The performance and durability of the walk-behind tractor largely depend 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 grease recommended by the power plant manufacturer. But this is not always possible. Moreover, some users try to “offer” better quality oil to their mini-tractor, trying to extend its service life.
Whatever your goal, first of all, you need to study the characteristics and labeling of motor oils for motoblocks and after that determine the most optimal option.
Decoding of marking of engine oil
Currently, the characteristics of motor oil are determined by two indicators - the operational class and the viscosity class. The first parameter determines the design of the engine with which the oil of this operating class will show its best - it optimizes the operation of the power plant, reduces fuel consumption and neutralizes exhaust gases in the best way.
The viscosity class determines the fluidity of the oil for the walk-behind tractor. It is known that the motor wears 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 fluid, the faster the lubrication of the working surfaces.
However, it must be borne in mind that viscosity depends on temperature. If the engine will work in winter, then the oil should retain its characteristics both at subzero temperatures, and at positive, 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 fuels and lubricants to meet ever newer and tougher requirements. Currently there are three operational categories:
- S - oils for gasoline engines;
- C - lubricant for diesel power plants;
- The EU is an energy-saving type related to the new generation of fuel and lubricants.
Each category is assigned an additional letter, for example SM, and the further the second character from the beginning of the alphabet, the more modern the oil. So, the lubricant class SM 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 motoblocks that can be used with gasoline and diesel engines. In this case, products are marked with two groups of characters through a fraction: the first two letters define the main scope, the second indicate the possibility of using this lubricant for a different type of motor. For example, API SN / CH-4.
Viscosity grades
According to the viscosity class, all oils are divided into winter oils marked with the W symbol, summer oils without an alphabetic designation, all-season oils - a designation through a dash, for example 5W-30. The viscosity of the oil is determined under conditions as close to real as possible. Existing viscosity classes:
- winter products - SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W;
- summer - SAE 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.
“Summer” oils for motoblocks are highly viscous, which ensures optimal engine lubrication during operation, but makes it difficult to start it at low temperatures. On the contrary, “winter” products better lubricate the units at low temperatures, but after heating they become too liquid. Multigrade 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 amount of clearance between the piston and the cylinder. It is possible to use
motor oil for motor blocks with different viscosities, depending on the average temperatures in your area.
Performance classes of oil for gasoline engines
In some cases, the use of grease in the wrong category can damage the motor. Now manufacturers of motoblocks recommend using the following classes of motor oils:
- SA - for operation under low loads.
- SB - for the operation of the walk-behind tractor in the middle range of mechanical stresses. The oil is characterized by stable lubricating properties, anti-corrosion protection of bearings.
- SC - oils for motoblock engines not equipped with PCV valves. Reduce the amount of deposits, increase wear resistance and corrosion protection.
- SD - lubricant for engines with PCV system, has slightly better performance than the previous representative.
- SE - fuels and lubricants for engines manufactured after the 80s, better resists wear, corrosion, protects bearings.
- SF - more reliable and better than the brand SE, reduces the formation of deposits in a wide temperature range.
- SG - differs from SF category in quality improvements.
- SH - the most modern type of engine oil, it is allowed to use in most engines.
When deciding which oil for a walk-behind tractor is best, follow the recommendations of the engine manufacturer. The motors are tested with a certain class of grease that best suits the power plant. It is advised by the manufacturer.
Quality diesel engine oils
The use of recommended engine oil for a diesel walk-behind tractor significantly increases engine life and also reduces fuel consumption.
Today, manufacturers recommend the following categories:
- CA - for motors operating under low loads. Fuel and lubricants reduces the amount of deposits at high temperatures, but the higher the load, the worse the lubricant copes with its responsibilities.
- SV - slightly better than SA, recommended for use when operating engines with high sulfur fuel.
- SS - for operation of the motoblock under increased loads, if the engine is not equipped with a turbocharger or supercharger.
- CD - for the use of power plants without superchargers and turbochargers operating at high speed.
When using motor oil for a diesel walk-behind tractor, it is important to monitor its amount. Inadequate, as well as excessive, volume can lead to jamming of the engine.
Recommended Oil for Asian Engines
The most popular Asian engines are models from Subaru, Honda and Lifan. The Japanese company Honda recommends the use of multigrade 10W-30 grade SG or SF oil in their engines. If you intend to use seasonal grease, then its coefficient should be selected based on the average annual temperatures in your area.
Subaru Group recommends that its customers choose SAE 10W-30 viscosity oil for working in temperate continental climates, and SAE 5W-30 if you live in cold regions of our country. At the same time, the quality category must not be lower than SE.
Lifan Corporation advises users to choose SAE-30 viscosity engine oil for use in the summer and SAE-10W-30 for use in the winter. There are no specific recommendations regarding the quality category.
Oil for domestic motoblocks
For one of the most common domestic DM-1 engines, Kaluga Engine recommends the use of multigrade 10W-30 and 15W-30 grease corresponding to the quality categories SF, SG and SH. The same oil for the Neva motor-block engine is ideal, it is only necessary that it meets the requirements of GOST 10541-78.
For power plants "Cascade" MB-6 it is allowed to use the same engine oils as for carburetor engines. The main thing is that it corresponds to the brand M-5z / 10G1 or M-6z / 12G1 according to GOST 10541-78. Mixing mineral and synthetic oils, as some users do, is unacceptable - this will lead to jamming.
Transmission oil
It is impossible to give concrete recommendations regarding what oil to use for the motor-block gearbox. Each manufacturer himself determines the quality category and the degree of viscosity of fuels and lubricants. If you want to maintain the performance of your walk-behind tractor for a long time, then strictly follow the recommendations regarding the brand of the product, as well as tips on the frequency and procedure for replacing it.