Motor oils for motoblocks

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The performance and durability of a walk-behind tractor largely depends on the quality of its service, in particular, on the characteristics of the engine oil used. The most correct solution would be to use the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer of the power plant. But this is not always possible. Moreover, some users are trying to "offer" their mini tractor with the best quality oil in an effort to extend its life.

Whatever your goal, first of all, you need to study the characteristics and labeling of motor oils for walk-behind tractors and only after that determine the best option.

Deciphering the marking of engine oil

Currently, engine oil performance is determined by two indicators - performance class and viscosity class. The first parameter determines the design of the engine with which the oil of this operating class will show its best side - it optimizes the operation of the power plant, reduces fuel consumption and neutralizes exhaust gases in the best possible way.

Viscosity class determines the fluidity of oil for walk-behind tractor. It is known that the motor wears out the most during start-up, since the space between the cylinder liner and the piston is dry - the friction force between the contacting surfaces reaches its maximum value. Accordingly, the more fluid the liquid, the faster the lubrication of the working surfaces will occur.

However, here it is necessary to take into account that the viscosity depends on temperature. If the engine will run in winter, then the oil should retain its characteristics both at sub-zero temperatures and at positive temperatures when the engine warms up.

Operational class

Speaking more clearly, the operating class determines the quality of engine oil for a walk-behind tractor. Modern engines require fuel and lubricants to meet ever newer and more stringent requirements. There are currently three operational categories:

• S - oils for gasoline engines;
• C - lubricant for diesel power plants;
• EC is an energy-saving type of a new generation of fuels and lubricants.

Each category is assigned an additional letter, such as SM, and the further the second character is from the beginning of the alphabet, the more modern the oil. So, the SM lubricant class was born in 2004, but SN - only in 2010. Accordingly, the "newer" the oil, the more advanced technologies are implemented in it.

There are also universal oils for walk-behind tractors that can be used with gasoline and diesel engines. ATIn this case, the products are marked with two groups of characters through a fraction: the first two letters determine the main scope, the second indicate the possibility of using this lubricant for a different type of motor. For example, API SN/SN-4.

Viscosity grades

According to the viscosity class, all oils are divided into winter oils marked with the symbol W, summer oils without a letter designation, all-weather oils marked with a dash, for example 5W-30. The viscosity of the oil is determined under conditions that are as close to real as possible. Available viscosity grades:

• winter products - SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W;
• summer - SAE 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.

“Summer” oils for walk-behind tractors have a high viscosity, which provides optimal lubrication of the engine during operation, but makes it difficult to start at low temperatures. On the contrary, "winter" products lubricate the units better at low temperatures, but after warming up they become too liquid. All-weather grease has two qualities at the same time.

When choosing a viscosity grade, be sure to read the recommendations of the engine manufacturer. They are based on the design features of the power plant - the power of the oil pump, the size of the gap between the piston and the cylinder. It is possible to use engine oil for walk-behind tractors with different viscosities, depending on the average temperatures in your area.

Operational grades of oil for gasoline engines

In some cases, using the wrong grade of lubricantmay result in engine damage. Now manufacturers of walk-behind tractors recommend using the following classes of motor oils:

• SA - for low load operation.
• SB - for the operation of a walk-behind tractor in the middle range of mechanical stresses. The oil has stable lubricating properties, anti-corrosion protection of bearings.
• SC - oils for motoblock engines not equipped with PCV valves. Reduces deposits, improves wear resistance and corrosion protection.
• SD - grease for engines with a PCV system, has slightly better performance than the previous representative.
• SE - Fuels and lubricants for engines manufactured after the 80s, better resist wear, corrosion, protect bearings.
• SF - More reliable and superior than SE grade, reduces deposit formation over a wide temperature range.
• SG - differs from the SF category in quality improvements.
• SH is the most modern type of motor oil, approved for use in most engines.

When deciding which oil for a walk-behind tractor is better to choose, follow the recommendations of the engine manufacturer. Motors are tested with a specific grade of lubricant that best suits the power plant. The manufacturer recommends it.

Diesel engine oil quality

Using the recommended engine oil for a diesel walk-behind tractor significantly increases engine life and reduces fuel consumption.

Today manufacturers recommend the following categories:

• CA - for motors operating under low loads. Fuel and lubricants reduce deposits at high temperatures, however, the higher the load, the worse the grease copes with its duties.
• CB - Slightly better than CA, recommended for use in engines running on high sulfur fuels.
• SS - for the operation of a walk-behind tractor at increased loads, if the engine is not equipped with a turbocharger or supercharger.
• CD - for the use of power plants without superchargers and turbocharging, operating at high speeds.

When using engine oil for a diesel walk-behind tractor, it is important to monitor its quantity. Too little or too much can cause engine seizure.

Recommended oil for "Asian" engines

The most popular Asian-made engines are models from Subaru, Honda and Lifan. The Japanese company Honda recommends using 10W-30 multigrade oil of SG or SF quality category in its engines. If you are going to use seasonal grease, then its coefficient should be selected based on the average annual temperatures in your area.

Subaru recommends that its customers choose SAE 10W-30 viscosity oil for operation in temperate continental climates, and SAE 5W-30 if you live in the cold regions of our country. At the same time, the quality category must be at least SE.

CorporationLifan advises users to choose SAE-30 viscosity motor block oil for summer operation and SAE-10W-30 for winter operation. There are no specific recommendations regarding the quality category.

Oil for domestic walk-behind tractors

For one of the most common domestic engines DM-1, the Kaluga Engine company recommends the use of all-weather grease 10W-30 and 15W-30, corresponding to the quality categories SF, SG and SH. The same oil for the engine of the Neva walk-behind tractor is ideal, it is only necessary that it meets the requirements of GOST 10541-78.

For Cascade MB-6 power plants, it is allowed to use the same engine oils as for carburetor engines. The main thing is that it should correspond to the M-5z / 10G1 or M-6z / 12G1 brand according to GOST 10541-78. Mixing mineral and synthetic oils, as some users do, is unacceptable - this will cause jamming.

Gear oil

It is impossible to give specific recommendations on which oil to use for the walk-behind tractor gearbox. Each manufacturer himself determines the quality category and the degree of viscosity of fuels and lubricants. If you want to keep your walk-behind tractor working for a long time, then strictly follow the recommendations regarding the brand of the product, as well as advice on the frequency and procedure for replacing it.