Keeping your mower’s oil fresh is a small effort that pays big dividends in engine health and reliable performance. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling seasonal maintenance or a pro keeping equipment in top shape, this guide breaks down how to replace lawn mower oil efficiently and confidently.

You’ll learn how often to change your oil, which tools to have on hand, and how Kawasaki’s engine features make the process more straightforward. Plus, we’ll walk through tips specific to both push and riding mowers.

Why a Lawn Mower Oil Change Matters

Your engine works hard—sometimes in heat, dust, and heavy loads. Oil keeps everything cool and lubricated, but it breaks down over time and collects debris. Skip a change too long and you risk wear, overheating, or worse: engine failure.

Regular oil changes extend the life of your mower and keep it performing at its best.

When to Change the Oil

Kawasaki recommends following your engine’s owner’s manual for service intervals. That said, most residential mowers need an oil change every 50 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.

For commercial mowers or dusty environments, that frequency may increase—it's always better to change oil early rather than too late.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following:Oil filter wrench

Drain pan

Funnel

15mm socket (for the drain plug)

Clean shop rags

Fresh oil (check your owner’s manual for the correct Kawasaki FR691V oil type or Kawasaki FS730V oil type, depending on your engine)

Optional but helpful: a Kawasaki oil drain hose, sold as an accessory, makes draining cleaner and easier—especially on riding mowers.

Step-by-Step: Oil Changes for Push Mower and Riding Mower

Here’s how to change oil in riding lawn mower or a push mower with a Kawasaki engine:

  1. Warm Up the Engine
    Run the mower for a few minutes. Warm oil drains more quickly and completely.
  2. Shut Off & Disconnect
    Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
  3. Position the Drain Pan
    Place the pan under the mower, remove the drain plug with your 15mm socket, and let the oil fully drain.Tip: Kawasaki engines have dipsticks that rest on top of the fill tube rather than thread in, like other brands. Don’t over tighten it.
  4. Replace the Oil Filter
    If your engine has one, use the oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. Lightly oil the gasket on the new filter before installing.
  5. Add New Oil
    Use a funnel to add new oil per your manual’s specs. If you’re unsure, reference the Kawasaki FR691V oil type or Kawasaki FS730V oil type to confirm.
  6. Check the Level
    Insert the dipstick (rest it, don’t screw it in), check the level, and top off if needed.
  7. Reconnect Spark Plug & Test
    Reconnect the spark plug, start the engine, and let it run for a minute. Shut it down and check oil level one last time.

Extra Tips from the Kawasaki Team

Our YouTube tutorial is a helpful visual aid—always pair it with your owner’s manual.

Tools needed: oil filter wrench, funnel, drain pan, 15mm socket.

Consider adding a Kawasaki oil drain hose to simplify routine maintenance.

Dipsticks on Kawasaki engines sit on top of the fill tube—not threaded like Briggs or Kohler.

Final Thoughts

A proper riding mower oil change or oil change for a push mower is easier than you think. With the right tools and a little guidance, you can replace lawn mower oil and help your engine last season after season.

Need help? Contact a Kawasaki dealer or visit our YouTube channel for more tips.