I'm running whatever flavor of HDEO I have left over from changing the oil in my truck. Varies from Mobil 1 5W-40 full synthetic, Rotella T5 10W-30, T6 5W-40 and occasionally some 15W-40. Mowers going on 30yrs of service and still starts on the first pull and the oil looks brand new at the end of the season so I'm not too concerned about whether it's getting enough protection (it obviously is in good shape internally), doesn't burn oil and doesn't have enough blow by to be noticed.