E170- Bye-Bye Easy Change oil setup

[MarkPalmer]

The more I researched the Easy Change oil system on my new JD E170, the more I realized it's a bad idea, at least for me. It wasn't a selling point when I bought the mower. I understand why they use it, and why some might like it. But only changing out a third of the oil capacity at $40.00 a pop, well, I had to say no to that. I apologize if this has been posted before, but the official John Deere Easy Change delete kit is available here:

John Deere Easy Change Conversion Kit - AUC12916-KIT

The cost of the conversion to standard oil change setup including the 2 quarts of oil and a filter in the kit is $15.00 less than the cost of an Easy Change kit. On she goes. Will not void warranty as it's from John Deere.

-Mark-

 

[tomplum]

Good deal!

 

[ruffdog]

I never heard of the EASY Change system so I had to watch a video. Good Grief! I would never buy something like this. It is WAY too "big-box-store-ish".

 

[beenthere]

Prolly for many a person, having no-mess oil changing convenience is ideal.. In this day of "you can't", like get rid of old oil when it ends up in the drain pan, this "Easy-Change" is just the ticket.
But many more of us wouldn't even think about it.

 

[jgayman]

Prolly for many a person, having no-mess oil changing convenience is ideal.. In this day of "you can't", like get rid of old oil when it ends up in the drain pan, this "Easy-Change" is just the ticket.
But many more of us wouldn't even think about it.

Right... be sure to unplug those spark plug wires before changing oil. We've all been there... having that engine unexpectedly fire itself up right in the middle of an oil change! :-(

I also like how they tell you to "add oil if necessary" after performing the EZ Change oil change. Huh? Doesn't that defeat the "Easy" part for most folks?

 

[jaxs]

It has been said that you can sell a turd if you polish it. That thing should win the polished turd award.

 

[beenthere]

Suspect the "add oil" if necessary, is for an engine that uses or "burns" some oil.

It's a gimmick.. that just may be what helps sell some more Deere lawn tractors... works for me..

Will make some of the non-Deere people more green with envy..

 

[jgayman]

Adding oil as needed on the top side is easier than draining it from underneath the machine.
Besides, you're going to periodically replace any oil that is burnt during operation.
It will be interesting to see if this "feature" continues for any length of time.

Most if not all of these engines have drains on the side. A lot of them now days don't even require tools as the drain tube just has a screw-on cap. It can still be a little messy changing the filter. I know some of these small engines can burn oil but I guess I've been pretty lucky. I've had three different JD tractors with Kawasaki engines and a Ariens with a B&S engine and I never needed to add a drop to any of them. Heck, I even run 5W-30 synthetic in the Ariens during the summer and it never burns a drop.

 

[jgayman]

So what does one do with an old oil filter full of oil?

I think JD wants you to drop off the old filter at the dealer. Which can be a PITA depending on how close your dealer is.

 

[ruffdog]

I'm just thinking that this convenient sealed container of waste oil will make its way to the landfills more often than not. I sure hope it doesn't though.