Oil and Filter Changes for Tractors

Introduction

All four-stroke petrol or diesel engines require regular oil changes to protect the engine from wear. As the engine works, contaminants and the residues of combustion build up in the

sump. This residue causes wear to the moving parts of the engine. This is removed when the oil is drained and renewed. Always consult the owners/operators manual before carrying out any maintenance procedures on any vehicles. The manual will indicate recommended

change periods and type of oil and filter to be used. It may also suggest the best procedure to follow to change the oil and filter safely.

What You Need

• Operator’s manual.
• Ring spanner or socket wrench to fit the sump plug. These are the only tools that should be used to loosen or tighten a sump plug because sump plugs are made of a softer metal to help with sealing the sump. If an open ended or adjustable wrench is used this may damage the sump plug nut.
• Filter wrench or socket wrench to loosen the filter.
• Oil and oil filter to the correct specifications.
• Container for catching drained oil.
• Lint-free cleaning rags.

  Remove the drain plug and drain the oil into a container

Before you start an oil change

Warm up the oil in the tractor by running the motor for five minutes or longer. This helps pick up contaminants from the sump, which may have settled. Warming the oil also lets the oil run more smoothly and quickly from the sump.

WARNING: The oil will be very hot if the motor has been running for a long period.

Check that there is sufficient oil and enough filters to complete the task. It is better to run the tractor with the old oil for a few more hours than to find you have no new oil after draining the old oil. Park the tractor safely on a level surface, out of gear and with the hand brake on, the used oil can only drain out completely if the tractor is parked on a level surface and you’ll get an incorrect dip stick reading if you refill the oil when the tractor is not level.

WARNING: If the tractor is not parked in a safe manner it may move when you are underneath, death or injury may occur.

Changing the oil

Remove the drain plug and drain the engine oil into a container, when all the oil is drained from the sump, replace the drain plug and clean the area around the dip stick and fill points. Remove the filter and replace it, carefully tighten the oil filter; over tightening damages the seal and causes oil to leak from the motor. Refill the sump with new oil to the correct level; over filling with oil may cause damage to the motor, check the level on the dipstick as you replace the oil to avoid overfilling.
Start the engine, after the engine has been run for a short period of time, check the oil level again because the oil filter will now be charged with some of the oil. Check the warning lights or gauges for the correct oil pressure, check for leaks.
Recycle the used oil or dispose of it and the oil filter in an environmentally responsible manner. Remove and store all tools. Wash your hands, chemical additives in the oil may cause dermatitis or irritate your skin.

Working Safely

In addition to the general safety precautions:

• Wear appropriate clothing for the job.
• Make sure the tractor is parked in a safe manner on a level surface with the hand brake engaged and out of gear.
• Don’t change the oil when the engine is very hot; hot oil burns.
• Have rags or cloth on hand to wipe up any oil spills immediately; oil makes surfaces slippery and dangerous.

  Use the dipstick to check the oil level as you fill

Notes on filters

There are two basic types of oil filter used on tractor motors.

The most commonly used on modern tractors are the canister types. The canister filter is screwed onto the side of the motor. Take care not to over tighten the filter and moisten the rubber seal with a smear of engine oil before fitting.

Older tractors may have a cartridge type filter. These filters are inserted inside a filter housing which is removed for accessing and changing the filter. You need to clean the filter housing with a lint free cloth and check the seals.

Notes on oil grades

Select oil viscosity with sufficiently low viscosity to permit cold starting and with sufficiently high viscosity to provide a proper lubrication under full load working conditions.

Note: Modern Multipurpose oil will cover different oil grades when used in different parts of the tractor.

WARNING: Using the incorrect grade of oil in a tractor causes internal motor, gearbox or hydraulic damage.

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