A simple farm maintenance tip that makes oil changes less filthy

Published 11:45 am Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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If changing your oil were easier, you’d probably do it more often. But let’s face it—oil changes are messy, and that’s why many people put them off. If you live on a horse farm with multiple tractors, lawnmowers, trucks, and other vehicles, staying on top of oil maintenance is essential. Dirty oil is bad for your equipment, but running low on oil can be catastrophic.

After years of stained clothes and the hassle of figuring out how to dispose of used oil, I stumbled upon a game-changer—the oil/fluid drain and recycle container. No more makeshift funnels, overflowing jugs, or piles of dirty rags. This simple tool transformed oil changes from a dreaded task into something manageable.

These drain pans typically feature a closed-top design with a center plug, air vent, and capped spout for spill-free transfer to a recycling station. With a capacity that holds about two oil changes and a molded handle for easy carrying, oil maintenance just got a little less frustrating.

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Oil levels on larger lawnmowers are crucial, often more than people realize. Many riding mowers have surprisingly small oil capacities. If you’re mowing on a slope with low oil, your engine could seize without warning—an expensive problem no one wants to face.

Make it a habit to replace fuel filters at every oil change, just like you’d change smoke detector batteries during daylight saving time. This simple step keeps engines running smoothly and prevents unnecessary wear.

Oil doesn’t wear out—it just gets dirty. Over time, contaminants and debris reduce oil’s effectiveness, so regular changes keep your equipment in top condition. And don’t just track oil changes for your vehicles; farm equipment hours are just as important as mileage on your truck. Set reminders to check oil regularly.

Consider synthetic oil for equipment that sees heavy use. It withstands higher temperatures and lasts longer between changes, giving your machinery better protection over time.

Taking care of your farm equipment doesn’t have to be a hassle. With this tidy oil pan and a little planning, you’ll save time, stay clean, and keep everything running smoothly.

 

This low-profile oil drain pan catches every drop, making oil changes faster, tidier, and less messy

 

 

 

About Kirk Gollwitzer

Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer frequently writing articles for Google News Service, and other media organizations. After a successful career in software development, Kirk found his true passion telling a story through writing, photography and video. He is constantly projecting people, products and ideas into the national media. Kirk has a passion for music and major interest in people. He is also writing a novel which will be adapted to a screenplay.

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