Kohler Small Engine Oil Requirements

Kohler Engines manufactures riding lawn mower and garden tractor engines. Although these engines are small, they are similar to engines in automobiles, trucks and large machinery in that they require regular maintenance to keep components working properly and to avoid overheating. Kohler small engines also require a specific type of oil -- available at automotive, hardware and home improvement centers -- and regular oil changes.

Kohler recommends 10W-30 oil for its engines, including Command, Command Pro, CS, Courage, Aegis and Triad OHC engines, when the piece of equipment is in an environment where the temperature is above 32 degrees F. For K-Series and Magnum engines, use SAE 30 oil for temperatures above 32 degrees F. SAE-30 is also acceptable for use in non-K-Series and Magnum engines if temperatures are above 50 degrees F.

If using the Kohler engine in an environment where the temperature is below 32 degrees F, use 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil.

You can use synthetic oil in your Kohler engine but you need to use standard oil, 10W-30/SAE 30 or 5W-20/5W-30, in new or rebuilt engines for the first 50 hours of use before switching to synthetic oil.

Do not add an oil additive to your Kohler engine. Chemicals in additives can damage the engine and alter the properties of the oil in the engine. Kohler also does not recommend using any type of oil cleaner or fuel cleaner in your engine. These chemicals can also damage the oil and turn any fuel in the engine into an acid. Fuel stabilizer is recommended by Kohler if you plan on storing the engine for a period of non-use.