Whether you own a John Deere tractor or a John Deere zero turn rider, your mower works hard season after season, leaving you with a well-manicured lawn. In order to keep your John Deere performing like new, regular maintenance, which includes oil changes, is required. The oil in your machine should be checked before each use and changed at least once a year. Continue reading for our step-by-step oil change guide.
Before performing any maintenance on your John Deere, refer to your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance and safety information. Maintenance instructions vary by model, so depending on your riding lawn mower model our instructions may vary slightly. Check your owner’s manual to get instructions specific to your model, including information about the recommended oil type.
Begin by parking your mower on a flat, level surface. Run the engine to warm it, then remove the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Start by running the engine for a minute or two. This will warm up the oil in your machine so it will drain easier. Place a drain pan under the engine’s oil plug and start draining the oil. Be careful because the oil can be very hot.
Once the oil has drained completely, close the drain plug and move the drain pan under the oil filter. Turn counterclockwise to remove the oil filter. Use a wrench if the filter is too tight to loosen by hand. Drain the oil out of the filter and dispose of it properly.
Use a rag to remove any old oil, dirt, or other debris from the oil filter area. Place a few drops of clean oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter and then replace the filter. Turn until you feel the gasket contact the engine. Then tighten the filter a half turn by hand.
Add the new oil to the engine. Use the oil recommended by the engine manufacturer and fill to the recommended levels. Replace the dip stick and check the engine oil levels. Never overfill.
Reconnect the spark plug wire on your John Deere riding lawn mower.
Use our illustrated parts diagrams to locate any replacement parts you may need for maintenance on your John Deere riding lawn mower.
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Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
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