Oil change question

[DLAWNS]

I have an odd question. I was changing the oil today on my truck, truck loader, and mowers. Everything is easy and it gets done quickly and easily. I have one problem though. When we change the oil on my Exmark Metro 32" walk behind, there is nowhere for the oil to go when draining it. Under the plug is a hole in the metal, but when you pull the plug the oil just gets everywhere. We have tried funnels, folding cardboard (to run oil away from the mower), tipping the mower, but it always makes a mess. Any advice on this?

[AmsoilPower]

Get yourself an oil drain extension. That is the only way you won't make a mess.

[CrystalCreek]

Posting a pic would help, but if it is like my Scags, than they are a PITA!!! I found that a Drywall spakle trouf fits perfectly between the axle and the bottom of the engine deck. I then slowly open the plug and while holding it with my hand, tilt it to the side. This lets some oil out, but not all at once. Once the draining is done, close the drain plug and then remove the oil filter and watch the oil spill everywhere:realmad::realmad::realmad: I think the manufactures of these mowers are desendents of the devil, and enjoy watching us suffer. I know I keep my mowers spotless. NO OIL ON THE DECKS:hammerhead: I will try and get some pics.

I have gotten in the habit of changing the oil just before washing. Its easier to clean it afterwards.

[DLAWNS]

Posting a pic would help, but if it is like my Scags, than they are a PITA!!! I found that a Drywall spakle trouf fits perfectly between the axle and the bottom of the engine deck. I then slowly open the plug and while holding it with my hand, tilt it to the side. This lets some oil out, but not all at once. Once the draining is done, close the drain plug and then remove the oil filter and watch the oil spill everywhere:realmad::realmad::realmad: I think the manufactures of these mowers are desendents of the devil, and enjoy watching us suffer. I know I keep my mowers spotless. NO OIL ON THE DECKS:hammerhead: I will try and get some pics.

I have gotten in the habit of changing the oil just before washing. Its easier to clean it afterwards.

Hoyt---I didn't forget you. I had to use my old stash of oil and I will be talking to you about your product soon. Thanks for the advice. I will see if I can get one for my mower from my dealer.

Jared--Thanks for the advice. I'll try your way. I hate making a mess on my mowers. I am now in the habit of doing all maintenance and then cleaning them.

[Lawn Freak]

Get yourself an oil drain extension. That is the only way you won't make a mess.

Exactly what I was thinking. Did that on my Husqvarna and it worked out great.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

My Toro's came with a valve screwed into the drain hole that you'd just hook a 16" piece of rubber hose onto. Then the hose can drip right into your catch pan without getting so much as a single drop on the mower.

[LawnTamer]

My Toro's came with a valve screwed into the drain hole that you'd just hook a 16" piece of rubber hose onto. Then the hose can drip right into your catch pan without getting so much as a single drop on the mower.

I retro fitted my Toros with that same valve style plug, and just use a rubber hose, wasn't expensive and it makes changing the oil much easier.

[DLAWNS]

I retro fitted my Toros with that same valve style plug, and just use a rubber hose, wasn't expensive and it makes changing the oil much easier.

Thanks Whoopass and LawnTamer...my Toro has the same valve style plug. I'm going to have to get one or set something up on my Exmark. Thanks again guys!

[topsites]

I take an empty oil bottle and cut one side of it off leaving like a flat tray
with sides, and leave the opening on it, then you have yourself a perfect
little do-hicky to slide under that opening and drain.

Should look a little like a miniature version of those transmission drain pans,
except you want to cut it with much lower sides so it fits.

Also a 2-3 foot rubber hose works on some, if it fits on the opening.

[lifetree]

Get yourself an oil drain extension. That is the only way you won't make a mess.

Alas, common sense returns !!

[DLAWNS]

Alas, common sense returns !!

My common sense is just fine...I asked my dealer a while ago if I could get something like this and we both put it on the back burner and I really never got an answer.:dizzy: Thanks to everyone else, though for the constructive advice!:)

[CaptPat]

My Toro's came with a valve screwed into the drain hole that you'd just hook a 16" piece of rubber hose onto. Then the hose can drip right into your catch pan without getting so much as a single drop on the mower.

Not to take the thread too far off track but I've got one of these on my Toro, which I recently bought used, so how does one get the valve to open?:confused:

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

Not to take the thread too far off track but I've got one of these on my Toro, which I recently bought used, so how does one get the valve to open?:confused:

First, attach your hose to the end. Then press in on the black plastic portion GENTLY. Rotate (I think counterclockwise) a quarter of a turn. Pull out about 1/2".

[CaptPat]

Thanks:dancing: