How Do I Change the Oil in My Lawn Mower?

Do I Need to Change the Oil in My Lawn Mower?

As is the case with any piece of equipment, taking steps to maintain a lawn mower is crucial to ensuring it operates smoothly for years to come. This includes checking a major item off the maintenance checklist: Changing the oil.

How to Change Lawn Mower Oil

While performing an oil change for the first time can seem intimidating, it can actually be quite simple if operators follow the steps below.

1. Start by running the engine for 1-2 minutes to warm up the oil and help it drain easier.

2. Next, ensure the lawn tractor is parked on firm ground. The parking brake should be set and the mower deck should be lowered before the key is removed from the ignition.

3. Place a drain pan underneath the engine’s oil plug and begin to drain the oil; operators should take extra care during this step as the oil has a tendency to be very hot.

4. Loosen the dipstick to increase oil flow until it is drained out of the engine; this can take a few minutes.

5. Close the drain plug and move the drain pan beneath the oil filter.

6. Remove the oil filter, either by hand or using a wrench, by turning it counterclockwise.

7. Drain the oil out of the filter and dispose of it properly. Then, use a clean rag or shop towel to remove dirt or old oil from the filter area.

8. Put a few drops of clean oil onto the rubber gasket of the new oil filter, spin the filter onto the engine, and turn until the gasket comes into contact with the engine. Then, tighten the filter a half turn by hand.

9. Add new oil to the engine.

10. Next, secure the dipstick and oil fill cap and run the engine momentarily to pump oil into the new filter.

11. Finally, check for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. Be sure to check the oil level, as well, to make sure that it is not overfilled.

Leveraging the John Deere Easy Change 30-Second Oil Change System

For those that would like the process of changing their lawn mower’s oil to be as quick as possible, John Deere developed the Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System, which is available on 100 Series Riding Lawn Tractors. This system allows customers to change the oil on their machinery by twisting on a new cartridge that contains both the oil and the filter, removing the need for engine oil drainage.

When using this system, operators should follow the below steps:

1. Before anything, read all of the safety information that comes with their equipment and make sure you understand signal words (i.e., danger, warning, caution).

2. Next, ensure the lawn tractor is parked on firm ground. The parking brake should be set and the mower deck should be lowered before the key is removed from the ignition.

3. Make sure the engine on the machine is cool before opening the hood and disconnecting the spark plug wire.

4. Remove the John Deere Easy Change oil filter from the box and write the service date and hours on the new filter before installing it. Then, take off the rubber cap.

5. Detach the existing filter by pushing and rotating the canister 90 degrees counterclockwise. Once it’s loose, turn it upright.

6. To install the new canister, line up the lock symbol on the canister with the unlock symbol on the engine. Then, turn the canister 90 degrees clockwise and listen for a clicking sound to verify the symbols are properly aligned.

7. Once the canister is fully installed, check the oil level using the dipstick and add oil if necessary.

8. Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire and run the machine on idle to check for any leaks.

For more information regarding John Deere lawn care equipment and attachments, contact your local John Deere dealer.

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