The best oil for your John Deere lawn mower is the grade specified in the operator’s manual for its exact model and engine. Deere’s general guidance says most four-cycle mowers use SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30, but neither grade is right for every mower. Check the manual before buying oil or changing it.
Why your mower model matters
John Deere’s recommendations vary by mower and engine. The operator’s manual is the deciding reference for three details: oil grade, crankcase capacity and change interval. Deere’s oil chart also shows different recommendations and capacities across turf equipment, with some entries directing owners to the operator’s manual. Find the manual for your equipment and use the instructions for the exact model and engine—not a specification from a similar-looking machine.
Which oil grades does Deere mention?
Deere’s general lawn-mower guidance names SAE 30 and SAE 10W-30 as common oils for four-cycle mowers. It also notes that some modern engines may permit synthetic SAE 5W-30 when the manufacturer recommends it. These are general examples, not a universal list of approved oils for every John Deere mower. Use only a grade allowed by your engine’s manual and its temperature guidance. Read Deere’s general engine-oil guidance.
Do not choose between SAE 30 and SAE 10W-30—or switch to synthetic 5W-30—based only on season, convenience or what is already in the shed. The appropriate viscosity depends on what the engine manufacturer permits for your specific mower and expected operating temperatures.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- OEM John Deere Part Number: TY22029
- Fits John Deere: 115 Tractor, L108, LA105, LA110, LA115, LA125, LA135, LA145, LA155, LA165, LA175
- For Use With 4-Cycle/Stroke Engines
- 946mL / 32 fl. Oz per quart - 4 quarts included
- Also Fits John Deere Models: LA115 46 inch Snow Blade, LA115 44 inch 2-Stage Snow Blower, LA110 w/Collection System, LA110 46 inch Snow Blade, LA110 44 inch 2-Stage Snow Blower
Is John Deere Turf-Gard 10W-30 suitable?
John Deere lists Turf-Gard SAE 10W-30 four-cycle engine oil, product TY22029, in a 946 ml (32 fl oz) package. The product listing identifies it as API SN/GF-6. It is a named option, not proof of compatibility with every Deere mower. Confirm that your manual permits SAE 10W-30 and the oil’s service classification before purchasing or filling the engine. See the Turf-Gard TY22029 listing.
How much oil does your mower need?
Use the capacity specified for your model in its operator’s manual. Deere’s turf-equipment chart gives different capacities for different machines and sometimes defers to the manual; without the mower model, there is no reliable single capacity to provide. Do not use the volume printed on an oil container as the amount to pour into the crankcase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- John Deere Part Number: TY22029
- Fits John Deere: 115 Tractor, L108, LA105, LA110, LA115, LA125, LA135, LA145, LA155, LA165, LA175
- For Use With 4-Cycle/Stroke Engines
- 946mL / 32 fl. Oz per quart - 12 quarts included
- Also Fits John Deere Models: LA115 46 inch Snow Blade, LA115 44 inch 2-Stage Snow Blower, LA110 w/Collection System, LA110 46 inch Snow Blade, LA110 44 inch 2-Stage Snow Blower
Rank #4
- John Deere Original Equipment Double Oil Change Kit
- Kit includes: 4 quarts of oil (TY22029) and 2 filters (AM125424)
- Fits the following models: D100, D105, D110, D120, D125, D130, D140, D150, D155, D160, D170, G100, G110, GT225, GT235, GT235E, L100, L105, L107, L108, L110, L111, L118, L120, L130, LA105, LA110, LA115, LA120, LA125, LA130, LA135, LA140, LA145, LA150, LA155, LA165, LA175, LT133, LT150, LT155, LT166, LT170, LTR155, LTR166, LX172, LX173, LX176, LX178, LX186, LX188, LX255, LX266, LX288, RSX 850i, RSX 860i, S240, SST15, SST16, SST18, STX30, STX38, STX46, X300, X300R, X304, X305R, X310, X320, X324, X3
- Also will work with some Scott's Mower models and Sabre Mower models.
- These are genuine John Deere parts.Thanks for looking!
Rank #3
- The information below is per-pack only
- SAE 10W-30 MOTOR OIL FOR SMALL ENGINES: One 32 fl oz bottle of STP Premium Synthetic Blend 4 Cycle Small Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, formulated for small engines in lawnmowers, generators, tractors, snow blowers, and other outdoor power equipment
- ALL-WEATHER FORMULA: This 4 cycle engine oil is a synthetic blend with an all-weather formula that promotes easier starts all year and can be used in all seasons
- FIGHTS THERMAL BREAKDOWN: Antioxidants fight thermal breakdown to enhance oil durability, helping the SAE 10W-30 oil handle high temperatures without losing its effectiveness
- REDUCES ENGINE WEAR AND OIL CONSUMPTION: Anti-Wear Technology minimizes engine wear, while the viscosity index improver helps reduce oil consumption and provides consistent lubrication at a wide range of temperatures
Rank #2
- SAE 10W-30 MOTOR OIL FOR SMALL ENGINES: One 32 fl oz bottle of STP Premium Synthetic Blend 4 Cycle Small Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, formulated for small engines in lawnmowers, generators, tractors, snow blowers, and other outdoor power equipment
- FIGHTS THERMAL BREAKDOWN: Antioxidants fight thermal breakdown to enhance oil durability, helping the SAE 10W-30 oil handle high temperatures without losing its effectiveness
- PREVENTS BUILDUP: Detergents help keep small engine components clean and control carbon deposits, preventing buildup that can affect performance and start-up
- HOW TO USE: Use it as a lawnmower oil, generator oil, or for other small engines commonly used outdoors; simply check the oil and change as necessary per the owner's manual
What to check before an oil change
- Identify the mower and engine. Find the model information and open the matching operator’s manual.
- Confirm the oil grade and temperature guidance. Use a grade the manual allows for your conditions.
- Check capacity and service interval. Follow the model-specific figures and procedure rather than a generic mower schedule.
- Check the required API classification. Deere’s example operator manual for a specific mower family permits alternative oils only when they meet its stated API classification. That condition is specific to the covered family; check your own manual for the applicable requirement.
- Avoid overfilling. The same example manual warns against overfilling. Follow the checking and filling method in your mower’s manual, rather than assuming the engine takes a full container.
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