What Type of Oil Does a John Deere 135 Mower Use?

Turf-Gard

• John Deere sells Turf-Gard oil for their lawn tractors like the 135. According to the company's website, Turf-Gard is beneficial for their equipment because it meets or exceeds engine standards, providing protection to reduce wear and tear on your mower. Turf-Gard is also usable in hot or cold weather. This may help if you use your 135 during the winter to clear snow. Turf-Gard is also acceptable for lubricating accessories like snow blowers and aerators. You can purchase Turf Gard in sizes from 20 ounces to 55 gallons.

Plus-4

• Plus-4 oil, also sold by John Deere, is designed specifically for 4-cycle engines like the one on the 135 mower. There are additives in the Plus-4 that increase oil circulation in cold weather. Plus-4 oil also cleans the engine of debris while it lubricates, adding to its life. Plus-4 can be purchased by the quart or the liter.

Oil Grade

• If you don’t have Turf Gard or Plus-4 available, John Deere suggests using any oil with API Service Classification SG or higher. Regardless of what motor oil brand you use, the John Deere 135 mower requires specific grades, depending on what the outside temperature is during operation. SAE 5W-30 is recommended for operations between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below, while 10W-30 is used for 0 to 100 degrees. SAE 30 is recommended for 40 degrees and higher.

Checking the Oil

• This mower's engine design has features that help manage oil usage. The John Deere 135 mower uses a Briggs & Stratton Professional Series V-twin engine with a 64-ounce capacity. It has a car-style dipstick, which makes it easy to check the oil. Check the oil before you start the engine. Just remove the oil fill port cap, which has the dipstick attached to it. Wipe it clean and then re-insert it without touching any of the port's rim. Pull the stick back out and look to see how much oil is on the stick. If the oil is below the "add" line, add oil.