determine if oil starvation will occur for given slope angle

[raldem7]

Before I invest in a new mower, I would like to know how to determine if oil starvation due to mowing on a slope will be a problem for a specific engine type. In particular, I would like to know if the oil pump might suck air or if if oil would start to flood on a 20% slope for Kawasaki FR. Thanks.

 

[BKBrown]

I would think the best info. would come from a Kawasaki web site. Or an experienced dealer that can be trusted not to say what you want to hear just to get a sale.

 

[SeabeeChief]

My yard is about a 20% slope and I have never had any problems with lack of oil. Most new engines these days have oil monitors on them and will shut down in low oil conditions.

 

[Jetblast]

Scag says their Kawasaki FEI engine will handle 25 degree slopes continuously in any direction. The Kawasaki FR-Series engines also feature fully pressurized oil delivery, so I'd assume something similar. If you're talking about a riding mower of any standard design, oil starvation will not be a problem at angles you can obtain before crashing and burning. If it's a walk-behind, it might be best to call Kawasaki and ask their tech support. Chances are it won't be a problem, otherwise Google would throw up reports of such occurrences when searched and I didn't see anything.

 

[Ventrac]

Check engine manufacturer rating for continuous and intermittent.
For Safety, check the tractor manufacturers rating. So if engine says 40% but tractor manufacturer says 30%, than for safety purposes do not exceed 30%.

20% is only 11.46 degrees, so not much of a slope, I would assume most riding lawn mowers could handle that. Our units are rated at 30 degrees continuous (58%) and our Diesel engines are actually rated at 35 degrees continuous, but for safety purposes we rate them at 30 degrees.

So check with both engine and tractor manufacturer and I would take the lowest number. Safety should always come first! :thumbsup:

 

[steved]

Although most will probably disagree, I have a steep slope in my front yard and because of that slope; I overfill the engine on my mowers slightly to keep the oil level somewhat near their normal operating level when tilted. It doesn't mean a lot of oil either, maybe a quarter of a quart or so does it. These are the old K-series Kohlers though, and this was a recommendation from my Grandfather who has been into small engines for 40+ years.

I have not had a single problem by doing this...but these aren't pressurized systems either, but I have done the same thing to my newly acquired Grasshopper with a Kohler Command; just haven't mowed with it yet.