Oil change mess, suggestions?

Lots of suggestions for using/forming a “funnel” to direct the oil away. As previously pictured there isn’t much clearance between the filter and the engine mounting deck. Wouldn’t be able to get much slope, plus where would I drain it to? The hole by the filter and drain hose is directly above the hydro so no room for a catch pan under there.

Probably use paper towels or as also suggested, absorbent mats, under the filter as I unscrew it.
 
Yes, many ZTRs are not service friendly. Poking a hole in the filter as previously mentioned is my go to. It allows a couple ounces anyways to bleed out. The bag over the filter once it is loosened is a great idea.
 
Gord Baker said:
Kohler engines have not been manufactured for over a Decade I was told. Fashion a path out of heavy aluminium foil to help drain the oil to a container. Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle of similar size and put it over the filter after loosening it.
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The information isn't quite right. In 2007, Kohler created Kohler-YinXiang in China. The small gas engines are now made there, so Kohler still makes and sells engines, but they are not produced in the US, like the original Kohler engines we all knew and loved.

Kohler engines are now know as Rehlko. I believe they rebranded in 2024.

 
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I think the confusion is in the mixed information online.

Kohler engine division is now "Rehlko". Kohler product made a simple spelling change to the name. Kohler products international wanted to split off their brand lines from their home and plumbing hardware division.

The Rehlko engines are still produced with the recognized sticker name Kohler on them. Kohler has not gone away.
 
Todd727 said:
The information isn't quite right. In 2007, Kohler created Kohler-YinXiang in China. The small gas engines are now made there, so Kohler still makes and sells engines, but they are not produced in the US, like the original Kohler engines we all knew and loved.

Kohler engines are now know as Rehlko. I believe they rebranded in 2024.

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Your information is partially wrong. Kohler did contract single cylinder push mower engines to be made in China.
Everything else was made in USA. My 2021 Gravely has a ZT740 that is made in USA. Kohler sold off their engine and generator division on May 4, 2024. The name was then changed to Rehlko.
 
The easy way is to use one of the fluid extraction machines available from companies like Harbor Freight. They are either manual or pneumatic. True the do cost a few bucks, close to 100 or so by now. I have had one for many years and they work great for changing oil in pickups, cars, bikes, lawnmowers. There is a minimum of oil left in the system to deal with. and you have it in a sealed tank.
 
iowaztr said:
Late this summer I bought a new 48" Toro Titan with the Kohler engine. Planning on doing the end of season service and will be running into the same problem as my previous (bought used) zero turn mowers. Unscrew the oil filter and oil goes all over the place on the engine deck. That leaves an oily mess no matter how hard you try to clean it up as the oil goes to inaccessible areas. The other mowers already had this oily mess under the engine, I would like to prevent this with my new (and clean) mower.

Other than stuffing a bunch of rags or paper towels under the filter while unscrewing it, and that isn't a guarantee oil won't go all over, any other suggestions to minimize the mess? Thought about jacking up that side of the mower to try and partially drain the filter, would that work?
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Buy some oil absorbent pads. They will do a much better job than paper towels. Better yet buy a flexible oil drain tool funnel (search Amazon).
 
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