Lawn Mower question
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Georgia
Once a year and it usually looks fairly clean when I drain it. I will probably change it twice this year. It is very dry so I am not using it as much but I end up stirring up alot of dust because of the dryness. Already had to clean air filter twice. I usually only have to clean air filter once per year.
Last edited by 70blue; May 29, 2007 at 12:04 AM.
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Senior User
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From: Indianapolis
Manual says every 25-30 hours. Takes and hour with wife on the rider and me pushing the trim. Started logging them on the calender in the garage last year just for fun, and we mowed 30 times. I've always changed the oil, spark-plug, cleaned filters and sharpened blades once a year at the start of the season before we start mowing.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Southern MD
Oil changed in everything at the start of the (appropriate) season.
If I have cut grass more than usual (like cutting my parent's lawn and my daughter's - which is now the usual routine) I'll change the oil mid-season.
Lawnmower blades are sharpened at the beginning and in the middle of the season. (Sharp blades are 'better' for the grass.)
Sta-Bil goes into the containers that I put gasoline in. (Year round.)
I have experienced gas turning to 'varnish'. I put the dosage for long-term storage in each 5 gallon container.
If I have cut grass more than usual (like cutting my parent's lawn and my daughter's - which is now the usual routine) I'll change the oil mid-season.
Lawnmower blades are sharpened at the beginning and in the middle of the season. (Sharp blades are 'better' for the grass.)
Sta-Bil goes into the containers that I put gasoline in. (Year round.)
I have experienced gas turning to 'varnish'. I put the dosage for long-term storage in each 5 gallon container.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
Your supposed to change the oil in these things? 
I do mine every other year or so if I remember. Or if it looks dirty or is low I change it. My equipment usually rusts away before the motor goes so I don't obsess on oil changes on the small stuff like I do on my cars and trucks.
I borrowed a buddy's tiller over the weekend. It was running rough so I adjusted the carb and changed the oil in it - the oil was as black as tar. He said in the 25+ years he has been using it the oil had never been changed. Still, it starts on the first pull every time. They don't make Craftsman stuff like they used to.
I do mine every other year or so if I remember. Or if it looks dirty or is low I change it. My equipment usually rusts away before the motor goes so I don't obsess on oil changes on the small stuff like I do on my cars and trucks.
I borrowed a buddy's tiller over the weekend. It was running rough so I adjusted the carb and changed the oil in it - the oil was as black as tar. He said in the 25+ years he has been using it the oil had never been changed. Still, it starts on the first pull every time. They don't make Craftsman stuff like they used to.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,166
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From: wi
a bought a alcheapo murry rider witha 12.5hp briggs 3years ago still got the briggs oil and origanal sp plug.ive changed the blades 5-6 times due to bending them on my ol texas lawn.i probably wont change the oil either cuzz the trans is about junk so why waist the $ on oil ill probably have to get a new one next year unless i can find a new trans in the junkyard.what bites is this thing still looks like a brandspanking new one yet and its about toast