficulty, it is better to contact specialists.

Composition of oils for four-stroke engines

Like any lubricating fluid, these products can be produced on a mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic basis. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

  • Mineral oil reduces the formation of soot and sediment, does not produce harmful emissions and does not pollute the environment, reduces wear of engine parts, but it has a relatively small temperature range of use.
  • Semi-synthetic and synthetic contain additives - special additives that increase the effectiveness of the fluid. They make engine operation more stable, since the oil retains its performance properties when temperatures change. It is also characterized by increased fluidity, low volatility, and low waste consumption.


Viscosity and other characteristics of oil for 4T engines

Many people believe that high-quality automotive engine oil is quite suitable for snowmobiles, motorcycles or motor cultivators. This is not true: even the most expensive lubricants from famous brands can cause harm if chosen incorrectly. The main difference, as we have already said, is that cars have a liquid overheating protection system, while motorcycles usually have units that are cooled by air. Automotive motor oils generally have a lower boiling point than products labeled 4t. For use in ATVs, scooters and other small equipment, purchase materials with the specified quality class CD, SG, SF, SH, SJ or higher. In this case, determine the viscosity of the oil based on the ambient temperature:

  • Synthetic 5W 30. It can be considered all-season as it maintains performance characteristics wide range temperatures: from -30° to +40°C;
  • 10W 30. Products with such indicators are suitable for variable temperatures: they work at temperatures from -18 to +38 degrees. It has been noted that when used in hot weather (above +27°C), oil consumption may increase.
  • 5W 30. Temperature range - from +5 and below. The oil is suitable for winter.
  • SAE30. Performs well at temperatures from +5°C and above. IN cold weather thickens and can cause difficult starting.

Keep in mind that if you operate equipment in the heat of the summer, you need to check the engine oil level more often. The amount of liquid that needs to be filled in for successful operation of a machine or unit is usually determined by the manufacturer itself. This number can vary from 0.6 to 1.1 liters and depends on the power of the internal combustion engine. The level is checked either with a dipstick or using measurements on the neck in a horizontal position (as shown in the figure).

Features of choosing 4t oil for motorcycles and scooters

  • You should purchase products with high viscosity, since low-viscosity materials (for example, for car engines) cause clutch slipping. This worsens the dynamics of the motorcycle during acceleration;
  • 4T oils developed for scooters and motorcycles take into account that during acceleration all the liquid in the engine flows to the rear wall. Because of this, if there is foam, it can get into the oil receiver, which will cause a sharp drop in pressure and equipment breakdown;
  • Motorcycle lubricants are specially formulated for high loads With high speed and high operating temperature;
  • Oils for 4 tons of motorcycles are marked with special markings: MA, MA-1, MA-2 and MB.

Features of the selection of lubricants for snowmobiles

The main risk factor here is subzero temperatures conditions under which this winter equipment is constantly used. Therefore, you need to choose a liquid with an appropriate degree of viscosity. For four-stroke engines, products suitable for SAE classification J300. The marks on the CCS and MRV label indicate cold cranking and pumpability properties, which are also important.


What to look for when choosing oil for water equipment

Here the key role is played by the degree of load and high humidity under which the engine operates. Let us give for comparison: in cars, the normal operating range of the engine is from 2000 to 4000 rpm. In some cases, this figure can reach 5-6 thousand revolutions, but very rarely, but for boat engines this will be the standard mode, since they are dealing with a denser environment. Special characteristics lubricants for water transport, special additives will be added to the composition to prevent mixing of oil with water, provide protection from moisture and salt, and better remove fuel combustion products.

How to choose fluid for a 4t garden machinery engine

Lawn mowers, walk-behind tractors, and walk-behind cultivators are usually equipped with four-stroke internal combustion engines without an oil pump. Lubrication and protection of the power unit is carried out by scooping fluid from the crankcase. It should also be taken into account that these machines are usually used seasonally, with long breaks, so the oil must be supplemented with a high-quality additive package. This will give it good anti-wear, extreme pressure and anti-friction properties.

Most often, for 4t motors of walk-behind tractors and cultivators, it is recommended to purchase SAE30 class lubricants on a mineral or synthetic basis. Also suitable all-season oil. Good liquid will reliably protect the mechanism parts from wear, abrasion and corrosion, and this will extend the service life of the equipment many times over.

What kind of oil should I use for four-stroke engines? The oil used in these units has a number of significant differences from the lubricating fluid that is used on their two-stroke counterparts. The oil in a two-stroke engine lubricates its parts, having previously dissolved in gasoline, and during operation it burns along with it. This is the main difference between two-stroke engines and their four-stroke counterparts.

Under no circumstances should four-stroke engine oil be used in two-stroke engines.

General information

In four-stroke engine units, everything is done exactly the opposite. Oil does not penetrate into the combustion chamber during operation. It must maintain and provide lubricating properties for as long as possible. For this reason, the content of various special agents and additives in these oils is much higher. On average, this indicator differs by 1/3 from two-stroke analogues.

In the absence of any special requirements for oils for four-stroke engines, ash content is not taken into account when selecting suitable additives. It can reach 2%, which in fact, if there is special conditions, quite a lot.

Among other things, the oil for these engines is characterized by high smokiness after processing. Like two-stroke engine lubricant, it is used on a wide variety of technical means– on surface transport, on gardening equipment, for motor vehicles, etc.

Return to contents

To understand how motor oil works for a four-stroke engine, it is necessary to understand how the process of absorption and processing of oil occurs step by step. One of the main differences is the presence of four-stroke device oil sump, which constantly maintains the required level of lubricating fluid.

From the crankcase, the oil passes through the support pump into the lubrication system and onto the cylinder walls. All this ends with the fact that the friction of the piston against the wall occurs in the form of sliding along an oily film, and not dry.

To prevent oil flows from entering the fuel combustion chamber, the system diverts the liquid back into the oil bath, where there are special oil volume rings. In some cases, when the engine power does not exceed a total of 5 hp. p., there is no pump for receiving lubricant. Distribution oily liquid in such devices it is carried out by using oil mist, which is formed by the operation of a rotating crankshaft.

The loads in such small motors are much less, so lubricant is supplied regularly at required quantity, which has a positive effect on the duration of the motor. Replacing the oil element is required only once during the entire calendar year. But it is necessary to constantly monitor the oil level. Modern units are usually equipped with special sensors. Therefore, to find out the oil level, it is not necessary to manipulate the engine structure yourself.

It is worth noting a significant difference in the operation of a two-stroke engine. In two-stroke units, it is simply necessary to prepare a mixture of oil and gasoline in a proportional ratio of 1:50. It is not necessary to shake the container after mixing with gasoline. Two stroke engine capable of working dry for a long time, but with a decrease in performance. Particularly powerful two-stroke engines have a reservoir for motor oil. A mixture of lubricant, air and gasoline burns in the cylinder.

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Properties of oils

The oil system of a four-stroke engine has special properties that are determined by different device and operation of 2 types of motors. First of all, as mentioned above, oils do not enter the combustion chamber. This is the main difference. Accordingly, the lubricant in a four-stroke engine provides a lubricating effect on engine parts longer.

Previously, simple distillation of petroleum was used as a method of creating oils. Today, with the increase in speed and certain parameters, new special additives are needed. They improve the performance of the lubricant. Today there are several types of lubricants with additives, the main ones being:

  • additives with detergent effect;
  • anti-scuff;
  • with antioxidant effect;
  • anti-foam.

For four-stroke engines it is better to use synthetic materials, because... they are characterized by increased fluidity.

The volume of additives present in such oils for four-stroke engines can reach 30% of the total amount of oily liquid. The difference in the composition of the lubricating fluid imposes limitations on operation. Under no circumstances should four-stroke engine oil be used in two-stroke engines.

When using a lubricant intended for four-stroke units on two-stroke units, the ash formed during the burnout process subsequently settles on the walls of the combustion chamber and pistons. The remains of burnt products form an abrasive powder, which in turn settles in the cylinders. The abrasive simply saws the structures, as a result of which their service life is greatly reduced.

Returning to oils for four-stroke engines, it is worth highlighting that 3 types of oil can be suitable for such engines: mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic. The product can be both domestic and foreign. Domestic products today are somewhat inferior in quality to foreign ones, since the quality of antifriction additives leaves much to be desired. With all this, the consumer must start from the 2 most important criteria - quality and viscosity.

When purchasing a walk-behind tractor, you must remember that it durable performance depends not only on replacement Supplies, parts, tightening the necessary nuts, but also from timely oil changes in the walk-behind tractor.

The durability and performance of the equipment depends on how correctly to choose motor oil for walk-behind tractors. The question arises, what kind of oil to pour into the walk-behind tractor engine, how to replace it or check the level.

1 Functions of engine oil

Each piece of equipment, including walk-behind tractors, is supplied with a passport and instructions when sold. Manufacturers always recommend in their instructions those types of oil that will allow the equipment to last a long time and not break down.

You need to know that during the operation of the walk-behind tractor, engine oil performs 4 functions at once:

  • cooling;
  • lubricant;
  • cleaning;
  • compaction

When the engine of an air-cooled walk-behind tractor is running, the lubricant burns and remains on the hot cylinder, after which a smoky exhaust is formed. Deposition of resinous substances dramatically affects the contamination of some parts and their lubrication becomes more difficult.

When using a walk-behind tractor, you must select a lubricant based on the climate zone.

For example, when using SAE 10W30 type lubricant at a temperature of 5°C or higher, its consumption will be much higher and there will be a greater likelihood of engine failure. It is not advisable to pour summer lubricants at air temperatures below 5°C. Such use leads to difficulty starting the engine and damage to the cylinder bore.

1.1 Classification of oil grades by viscosity degree

The viscosity level of motor oil grades is usually classified according to SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Qualitative flushing oil MPA - 2

Namely:

  1. Summer varieties - oils belonging to this category are used in summer and have high viscosity and without a letter designation. These include: SAE 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.
  2. Winter grades - these oils are used in winter and have a low viscosity. Letter designation this variety is W (Winter). These include: SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W.
  3. All-season varieties are the most popular at present, as they are used in both summer and winter. They are designated by a double combination: 5W-30, 10W-40.

In addition to seasonal differences in lubricants, They are divided according to their composition into two types:

  • mineral;
  • synthetic;
  • semi-synthetic.

All oils are also divided into lubricants for both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. Typically, walk-behind tractors are equipped with 4 stroke engines air cooling. In such engines it is necessary to pour only 4 stroke oil.

An air-cooled engine heats up more during operation than a water-cooled engine under the same operating conditions. Therefore, the filling liquid must have low volatility and high thermal-oxidative stability. Also modern oils must have environmental safety, those. the amount of smoke and toxicity of exhaust gases is controlled.

Since waste is often simply burned in boilers or steam generators, it should not contain components that form toxic compounds when burned. It is better to pour 5W30 or SAE30 4-stroke oil into a motor cultivator that runs on gasoline and does not have instructions.

In winter, winter or transmission oil, for example 0W40. But you have to pay for such quality. It’s not worth saving on this, because quality oil affects less engine wear and longer life.

2 Which walk-behind tractor should you choose: diesel or petrol?

Diesel-powered units are mainly designed to work on large areas of land. This type engine is capable of producing high traction force due to operation at low revs. They are designed for a much larger amount of resources than gasoline ones.

Therefore, their work can be carried out much longer without stopping. Do not let the diesel engine run frequently Idling, because this leads to its breakdown. Sometimes it is necessary to load the unit at full capacity for 3-4 hours. This will extend the service life of the walk-behind tractor.

The main advantages of a diesel walk-behind tractor:

  1. Convenient maintenance and operation, since there are no spark plugs or magneto, and there is also no carburetor, which has to be constantly adjusted.
  2. Maximum grip on the ground thanks to the high weight.
  3. Cooling is possible either with air or water. Gasoline engines lack this variety.
  4. Fuel consumption range can vary from 2 to 5 liters per 100 km, based on the power of the unit.
  5. Engine operation is ensured by stable speed due to increased traction force.

The price can scare off when buying a diesel walk-behind tractor. But it is worth considering that it consumes less fuel than gasoline, and diesel cheaper than gasoline. Such an acquisition pays off over time.

2.1 Gasoline walk-behind tractors

Motoblocks of this class are ideal for cultivating small plots of land. In a gasoline engine, the fuel is ignited by a spark generated by the spark plug. Such walk-behind tractors are very maneuverable and lightweight.

For gasoline engine will fit any gasoline used in modern cars. They can only work for high speed. Repair and maintenance are much cheaper than diesel engines.

Main advantages gasoline engine:

  1. You can start it at any time weather conditions without electric starter.
  2. Reduced noise level.
  3. Significantly less vibration when driving.

Main The advantage over the diesel engine is its relatively low cost. They are suitable for small areas (20-30 acres), as they cannot withstand heavy loads. Diesel engine will be optimal in all other cases.

2.2 Changing the oil in the walk-behind tractor

There are many different opinions about how often you need to change the oil for walk-behind tractors. But in this case, you need to rely on the manufacturer’s instructions. If there are no instructions, you can change the lubricant using the method common among users.

The first oil change in the walk-behind tractor is carried out after the unit has been run in. Running in the engine and all its components must be done at idle speed. Before starting the engine, you need to make sure there is lubricant in it. When purchasing a unit, its engine may be completely dry.

After an hour of engine operation, the first lubricant change is performed. The next replacement is after 5-6 hours of operation. It is recommended to change the oil in a walk-behind tractor every 40 hours of operation, which is much more often than in a car. After the winter period, changing the lubricant is mandatory. It doesn’t matter how many hours the walk-behind tractor has worked, if its lubricant has become viscous, darkened or has a strong burning smell, then it needs to be changed.

Before changing the oil, you need to warm up the walk-behind tractor. This is necessary so that the lubricant becomes more fluid. The walk-behind tractor is installed in a horizontal position. Gets out drain plug and is deleted old fluid from the engine crankcase.

After this, you need to screw back the drain tank plug and fill the lubricant through filler neck. You can check the oil level with a dipstick. The level should be between the Minimum and Maximum marks. Then the plug is screwed in completely.

To fill and check the lubricant level in the gearbox housing, place the walk-behind tractor on a flat surface and clean the gearbox housing in the area of ​​the filler hole. After this, loosen the filler bolt. If the level is normal, oil will begin to flow from the hole. If this does not happen, you need to unscrew the bolt completely and pour oil into the gearbox until it flows out of the hole.

An important nuance is the proper condition of the air filter. After all, without an air filter or with a filter, but without required level oil, the engine cannot be started. To add lubricant, you need to unscrew the nut on the filter cover, pull the filtration element out of the pan, fill with oil to the level of the mark on the oil bath housing. Reinstall the filter element and tighten the nut.

Based on the above, before purchasing oil, you need to understand several important points:

  1. Determine the season for using the oil.
  2. Purchase special additives to enhance the properties of the lubricating fluid.

At making the right choice The product ensures a long service life of the unit and improves its performance.