How to Change the Oil in a 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.

DO I NEED TO CHANGE THE OIL IN MY LAWN MOWER?

Simply put, yes. Changing the oil regularly on your lawn mower ensures the longevity of your engine and top performance of your mower. Regular oil changes also help to maintain proper lubrication of the engine, while also improving cleanliness, helping with engine cooling, and prolonging the lifespan of your mower.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE OIL IN MY LAWN MOWER?

Users should change the oil in their lawn mower after 25 hours of use, or at least once a year. That said, different models and manufacturers may recommend different times, so it’s always best to reference your owners manual.

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. Here is what you need to do to successfully change lawn mower oil.

1. Run the Engine

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

2. Park the Lawn Tractor

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 Drain Pan Underneath Engine Oil Plug

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

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

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

6. Remove the Oil Filter

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

7. Drain the Oil Out of the Filter

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. Clean Rubber Gasket

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. Replace Oil

Add new oil to the engine.

10. Secure the Dipstick and Oil Fill Cap

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

11. Check for Leaks

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.

How to Change Oil with John Deere Easy Change

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. Read Safety Information

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. Ensure Tractor is Parked

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 Engine is Cool

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

4. Unbox John Deere Easy Change

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

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

6. Install the New Canister

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. Check the Oil Level

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

8. Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire

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

HOW MUCH OIL DO I PUT IN MY LAWN MOWER?

The amount of oil you should put in your lawn mower heavily depends on the engine size and specific model of your lawn mower. If you are unsure, it’s best to reference the owner's manual provided by the dealer or manufacturer to find out the correct amount of oil needed for your lawn mower.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRAIN OIL FROM LAWN MOWER?

Draining the oil from a lawn mower typically takes around 1 minute.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I PUT TOO MUCH OIL IN THE ENGINE?

If you overfill your engine with oil, the oil will begin to foam when the engine is running. In addition, oil will not lubricate the engine properly, which can cause potential engine failure.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Changing the oil in your lawn mower is a simple yet essential task to ensure peak performance and longevity of your engine. Be sure to check your oil level regularly and follow your operator's manual to be sure you are maintaining and changing the oil on your lawn mower correctly to the specific make and manufacturer of your equipment. For more information regarding John Deere lawn care equipment and attachments, contact your local John Deere dealer.

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