How to Change the Oil Filter in a Riding Lawn Tractor
Your lawn tractor will need its oil changed just like your passenger vehicle does. The oil is changed based on a number of hours operated rather than miles. Part of this process involves changing the oil filter. The oil filter is very important because it collects dirt and debris that tries to mix with the oil.
Things You’ll Need:
- Oil filter
- Filter wrench
- Jack
- Jack stands
- New Oil
- Wrench
- Oil Bucket
- Jack the mower up with a small jack. Place jack stands, cinder blocks or large pieces of wood for extra support. Make sure you jack the mower up by the frame so it's safe and sturdy. You shouldn't need to jack the mower up real high, just enough to reach the oil pan and filter.
- Place an oil bucket underneath the drain pan. The location of your oil pan and filter will vary by lawn mower model. Refer to your owner’s manual or talk with a local expert about exact location. Unscrew the nut on the oil pan to let the oil drain out. It will be impossible to get all the oil out of the pan. Most should drain out in a few minutes. This is very important because there will be oil in the filter that needs to be drained out as well.
- Unscrew the filter with your hands or a special wrench. Filter wrenches should be easily found in hardware stores. Place the old oil filter in the drain bucket with the used oil.
- Place a new filter on the mower. Make sure to pour a little oil in the filter and also spread a little around the gasket for a lubricant.
- Screw drain plug back into the pan. Lower the mower from the jack stands and pour new oil into the motor. The amount of oil your motor needs will also vary by each model.