Do you need to drain oil on a John Deere Easy Change?

John Deere Easy Change oil change systems allow homeowners and landowners to easily change the engine oil on their John Deere equipment without needing to drain the old oil first. This innovative system uses an extractor tube to remove oil through the dipstick tube, eliminating the need to get under the machine to drain oil from the bottom.

While this system makes changing oil quicker and cleaner, some users may still be wondering if they need to drain the old oil on a John Deere Easy Change system or if the extractor tube removes all the old oil sufficiently. Below we’ll look at how the Easy Change system works, when you’d need to drain oil manually, and tips for getting the most out of your John Deere Easy Change oil changer.

How Does the John Deere Easy Change System Work?

The John Deere Easy Change oil change system allows you to remove used engine oil through the engine’s dipstick tube so you don’t have to drain oil from underneath the mower or tractor. Here are the key steps to using an Easy Change system:

Step 1: Remove the Dipstick

Start by removing the yellow dipstick handle from the tube and set it aside. This allows you to attach the Easy Change extractor tube in the next step.

Step 2: Attach Extraction Tube

Attach the threaded end of the extractor tube to the dipstick tube where you removed the dipstick. Make sure it’s on securely.

Step 3: Attach Collection Bottle

Attach the collection bottle to the bottom of the extractor tube. This bottle will collect the used oil as it is extracted from the engine.

Step 4: Open Vent Cap

Open the vent cap on the extractor tube. This allows air flow so the oil can be drawn out.

Step 5: Pump Handle

Use the pump handle on the extractor tube to draw the oil out through the dipstick tube. Pump it up and down about 10-15 times until the oil stops flowing out.

Step 6: Pour in New Oil

Remove the extractor tube and pour your new oil into the dipstick tube using the required amount and type of oil according to your mower’s manual.

Step 7: Replace Dipstick

Replace the dipstick when finished and check oil level. Then you’re all done with no need to drain old oil!

When Should You Manually Drain the Oil?

In most cases, the John Deere Easy Change system will remove the old oil from your engine without needing to manually drain it from underneath. However, there are some scenarios where you may want to drain the leftover oil from the bottom:

Changing Oil for the First Time

If you’re using the Easy Change system for the very first time, it’s a good idea to fully drain the previous oil from underneath before extracting through the dipstick tube. This ensures you get all the old oil out when transitioning to the new system.

Very Dirty Oil

If your oil is extremely dirty or sludgy, the extractor may not fully remove all the thick oil from below. Draining it first ensures you get it all out.

Oil Has Been Sitting for Awhile

Similarly, if the oil has been sitting for a long time between changes, it can build up sludge that the extractor won’t remove. Manually draining first is recommended.

Extractor isn’t Pulling Oil

In some cases, the extractor pump may not be working properly and fail to pull old oil through the tube. Draining the old oil manually ensures you can still complete the oil change.

Doing a Complete Oil Flush

If you want to do a complete oil flush of the engine, you’ll need to drain all oil from underneath before adding new oil. The extractor won’t completely flush out all old oil on its own.

Tips for Using the John Deere Easy Change Oil System

Follow these tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of the John Deere Easy Change oil extractor and properly maintaining your engine:

– Only use the Easy Change extractor tube on recommended John Deere equipment – don’t use it in other small engines or vehicles.

– Make sure the extractor tube is screwed in tightly before operating the pump handle.

– Pump the handle slowly and smoothly – don’t force it. If it’s too hard to operate, the oil may be too thick.

– Extract around 10-15 pumps worth of oil until it stops flowing out the tube. Don’t overdo it.

– Check your equipment manual for the correct oil type and amount to refill after extracting the old oil.

– Dispose of used oil properly – don’t just dump it on the ground. Many auto parts stores recycle used oil.

– Remember to replace the yellow dipstick once the oil change is complete.

– Change oil at regular intervals as directed in your mower or tractor manual. Don’t wait too long between changes.

– Consider draining from underneath if oil is very dirty, thick, or hasn’t been changed in a very long time.

Can You Manually Drain Oil on John Deere Easy Change Equipment?

Yes, you can still manually drain the oil the traditional way on John Deere mowers, tractors and other equipment that use the Easy Change system if needed or preferred.

The equipment will have both a standard oil drain plug or bolt on the bottom as well as the dipstick tube that the Easy Change extractor attaches to.

So if you need to fully drain the oil, wish to do a complete flush, or the extractor system isn’t working properly, simply use your oil drain pan to catch oil from the drain plug underneath just like you would on any standard oil change.

The Easy Change system provides an extractor as an option for quicker no-mess oil changes, but it doesn’t prevent you from manually draining when required. Both options work fine.

Can You Flush Oil on a John Deere Easy Change System?

Flushing old oil from the engine can be beneficial to fully clean out sludge and deposits. While the John Deere Easy Change extractor does a good job removing old oil, it doesn’t provide a complete flush of the system on its own.

To flush the oil system on John Deere Easy Change equipment:

Step 1: Drain Old Oil

Start by fully draining the old oil from the drain plug underneath the mower or tractor. This ensures you get out all the old oil that may have built up sludge.

Step 2: Add Flushing Agent

Add a recommended flushing agent like John Deere Engine Flush through the oil fill cap. This helps clean any deposits from inside the engine.

Step 3: Run Engine

Start and run the engine for a short time to circulate the flushing agent and break up sludge.

Step 4: Drain Flushing Agent

Drain the engine flush containing dissolved sludge back out through the drain plug into your oil pan.

Step 5: Add New Oil

Refill with new oil through the dipstick tube as normal. This fully flushes old oil and deposits out of the engine.

Follow any additional flushing instructions provided for your specific John Deere equipment. Flushing the system periodically helps remove built-up gunk and maintains optimal engine performance.

How Often Should You Change Oil on John Deere Easy Change?

John Deere recommends changing engine oil at the following intervals on equipment with Easy Change oil change systems:

Lawn Mowers

Mower Usage	Oil Change Interval
Less than 50 hours annually	Every year
Over 50 hours annually	Every 50 hours of operation

Utility Vehicles

Vehicle Type	Oil Change Interval
Gators	Every 100 hours of operation
Compact Tractors	Every 150 hours of operation

Other Equipment

For other John Deere equipment, follow the oil change intervals listed in the operator’s manual. Intervals vary based on engine type and usage.

Changing oil regularly is important to avoid buildup of sludge over time. Use the Easy Change system for quick, clean oil changes but don’t delay swaps longer than the recommended interval.

Can You Use the John Deere Easy Change on Other Brands?

The John Deere Easy Change oil change system is designed specifically for John Deere engines in their lawn mowers, utility vehicles, and other equipment. It should not be used on other non-John Deere small engines.

Using the Easy Change extractor on other brands than John Deere can result in the following issues:

Incorrect Dipstick Fit

The threaded extractor tube may not properly fit into the dipstick tubes of other engines. It’s made to securely fit John Deere dipstick sizes and locations.

Improper Oil Drainage

On non-John Deere engines, the Easy Change may fail to extract all the used oil from below making the oil change incomplete.

Engine Damage

Using the wrong oil type or amount when refilling oil into a non-John Deere engine can cause engine problems or failure over time.

Voiding Warranty

On a new engine, improper maintenance like using the wrong tools or fluids could potentially void the engine warranty from the manufacturer.

Overall, it’s not recommended to use the John Deere extractor tube and collection system on equipment from other brands. Stick with the approved John Deere products to avoid issues and make sure your oil changes are completed properly.

Conclusion

The John Deere Easy Change oil change system provides a quick, clean method of changing engine oil without needing to manually drain it from underneath most equipment. Simply use the extractor tube to pull old oil through the dipstick then refill with new oil.

While draining oil is not required in most scenarios when using the Easy Change, manually draining first may be recommended when doing initial installation, dealing with thicker sludge-filled oil, or wanting to fully flush the system.

Be sure to still change oil at regular intervals per the engine manual to keep your John Deere mower, tractor or utility vehicle running optimally. Proper maintenance is key for performance and longevity.