How to Change Oil in a Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower, step by step

It is only natural for Husqvarna riding lawnmower owners to expect maximum performance and long service life.  But good performance and service life depend a lot on machine maintenance. Part of this maintenance is performing an oil change at the recommended time. A lawnmower has many moving parts that come in contact with each other and require proper lubrication. Bad lubrication can lead to excessive heating of the machine and additional wear and tear of parts. The oil that has reached its service limit will not provide proper lubrication and should be replaced with fresh oil. This article will take you through the step-by-step oil change procedure for your Husqvarna riding lawnmower.

How to Change the Oil in your Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower, step by step:

• Step 1: Get everything you need for the oil change
• Step 2: Prepare the Husqvarna lawnmower
• Step 3: Drain the Oil using the drain valve
• Step 4: Alternate Method to drain the oil, using an oil pump
• Step 5: Adding Fresh Engine Oil
• Step 6: Check the Oil Level
• Step 7: Your Husqvarna Lawnmower is ready to start

The Oil Change Procedure of a Husqvarna Riding Mower, Step by Step:

We will look into the different steps in more detail

● Step 1: Get everything you need for the oil change

Step one involves the collection of all the things you need for the oil change:

• The recommended engine oil. Check the manual for more information. Usually SAE 30.
• A container for oil collection
• Oil fill cap/dipstick
• A funnel
• Cloth/paper pieces of cardboards

● Step 2: Preparation the Husqvarna lawnmower

Park the mower at a place that can deal with an accidental oil spill. When you remove the oil, it is always possible that some of it will spill on the ground. Then let the Husqvarna lawnmower run for 10 to 15 minutes. That will warm up the oil, and makes it much easier to replace. It also makes checking the oil level easier.

● Step 3: Drain the Oil using the drain valve

Oil change includes removing (draining) the old oil and pouring in fresh oil. The drainage step is explained below:

• Open the drain valve: Locate: Locate the drain valve, remove the cap at the end and remove it. Then open the drain valve.
• Tile the mower: Tilt your Husqvarna Riding Lawnmower and drain the oil slowly into a bucket
• Move the mower: Try to move/shake the mower, so any remaining oil left in the engine is removed.
• Close the drain valve: Once the old oil is completely drained, close the valve and put the cap back on its end.
• Container: Now pour the old used oil into a sealed container.
• Dispose: Dispose of this Oil at a proper place with or without the container.

● Step 4: Alternate Method to drain the oil, using an oil pump

The alternate method for oil draining purpose is to use:

• Oil pump: An oil pump, either electric or mechanical.
• Oil Suction tool: Use an oil suction tool to remove the oil.

● Step 5: Adding Fresh Engine Oil

Now you can fill the Husqvarna Riding Lawnmower with fresh oil. Pour the oil in. New oil has a bright brown or golden color, which is different from the previously removed dark brown oil. You should follow these steps:

• Funnel: Place the funnel on the filler area.
• Pour the oil in: Pour the engine oil through the funnel slowly. Stop after adding a little, then check it using the dipstick. Keep repeating this process until the oil level is close to the maximum limit mark. Clean the dipstick every time you check the oil level.
• Avoid overfilling: Avoid overfilling of the oil. In case you overfill you can use an oil pump to remove it.

● Step 6: Check the Oil Level

Before starting the engine, is it a good idea to check the oil level. You can do this as follow:

• Flat area: Make sure the lawnmower is parked on a leveled site.
• Open the fill cap: Find the fill cap, remove it, and clean it with a cloth.
• Clean: thoroughly clean the cap and the area around the crankcase.
• Check the dipstick: Check the oil level by re-inserting the dipstick. When you take the dipstick out, you will see the thick oil layer attached to it. If it’s near the low marking, your mower needs more oil. If it’s been some time since you last changed the oil, you should completely change it instead of just topping up on what was already there.
• Add oil if needed: If the level is not ok, add oil and check again. If the level is higher than it should, you have to remove some of the excess oil.

● Step 7: Your Husqvarna Lawnmower is ready to start

With fresh oil added, your Husqvarna Riding lawnmower is set to perform again. The final setting up involves:

• Oil cap: Tighten the oil cap.
• Start the engine: Start the engine just as usual and use your mower to check whether it is working fine or not.
• Recheck the oil level: After the engine has been running for a short while, it is a good idea to recheck the oil level. Now the oil is hot, and that makes it more fluid.

Necessary Precautions:

Removing and adding oil looks very simple and easy, especially if you are watching a tutorial from any source. But there is always room for precautions that need to be taken to avoid emergencies.

• Ventilated location: The Husqvarna Lawnmower requires an adequately ventilated room or an open area for maintenance. Ensure that no fire source is near to it during the oil change since it is flammable.
• Flat area: Select a proper flat surface for perfect oil level checking, and place it on a character from which you can easily wash off oil spots if any leakage happens. Place a cardboard piece or a mat under the mower and adequately dispose of it afterward.
• Use the correct oil: Prior knowledge of fuel is also necessary to know what SAE or the numbers indicate in oil grades such as SAE 30. Referring to the user manual, use the fuel of desired thickness and engine oil grade. ( SAE = Oil Grade, 30 = viscosity )
• Overfilling: In case of overfilling, your mower will not work as it starts producing heat and raises the overall temperature. Excess oil also affects the motion of your mower crankshaft. The maximum amount a lawnmower takes is near 18 ounces. Thus avoid overfilling, and in case of any symptoms of overheating, remove the excess oil immediately.

How to dispose of your old oil

There are various locations where you can dispose of your old oil. You can bring it to your lawnmower dealer or repair shop. Most car parts stores or car repair shops will take it from you as well. But some may ask for a small recycling fee. Never dispose of old oil in the sewerage or somewhere outside. The oil contains all kinds of hazardous chemicals that are bad for the environment.

When to Change Oil in a Lawnmower?

How often to change oil depends on how much the mower is being used and its intensity. Generally, at least one oil change per season is often needed. If your lawnmower is used more frequently or uses your mower more intensively than regular users, you also need more frequent oil changes.

Final Remarks

Whenever you buy a Husqvarna riding lawnmower, make sure to read the manual carefully and notice the needed maintenance. Make sure that you replace the current oil with fresh oil that has the correct viscosity and heat bearing characteristics. The right oil type not only depends on your machine, but it also depends on the working environment. Do not forget to follow the safety guidelines. With the step-by-step procedure explained in this blog post, changing the oil on your Husqvarna riding mower will be easy and quick to do.