Annual oil change(s) for BX irregardless of hours

[snpower]

Guys,

I'm taking more of an interest in the science behind lubricants and trying to be more consistent with my small engines. I was wondering if many of you changed oil annually in your tractors even if you are way under the OCI. For my BX2360 the next one is due at 200 hours; I've only put 50 on since my first one. The tractor is sitting for the most part right now, and won't really get much use again at least until spring. I used Kubota oil the first time around but am investigating alternatives right now for the next one.

For my small engines I've decided to do them all in the fall, as they typically see close to 0 hours all winter long.

 

[bp fick]

An oil change in a lawn mower or walk behind tiller consists of about quart of oil. That's it. $3. Yes, I change them every fall.

For a lawn tractor, the oil change consists of almost 2 quarts of oil and a specialty oil filter. In spite of the slightly increased cost, yes, I change it every fall. The cost is still under $10 and in the desire to not be forgetful, yes, every fall. New lawn tractors aren't cheap, but an oil change is.

Kubota compact tractor. 3 or 4 quarts of oil and a relatively inexpensive oil filter. The cost is less than $20. So, surely the expense cannot be a huge dissuading factor. That it takes less than 10 minutes of one's time cannot also be much of a factor either. Degree of difficulty is almost nil.

Do any of them NEED this annual maintenance? Don't know.
Do they all get this maintenance? Yup.

That's just me.

 

[bp fick]

An Addendum:

My roto-tiller is 21 years old,
push mower is 13 years old,
lawn tractor is 8 years old.

The frequency of oil changes was not the only factor and likely one of the least important factors in their longevity and performance. Regular spark plugs, greasing, carb cleaning, AIR FILTERS, fuel filters and so forth are vital and simply cannot be over-looked if one desires to do quality maintenance with an eye on longevity and top performance.

More frequent oil changes isn't likely necessary, but over all timely maintenance is vital.

 

[Toyboy]

I do mine in the fall when changing from grass to snow blower. I usually run up 70 to 90 hours a year and could go longer but it's part of my fall ritual. Same thing goes for the 3 cars too. That way I don't have to mess with oil changes in the winter.

 

[von-mil]

On my B, the oil gets changed twice a year - spring and fall. The oil filter gets replaced every other oil change. The hour meter is nowhere near the suggested scheduled amount, but I think it's best to change oil frequently. If for nothing else, it gets you under your tractor for the usually neglected visual inspection.

 

[tractchores]

I change everything in the fall. Oil picks up contaminants as the motor is run and when something sits in storage its a good idea to have clean oil to reduce the risk of internal corrosion etc. I store a car, 2 boat motors, a few lawn mowers a small tractor, a generator and a few other assorted items through the winter with very little use. Taking half a day to change the oil in everything and at the same time topping off with fresh fuel, checking tire pressures, cleaning and putting in fuel stabilizer works well for me. Interestingly enough I find that my older equipment (much is from the mid 80's) is fine with that and can sit however long with no issues, my newer equipment seems to get issues just sitting a few months even when properly prepped.

 

[vabiker23518]

I'm with you guys. ALL of my small engine machines (lawnmowers, tiller, power washer and tractor) get annual oil changes whether they need it or not! Believe thats why I have a 20 year old lawnmower and 22 year old tiller!

 

[dodge man]

I'm going to go against the trend here. I'm running Amsoil in my small engines and my Kubota BX. I'm trying to go by the hours on my Kubota, but it may get to be a long enough time that I will change it early. I will go longer than a year on my Kubota, but I don't want to go much over 18 months.

Like others have said, its pretty cheap on these smaller engines, but for me it more of a time factor. It takes me longer than 10 minutes to change the oil in my Kubota, more like a 1/2 hour. You mutiply that by all the small engines I have and the 4 vehicles I maintain, and its just not worth it to change it more often than needed.

One thing I did do, is start a small book and I write down when I change the oil in my small engines. I keep one of these books in all my vehicles also. I realized I had no idea when I had changed the oil in my small engines.

 

[Diamondpilot]

On stuff like this I give them annual oil changes no matter what. On a tractor, car, or boat that has not hit the change interval I change the oil every 12 months just for piece of mind.

Chris

 

[bp fick]

I'm going to go against the trend here. I'm running Amsoil in my small engines and my Kubota BX. I'm trying to go by the hours on my Kubota, but it may get to be a long enough time that I will change it early. I will go longer than a year on my Kubota, but I don't want to go much over 18 months.

Like others have said, its pretty cheap on these smaller engines, but for me it more of a time factor. It takes me longer than 10 minutes to change the oil in my Kubota, more like a 1/2 hour. You mutiply that by all the small engines I have and the 4 vehicles I maintain, and its just not worth it to change it more often than needed.

One thing I did do, is start a small book and I write down when I change the oil in my small engines. I keep one of these books in all my vehicles also. I realized I had no idea when I had changed the oil in my small engines.

If I had sprung for Amsoil, I'd likely extend my intervals too. But I don't, so I don't. :laughing:

Yup, having all this equipment "out of sequence" on the calendar is a huge pain, and this is how some things can get neglected, at least with my memory. Either do them every fall, or keep a log, such as Dodge Man suggests. Shoot, I'd misplace the log, given half a chance. Where'd I put that pencil, even!