Alongside ensuring proper function during use, following the correct maintenance steps can help to increase the longevity of your machinery by protecting from damage and prompting quick repairs when needed. However, one of these steps that can sometimes be neglected is using the appropriate oil for your tools.
Whether this is lawnmower oil, chainsaw oil, or indeed other types, it is absolutely vital that you regularly check, top up, and refresh machine oil. But why? And what types of oil should you use for each machine?
Keep reading to learn all this and more from the Hughie Willett Machinery team…
Why is oil important for machine maintenance?
Before we look into the different types of oil you can use for machine maintenance, one of the most pressing questions you may be asking yourself is: ‘why is oil important in the first place?’.
There are several reasons why oil is necessary for proper care and maintenance of your tools and machinery. We have split these reasons into three main categories, which are:
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Lubrication.
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Damage reduction.
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Performance.
Each of these overarching topics contribute to the longevity and functionality of your tools. Keep reading to find out how…
Lubrication
The first, and perhaps most well-known, purpose of oil within an engineering context is lubrication. Oil provides a natural barrier between moving parts to reduce the friction created when they come in contact.
One of the side effects of friction is heat, which is why machinery gets hot during use. Excessive friction can potentially cause too much heat, which can affect how your tool works, or cause damage (see more below). Heat may also cause an injury if you touch your tools in the wrong place.
Top tip – oil can also act as a coolant to prevent engines or machinery parts from overheating.
Lubricants such as oil also provide a cushion between two moving parts, which can help to absorb shock and reduce operational noise – making tools and machinery more comfortable to use.
Damage protection
As we briefly mentioned above, oils can provide damage protection. The constant movement of two or more parts against each other will eventually cause wear. Using oil acts as a barrier between the two surfaces to reduce how much contact happens between them. This can slow or prevent damage, improving the longevity of your machinery.
This oil barrier can also help to reduce the chances of corrosion via oxidation. Oxidation is when oxygen reacts with a material; the result of which can weaken your tool. This is most commonly seen when iron starts to rust, which can make your tools more brittle and prone to breakages. Using oil blocks the oxygen, preventing oxidation reactions from happening.
Performance
Lastly, properly oiled tools can maintain high performance standards for longer. When tools or machine engines have been appropriately oiled, moving parts are able to operate more smoothly as the friction is reduced. This helps to ensure your tools or machinery perform at their best by minimising unnecessary power loss (i.e. through heat generation).
For example, using the right oil on a chainsaw helps to ensure the chain can rotate smoothly around the guide bar, allowing you to work safely and for longer (you can learn more about chain oil below).
Different types of machine oil
It is vital to note that the same oil cannot be used throughout every type of machine or tool – there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, you need to ensure you are using the appropriate oil for each situation. To assist you with choosing correctly, we have pulled together a brief list of the various types of oil that is commonly used in garden tools and groundcare machinery.
2-stroke engine oil
2-stroke engines are commonly found on smaller motorised machines, such as chainsaws, smaller lawnmowers, and other lawn care tools. This is because they are lighter and more cost-effective than larger four-stroke engines.
By condensing the combustion engine into ‘two strokes’ (hence the name), these engines need 2-stroke oil to be mixed in with the fuel to lubricate the internal mechanisms. Without it, you run the risk of damaging or destroying the internal engine.
Using the wrong oil can also be catastrophic, so it is vital that you check any manufacturing instructions if you are unsure of what oil to use.
Should you buy pre-mixed oil?
Getting the balance between fuel and 2-stroke oil is vital to ensure your machinery is running at peak performance and maximum efficiency. If you are unsure of the ratios, you might want to consider buying your 2-stroke oil and fuel already mixed. This can save you a lot of time, and reduce the chances of getting it wrong and damaging your machinery.
Here at Hughie Willett, we have a wide array of pre-mixed oils for you to choose from.
4-stroke engine oil
For larger, four-stroke engines, oil is required to lubricate the moving parts within the engine. Unlike 2-stroke oil, 4-stroke oil does not need to be mixed into the fuel – instead, there will be a separate chamber that stores the oil and supplies the engine.
With regards to groundcare machinery, 4-stroke engines are more commonly seen in transport vehicles, such as tractors, or larger tools such as ride-on lawn mowers, tillers etc.
Top tip – when you are looking for lawnmower oils, look out for the term SAE 30. This type of oil has a certified classification of viscosity that is commonly used in lawnmowers.
Chainsaw oil
We mentioned above that chainsaw oil is an integral part of making sure your chainsaw works properly – and is safe to use.
Not only does chainsaw oil help to lubricate and smooth the movement of the chain around the guide bar, but it can help to protect these metal parts from wear, rust, and corrosion. Chainsaw chains come into contact with lots of sap during the course of operation. This is sticky, so a combination of regular cleaning and oiling helps to remove this residue and protect your chainsaw.
It is important to note that chainsaw oil has been specifically designed for use with chainsaw chains and blades – using lawnmower oil or motor oil is not a suitable replacement. Chainsaw oil is highly viscous, as the thicker texture can stay on the chain even whilst it rotates. Chainsaw oils also have specific additives to ensure they are fit for purpose; these help the oil to stick, and help to reduce operational heat.
Transmission oil
If any of your lawn care machinery has a gearbox, then you will need to invest in transmission oil. This type of oil largely acts as a type of hydraulic fluid (see more below) and is designed to protect the components of the gearbox, such as the gears and clutches, from friction and wear.
To do this, transmission oil is thicker than other engine oils to ensure it stays on the parts during motion. Transmission oils may also be developed to ensure they are temperature stable, meaning they can work in hot or cold environments.
Hydraulic oil
Hydraulic oils are specifically designed to work within and protect hydraulic systems. Whether this is in a tractor with a lifting bucket, or a tipper trailer, you need hydraulic oil to act as power within the machinery.
Alongside powering certain systems, hydraulic oil can act as lubricant, coolant, and sealant. This ensures your machinery works effectively, efficiently, and safely.
Choosing the correct oil
We have touched upon the concept several times already, but when you are conducting proper machine maintenance, you must make sure you are using the appropriate oil. To help you out, we have provided some of our top tips for choosing the correct oil below.
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Tool type: if you have a specific tool, always use the oil required. For example, chainsaw oils and lawnmower oils are designed for use with these tools, so steer clear of using cheaper or incorrect alternatives.
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Check the manual: any tools or machinery you use for groundcare will come with a manufacturer's manual. If you are ever unsure, refer back to this manual to make sure you use the correct oil.
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Consider viscosity: differing viscosities will affect the performance of certain oils. For example, moving parts need thicker oils that can adhere to their surfaces securely, whilst thinner oils can help to maintain a lower temperature.
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Think about temperature: the viscosity of a lubricating oil decreases when it gets hot, and increases in the cold. Hotter oils are thinner, which helps improve flow rate. Colder oils can get thicker, which makes them harder to use or pour.
Oil storage tips
Once you have decided which oil you require for the proper maintenance of your tools, and conducted your maintenance checks, you need to store your oil until you need it again. But, this isn’t as simple as putting in a cupboard and getting it out when required.
There are some general rules you should keep in mind when storing oil to make sure it is kept safely and securely.
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Always use fresh oil: oil degrades over time, so you should try to decant only what you need. When you come to top up your oil supply on a machine, make sure to empty out old oil completely before refilling with a fresh batch.
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Store indoors where possible: you need to store any oil in a dry, cool, and well ventilated location out of direct sunlight. This helps to preserve the quality of your oil, but also the label (so you can see best before dates, etc). Storing oil inside gives you more control over the environmental factors, particularly as temperature fluctuations can degrade oil faster.
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Organise according to expiration date: to make sure you avoid waste, store any oil containers in order of the expiration date. This helps you to use older oils first, before they expire.
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Seal properly and keep upright: always seal your oil containers securely, and store them upright, to prevent leaks, and to help stop contaminants entering the oil.
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Use clean containers: when transporting oil from storage, always thoroughly clean any containers. Dirt, old oil, and other materials can contaminate the fresh oil and compromise the quality.
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Consider using dedicated containers: if you use a lot of different oils, consider using distinct containers to avoid cross-contamination. Jerry cans and oil storage containers, for example, are useful here to help you keep any chainsaw oil from 2-stroke oil, and both of these from lawnmower oil and transmission fluid.
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Inspect regularly: don’t forget to regularly inspect your oils. This will help you understand how much you have, what you may need to order, and keep an eye on oil quality to avoid using spoiled supplies.
Looking for supplies to properly maintain your tools and machinery?
Then you are in the right place. Here at Hughie Willett Machinery, we are a supplier of industry leading groundcare machinery. This means we also have a varied collection of fuels, oils, and greases to ensure you can keep your tools in top condition.
Not sure what you need, or have questions about product maintenance requirements? Contact us online, or call the team on 0121 308 1262 – we are always happy to answer any queries you may have throughout the purchasing process.
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