Finally retired my 20+ year old Toro SuperRecycler and purchased a new Honda HRX217. So far, my favorite features on the mower are the hydrostatic transmission, and the clip director that allows me to adjust between bagging and mulching. I'm also impressed at how much grass this thing can push through without breaking a sweat.
Anyway - the owners manual says 10w30 is recommended, but lists 5w30 as an acceptable option in lower temperatures. I'll never use it in temps lower than 50 degrees F. I always have about 1 quart of leftover 5w30 Havoline ProDS from changing the oil in my vehicles, and I've just used that in my mower each season. Any reason not to use it in the Honda? Can't imagine it would be detrimental to the life of the engine, but I'm a by the book kind of person, so any deviation from the manual's "recommendation" has me asking other's for opinions. This mower has the GCV200 engine.
Anyway - the owners manual says 10w30 is recommended, but lists 5w30 as an acceptable option in lower temperatures. I'll never use it in temps lower than 50 degrees F. I always have about 1 quart of leftover 5w30 Havoline ProDS from changing the oil in my vehicles, and I've just used that in my mower each season. Any reason not to use it in the Honda? Can't imagine it would be detrimental to the life of the engine, but I'm a by the book kind of person, so any deviation from the manual's "recommendation" has me asking other's for opinions. This mower has the GCV200 engine.