How to Change the Oil in Your Yanmar SA Series Tractor (2024)

When work needs doing, you want your tractor in good fighting shape. To make sure that’s true every time, performing regular maintenance—like oil changes—is key. Oil runs through your engine components, keeping the parts lubricated and running smoothly. Over time, debris can accumulate in your oil, or water can work its way in. Here’s how to properly change the engine oil in your Yanmar SA series tractor to keep it roaring for years to come.

When to Perform a Tractor Oil Change

How often should you perform an oil change on your tractor? Oil change recommendations are specific to the model of your tractor, and will be listed in your owner’s manual. Unlike cars and trucks, most tractors aren’t used daily over long distances. That’s why maintenance recommendations are made in hours operated and not miles traveled.

For the SA series tractor, we recommend that you do the deed after your first 50 operational hours, and again every 200 hours after that for the life of the tractor. However, if you make frequent stops, engage in slower operations, perform many short trips, or operate in extremely dusty conditions, you may want to change the oil more frequently.

Equipment Needed to Complete a Tractor Oil Change

Before you begin, ensure that you have everything you need to perform the oil change. You’ll thank yourself later for being prepared.

• Yanmar SA Maintenance Kit. Every Yanmar Maintenance Kit contains genuine parts, including filters for your oil, air, and fuel, as well as Yanmar engine oil.
• Waste Oil Drain Pan (and Shop Rags). Things could get messy. Get yourself a waste oil drain pan and have a few shop rags handy.
• Funnel. Using a funnel will keep spillage to a minimum.
• Filter Wrench. A filter wrench has a metal ring that can fit around your oil filter, giving you more leverage for a secure grip.
• Ratchet and 17 mm Socket. To access your filter, you’ll need a ratchet and 17 mm socket.
• Safety Goggles and Gloves. Oil can be tough to clean, and can harm your skin over long periods. Always equip your safety gear.
• Wheel Chocks. Keep your tractor from rolling or moving during the oil change using wheel chocks.

How to Perform an SA Series Tractor Oil Change

Before you get started, move your tractor onto a stable, level surface like a concrete pad or paved drive. Position the wheel chocks behind the tires to help keep the tractor from accidentally rolling or moving while you work.

1. Warm Up the Engine. First, you’re going to start and run your tractor to warm up the engine oil. Move all levers to neutral position. Ensure that the power takeoff switch—or PTO—is in the off position. Engage the parking brake securely.
2. Turn Off the Engine. After the engine has run for a few minutes, turn it off and remove the key from the ignition. Allow the engine to cool down enough so both the engine and the oil are safe to handle.
3. Remove the Oil Filler Cap. Raise the tractor hood and remove the oil filler cap. This allows the engine oil to drain more easily after you remove the plug (next step).
4. Locate and Remove the Oil Drain Plug. The engine oil drain plug is a yellow cap located underneath the tractor. Using your ratchet and 17mm socket, remove the engine oil drain plug by turning counter-clockwise.
5. Allow the Engine Oil to Drain. Once the plug is open, the engine oil will drain into the oil pan. Allow it to drain completely before continuing.
6. Remove the Engine Oil Filter. Locate the engine oil filter under the hood on the front right side of the tractor. Using a filter wrench, remove the engine oil filter by turning counterclockwise.
7. Install the New Engine Filter. Your new oil filter will be in your Yanmar SA Maintenance Kit. Using a rag, wipe around the engine oil filter mounting base. Then apply a small amount of clean engine oil into the gasket of the new engine oil filter. Install the new filter by turning it clockwise by hand until the gasket is seated against the engine oil filter base. Now grab your filter wrench and tighten the oil filter
8. Reinstall the Engine Oil Plug. Wipe any oil or debris from your engine oil drain plug with a clean rag. Using your 17mm socket and ratchet, reinstall the plug. Avoid over tightening.
9. Refill Your Engine Oil Tank. Using an oil funnel, pour four quarts of 10W-40 oil into your tractor. You may also use SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 depending on your climate.
10. Perform Final Checks. Remove the oil pan and dispose of the used oil properly, being careful not to spill. Replace the engine oil filler cap. Start and run your engine on idle to check for any leaks. When your check is complete, shut off the engine. Finally, remove the engine oil dipstick, which is located next to the engine oil filter. The engine oil must be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick.

Now you can lower the tractor hood. Your oil change is complete!

Connect With Yanmar

Whether you’re new to the world of tractors or have owned a Yanmar for years, our dedicated Customer Experience Team is here to help with everything from maintenance tips to finding the best exclusive offers. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or give us a call at 678-551-7369.

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