How to change oil for lawn mowers
Regular oil changes are vital to preserving mower engine life and maintaining cutting power throughout the season. This step-by-step walkthrough covers both the standard direct-drain and suction pump extraction methods for Husqvarna walk and push mowers. For riding mowers, refer to your owner’s manual for oil change instructions.
How often should I change my lawn mower oil?
Changing your Husqvarna mower’s engine oil is an important maintenance task that should be performed regularly throughout the lifetime of your equipment. Ultimately, the frequency of oil changes will depend on several factors, including the type of mower, the dustiness of your environment, and how much you’re mowing. Our standard recommendation is:
Check interval: Check your engine oil level once every 5 hours of continuous runtime
Service interval: Change engine oil at least once per season
Supplies checklist
Before beginning an oil change, make sure you have:
- Your Husqvarna mower’s owner’s manual
- Genuine 4-stroke engine oil (compatibility listed in manual)
- Drain pan or bucket
- Sealable receptacle for old oil disposal
- Clean oil funnel
- Shop towels
- Floor protection (cardboard or newspaper)
Note: Always perform engine maintenance in a well-ventilated area away from flames or sources of heat.
Step 1: Prepare the mower
Be sure to perform these initial steps when changing the oil:
- Run the engine until the fuel tank is completely empty, to prevent fuel spillage while tilting
- Turn off the engine and fully disconnect the spark plug, positioning the wire so it cannot accidentally come into contact with the plug
- Clean all dirt and debris from the area around the oil cap and filler spout using a clean shop towel
- Remove the oil cap/dipstick and place it on a clean towel or surface
Step 2: Drain the old oil
There are multiple ways to remove old oil from your lawn mower:
- Direct-drain method: Place the mower and drain pan on top of cardboard or newspaper to protect the floor. Slowly tip the mower onto its side over the drain pan. Let the dirty oil slowly drain out of the filler spout. Carefully rock the mower back and forth to release any trapped fluid and fully empty. Transfer old oil from drain pan to disposal receptacle.
- Suction pump method: Insert the extraction hose of a manual or pneumatic oil pump directly down the filler spout. Draw the fluid directly into the disposal receptacle without tipping the mower chassis.
Be sure to wipe any spilled oil from the outside of the lawn mower and use oil-absorbing powder to soak up any spills on the floor. Ask your local gas station or Husqvarna dealer for where to dispose of old oil – never pour oil down a drain!
Step 3: Refill with new oil
Check your owner’s manual for oil type and capacity specifications. Fresh oil should appear golden-brown in color as shown in instructional video.
- Place a clean funnel into the filler spout.
- Slowly pour in fresh oil, stopping every few ounces to check level with the dipstick.
- To check level, make sure dipstick is clean and insert into filler spout.
- Stop adding oil when the oil level reaches the “Full” mark on the dipstick.
- Wait a moment for the oil to settle. Recheck level and add oil as needed.
Do not overfill, or the engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.
Step 4: Reconnect and test
- Replace oil cap/dipstick and tighten.
- Reconnect the spark plug.
- Refuel the mower with fresh regular unleaded, low-ethanol gasoline.
- Restart the mower in an open, well-ventilated area.
Recommended products
Find your owner’s manual and more!
Explore our electric mowers
Tired of changing oil? Whether push or autonomous, our battery-powered mowers deliver the same high performance you expect from gas mowers, without the added maintenance.
- No oil to change
- Less noise
- Zero emissions while in use
Questions? Visit your local Husqvarna expert!
