What Oil Filter Do I Need For My Lawn Mower? (A Guide)

When it comes to caring for your lawn mower, one of the most important maintenance tasks is to regularly change the oil filter. It helps remove contaminants that accumulate over time.

But how do you know which oil filter is the right one for your lawn mower? The answer depends on several factors, including the make and model of your mower, the type of oil it uses, and the size of the oil filter.

Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right oil filter for your lawn mower.

Can You Use A Car Oil Filter in a Lawn Mower?

Lawnmower engines differ from each other in terms of power, size, and other configurations. This necessitates installing different oil filters for specific engines. 

Also, a significant number of lawn mower owners often make the mistake of interchanging between lawn mower oil filters and car oil filters. However, they’re not the same.

Lawnmowers do an abusive job of removing grass or weeds from the lawn. Hence, the oil filter is specially designed to prevent grass clippings or other large debris from entering the system. 

On the other hand, car oil filters are mainly intended to keep the engine oil protected from small impurities and particles. 

That means when you use a car oil filter instead of a lawn mower oil filter, the filter will be blocked due to the accumulation of grass clippings and other large debris.  

In addition, there are some other differences that raise the question of whether fitting a car filter to your lawn mower is at all logical.

Lawn Mower Oil Filter	Car Oil Filter
Larger in size	Small in size
Mostly equipped with a drain valve	Has no drain valve
Filters large debris and grass clippings	Filters small debris and impurities
Slightly expensive	Cheaper

Best Oil Filter For Lawn Mower

Whether you are a professional landscaper or a dedicated homeowner, our selection of oil filters is selected to give your lawn mower engine boosted performance. Take a look at the list below:

1. Briggs & Stratton 2-1/4″ Standard Oil Filter

It’s hard to find a lawn owner who hasn’t heard the name “Briggs and Stratton.” This legendary small engine manufacturer offers OEM parts for their engines. And here, we have the Briggs & Stratton 2-1/4″ Standard Oil Filter for your lawn mower. 

Why have we chosen this product?

Big names have their own glorious stories. The same thing goes for Briggs and Stratton. This oil filter speaks for its maker and has drawn our attention due to its OEM standard, durability, easy installation, and above all, its value for money. 

How it Performs 

Nobody wants to get their lawn mower’s oil contaminated frequently. This is where oil filters come in. 

The Briggs & Stratton 2-1/4″ Standard oil filter will be worth every penny in terms of keeping the engine oil and the system away from debris, grass clippings, and other contaminants. 

The most noticeable fact about this oil filter is its fitment. As far as we have seen, almost all lawn mower owners are satisfied with how it fits their machine. 

It comes with the exact same mounting and O ring location This is the supremacy of OEM parts. And you’ll be glad to know that it takes just a couple of minutes for the installation. 

Moreover, we haven’t found any complaints regarding the clogging issue. This indeed highlights its build quality. Though rare, a few owners have reported leaking if the filter isn’t tightened properly. 

This complexity arises because the manufacturer strongly prohibits using any tool for tightening the filter. 

What we liked:

• Comes with exact mounting hardware and O ring
• Easy to install
• Greater build quality 
• Exceptionally lower price
• Superior performance 

What we didn’t like:

• The filter height is very short
• It can leak if not hand-tightened properly

2. John Deere AM125424 OEM Oil Filter 

Are you the proud owner of a John Deere lawn mower? If yes, the John Deere OEM Oil Filter would be your best bet. From the latest John Deere lawn mower models to the old ones, it will be a perfect solution to swap your outdated oil filter.

Why have we chosen this product?

We must admire the craftsmanship and construction of this oil filter. John Deere has implemented sophisticated technologies and materials even in this tiny component. The use of high-micron media paper and the base plate’s unique design has really charmed us. 

How it performs

Quality, construction, and design—all the facts work together in this oil filter to ensure optimal filtering performance. Especially the utilization of high-micron media paper helps block even the tiniest debris. 

Its filtration capacity becomes even more superior due to the multi-layer media paper. Well, in terms of safety and durability, John Deere has always led the industry. This product isn’t an exception at all. 

The inner cage is constructed with non-woven plastic, which gives you boosted filtering efficiency. Alongside, you’ll notice a metal cap on the upper. 

Hence, you get a filter that is more stable and protected from accidental tearing of the filtering material. Overall, the construction is quite satisfying. 

So, what about the fitment? As an OEM part manufacturer, John Deere guarantees the splendid fitment of its products. Thankfully, most John Deere lawn mower owners have praised its fitment in their machines.  

However, some consumers who own lawn mowers other than John Deere lawn mowers faced fitment issues. For example, sometimes it rubs against the plastic cowl. 

What we liked:

• Incredible filtering capability
• Superior construction
• OEM quality
• Excellent design 
• Long lifespan

What we didn’t like:

• Fitment issues while installing it in lawnmowers other than John Deere
• The price is slightly higher

3. Stens Kohler 52 050 02-S Engine Oil Filter

Do you know what engine is running inside your lawn mower? If it’s a 17-40 HP engine from Kohler, we have a special oil filter for you. 

Many world-renowned lawn mower brands, including Toro, Ariens, Craftsman, and Husqvarna, come with Kohler engines. Here, a Stens Oil Filter is picked to keep your engine oil fresh. 

Why have we chosen this product?

When it comes to aftermarket parts for agricultural equipment, Stens holds the distinction of being one of the market leaders. This is the first fact that motivated us to pick this one. 

Aside from its quality and reliability, it offers proper fitment on numerous lawn mower models. And this is the thing that sets it apart from OEM replacement parts. 

How it performs

As a professional landscaper, you might rely heavily on your equipment’s performance. In this aspect, the Stens Kohler 52 050 02-S Engine Oil Filter always shines. 

This oil filter is likely an authentic Kohler part and seems to be compatible with most late model Kohler small engines, including the slightly shorter black version. 

Many people have asked if it will fit their lawn mower, and the answer is yes. The only distinction between this filter and the black one sold by Kohler is the length, resulting in a slightly larger capacity and potentially a longer filtering lifespan. 

As a result, a slightly greater amount of oil may need to be utilized during application. In terms of compatibility, as long as there is sufficient physical space in your Kohler-powered mower for the yellow filter, you can use it regardless of whether your equipment originally came with the black filter. 

However, on the other hand, if you replace your filter annually or after each season of use and your equipment is only lightly or moderately used, using the black filter should be sufficient. 

What we liked;

• High-quality filtration
• Easy installation
• Precise engineering 
• Compatible with multiple models
• Affordable price

What we didn’t like:

• The filter housing may crack or develop leaks over time

4. Briggs & Stratton 696854 Oil Filter 

Another tremendous edition from the sought-after Briggs and Stratton. Here, we picked the Briggs & Stratton 696854 Oil Filter for you. 

This OEM replacement oil filter is a member of Briggs and Stratton’s Pro series. That means you’re getting into the premium segment of the brand. 

Why have we chosen this product?

Just like the previous one, we picked this one for the millions of owners who have Briggs & Stratton engines in their lawnmowers. 

You can’t think about something else when you have the opportunity to purchase the exact same oil filter as your previous one. Thanks to Briggs and Stratton for offering this OEM oil filter. 

How it performs

If you’ve got a Husqvarna lawn tractor with a Briggs and Stratton engine, then this upgraded OEM oil filter is just what you need. And guess what? It can also work as a direct replacement for the Simplicity Broadmoor 52 tractor with a 25hp B&S engine. 

There are three different versions of this filter – the standard one and the high efficiency longer life option (the yellow one). 

Remarkably, users have observed that when utilizing these filters during oil changes, the drained oil exhibits an impressive clarity of approximately 50 percent. 

In addition, numerous users have reported zero engine-related complications even after subjecting their machines to an extensive 80 hours of mowing sessions. 

This noteworthy track record exhibits the invaluable safeguarding capabilities of this highly effective oil filter.

What we liked:

• Genuine parts ensure proper fit
• comply with emissions regulations
• Excellent quality
• Easy to install
• Made in the USA

What we didn’t like:

• Tightening the filter becomes a bit difficult since using tools is prohibited.
• A bit pricey

5. Set of 2 KOHLER 12 050 01-S Engine Oil Filter

Except for budget issues, nothing can divert people from purchasing aftermarket replacement parts. You might have understood why we’re talking about this. 

Yes, Kohler also offers OEM parts for their engines. If you always seek the best and most authentic part, no matter how much it costs, this Set of 2 Kohler 12 050 01-S Engine Oil Filters is for you. 

Why have we chosen this product?

As we mentioned earlier, Kohler engines are fitted in several lawn mower models manufactured by different world-renowned brands. 

Besides, when it comes to getting the exact performance from the replacement filter, nothing can beat the OEM parts. Therefore, choosing a product made by Kohler itself is a sure bet. 

How it performs

Kohler vouches for this oil filter as the ideal choice in terms of fit and performance, so you won’t have to play any guessing games. 

Now, here’s the deal – it’s a tad bigger in diameter, which might make you raise an eyebrow at first, but fear not. It actually works perfectly fine in the end. 

In addition, that extra size makes finding an oil filter wrench a breeze. Just a friendly reminder – be sure to pour about half of your oil before installing it. It helps get things running smoothly after an oil change.

Honestly, we liked the plastic cover on top of the filter to protect it from debris before you put it in. This filter works like a charm with no problems at all. 

The only thing people are worried about is that if you live in a dusty place, you have to change it more often. 

But overall, this is hands down the cheapest option for anyone using these filters. They’re legit good filters that are super easy to install, not some crappy knockoffs.

What we liked:

• Outstanding filtration capability
• OEM standard replacement part
• Top-class construction
• Easy to install
• Includes 2 oil filters

What we didn’t like:

• Some users claimed these filters are shorter than OEM

FAQs

Still, does your curious mind want to know something more? Hold on; the following short FAQ section will give you some additional information you might be looking for. 

How long does a lawn mower oil filter last?

It depends on the type of engine, horsepower, use time, or pattern. However, on average, an oil filter lasts 50-100 hours of usage. Some experts also suggest changing the filter annually. 

Is it easy to change the lawn mower’s oil filter?

Yes, changing the oil filter on your lawn mower is one of the easiest maintenance jobs so far. You can do this by simply following a DIY guide or the user manual. 

What is oil filter capacity?

Oil filter capacity means its filtration or dirt-holding capacity. When you’re purchasing a new oil filter, check its capacity (usually expressed in grams). The larger a filter’s capacity, the better its filtration.