Regularly changing the oil on a John Deere mower or lawn tractor is a simple process that can elongate the life of your equipment, but before you get started, it’s important to have the right oil, filter, and tools for the project. At Papé Machinery, we’ve got you covered with a quick guide on everything you’ll need to get the job done from start to finish.
What Kind of Oil Does a Lawn Mower Take?
All John Deere mowers with gas engines take 10W30 oil. Any diesel mower engines will take 15W40 oil. You’ll need about two quarts of oil every time you do this service. As with any maintenance or repair, we recommend using genuine John Deere parts whenever possible for assured quality.
What Else Will You Need?
To complete an oil change on your John Deere mower, you’ll need just a few other things besides the right kind of engine oil.
- A John Deere oil filter for your mower model
- An oil pan
- Paper towels or shop rags
You’ll also need to find a place to safely dispose of the old oil once you’re finished. Most auto parts stores and service centers will recycle it for free if you bring it in.
How Often Should You Change the Oil?
Recommended service intervals can vary from model to model, ranging anywhere from 50-100 hours, but it’s generally a good idea to complete a tune-up service once a year at minimum.
To find the specific hour recommendations for your riding mower, check the service sticker under the hood. It should look like one of the following:
Looking for a quick guide on the oil change process for your John Deere Lawn Tractor? Check out the official How-To video from John Deere below, where they showcase the process on a John Deere D100. This task should be relative across all models made since 2016 but may have slight variations depending on the series.
Have more questions about riding lawn mower maintenance? We’re here to keep you moving. Contact the service department at your nearest John Deere dealer, Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf, to speak with a John Deere equipment expert about your mower or for help finding the right parts for your model.