Drainig the oil

[Margarinefingers]

I asked the previous owner about the last time this tractor had its oil changed, he said a few months ago, but I'm not buying it, so I'll replace the oil myself. He did said something that got me confused and that's that I'll need to tip the tractor to drain the oil. I'd like to think I'm not stupid about these kinds of things, but I've never owned something like this, so what's up with that?

 

[johndeerlybeloved]

You really don't need to tip it over. Most tractors come with a drain plug located at the bottom of the engine, just take that out and let the oil drain out. Just be sure it's on level ground.

 

[Xylum]

No shame here, it's not stupidity, it's tractor math! Some tractors have tricky sump designs, so tipping slightly or using ramps helps get every last drop of old oil. Safety first, though, you can use blocks and chocks, not hope and gravity

 

[giancarlo_89]

You're not crazy, my brother has a John Deere LA135, and we've never had to tip it to drain the oil. I agree with the comments above, there's a proper drain valve on the side of the engine block, usually with a plastic cap or hose. Just park it level, let it cool, and crack that valve open. Tipping might've been someone's workaround, but it's definitely not standard practice.

 

[richardSOn]

You can even use an oil extractor pump

 

[DirtDozer]

I asked the previous owner about the last time this tractor had its oil changed, he said a few months ago, but I'm not buying it, so I'll replace the oil myself. He did said something that got me confused and that's that I'll need to tip the tractor to drain the oil. I'd like to think I'm not stupid about these kinds of things, but I've never owned something like this, so what's up with that?

I agree with the others, don't sweat it! There's a first time for everything, and it's always better to be safe than sorry with these things. The previous owner is probably right, especially if it's an older model. A lot of the older tractors, especially some of the smaller ones, were built without a drain plug on the oil pan. Tipping the tractor is one way to do it, but that's a bit sketchy and I wouldn't recommend it. Some guys would jack the front end up to get it to drain, but you'd still leave some of the old gunk in there, so the best way to do it is to get a suction pump. It's a hand pump with a tube that you stick down the dipstick hole and suck the oil out that way. You can get a decent one for cheap at most auto parts stores. It's cleaner, safer, and gets more of the old oil out!

 

[Papayak1ng]

You really don't need to tip it over. Most tractors come with a drain plug located at the bottom of the engine, just take that out and let the oil drain out. Just be sure it's on level ground.

yep, you're right, that's a seriously dangerous idea. You absolutely don't need to tip the tractor over.
Just find the drain plug, it's usually a big bolt on the bottom of the engine's oil pan. Before you take it out, make sure to run the engine for a few minutes to get the oil warm.
It'll flow out much better and carry all the junk with it. And don't forget the most important part, always swap in a new filter at the same time.

 

[deere_doc]

He did said something that got me confused and that's that I'll need to tip the tractor to drain the oil.

Yeah, you should've asked for a real demo, haha! Almost all machines have drain plugs at the bottom.