What Kind of Oil Does a Yard Machine Snow Blower Use?

The Yard Machine brand line of snow throwers, manufactured by MTD Products, includes single- and two-stage snow throwers with manual or electric starters, different clearing widths ranging from 21 to 30 inches and intake heights ranging from 13 to 21 inches. These snow throwers use Powermore or MTD brand overhead valve horizontal shaft engines, ranging in size from 123 to 420 cubic centimeters, which require a high-quality 5W-30 or synthetic 0W-30, 4-cycle motor oil.


MTD recommends using a high-quality, 4-cycle or similar high detergent motor oil that meets or exceeds the SF or SG service classification. Higher service grades, such as SJ, SL or SM, are also acceptable. Motor oils with the recommended viscosity, 5W-30 or synthetic 0W-30, keep the engine running smoothly in the coldest winter conditions. The manufacturer warns that non-detergent or 2-cycle motor oils will damage and shorten the life of the engine.


The oil capacity of the snow thrower’s engine depends on the engine size. The 123cc, 179cc and 208cc engines have a 20-ounce oil capacity. The 277cc, 357cc and 420cc engines have a 37.2-ounce capacity. Overfilling will cause hard starting, excessive smoking and spark plug fouling.


Check the oil each time you use the snow thrower and after every five hours of operation, when the engine is still warm. If the snow thrower is brand new, check the oil before you ever start the machine, as some models are shipped without oil. Starting the engine with no oil or letting the oil level fall under the low mark will cause serious engine damage and void the warranty.


Yard Machine snow thrower engines, depending on the model, have either a quarter-turn oil fill cap or a threaded oil fill cap. The type of cap determines how you will check the oil level in your machine. Before checking oil, make sure the snow thrower is sitting on a level surface with the engine turned off. For quarter-turn caps, remove the cap by turning it to the left. Wipe the dipstick clean with a paper towel or shop rag, reinsert the cap into the oil filler neck and turn the cap to the right until it is properly tightened. Remove the cap again, and look at the level indicator at the bottom of the dipstick. MTD recommends adding oil if the level falls below the center point between the high and low marks. For threaded caps, unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick clean and then reinsert it into the oil filler neck but do not screw it in. Remove the cap and check the oil level, once again ensuring the level rests between the high and low marks on the end of the dipstick. After checking the oil, replace the cap and tighten it completely before turning on the machine.