Best way to change oil

[VeeDubb]

I bought a Troy-Bilt mower with a 6.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. I'll be changing out the break-in oil for the first time and am wondering what the best way to change the oil is. There seems to drain plugs on the bottom and on the side. Owner's manual also mentions that you can drain from the fill hole. It's not very clear though. I'm thinking that the easiest way is just to tip the mower on the side and drain from the fill hole. Using the drain plugs would be too sloppy and cumbersome because of lack of clearance.

Any thoughts or advise on this? Thanks!

 

[BeltwayBandit]

I have a Troy-Bilt Tuff Cut 210. I used the tip and drain procedure. It seemed to get most of the oil out and was pretty quick. I've only done it once, in April, and I don't remember that it was particularly messy to do it this way.

Good luck.

 

[sbc350gearhead]

I cut the bottom off of a gallon jug. It only needs to be about 5 inches tall. Place something under the front of the mower as a jackstand, and position the jug under the drainhole. Make sure the blades are not in the stream of oil. If you do it right, it is mess free.

I find it easier to place the mower on a picnic table.

 

[cryptokid]

yes, a picknick table works great. i have a workbench which is basically an old picnic table that i cut a 8 inch hole into just for changing the oil in things like mowers and tillers.

 

[VeeDubb]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm walking out to the garage right after this post to change the oil. I'll try the bottom drain method if I can find something to prop the mower on. If not, I'll do the tip and drain.

 

[tmorris1]

I set mine on a couple saw horses and drain it.

 

[MolaKule]

quote:

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yes, a picknick table works great. i have a workbench which is basically an old picnic table that i cut a 8 inch hole into just for changing the oil in things like mowers and tillers.

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My grandfather used the seats from a "2-holer" outhouse!