How to Install John Deere S240 Mower Home Maintenance Kit

[@olboxer4450]

Great DYI video, very clear and helpful , thank you! One minor thing I noticed is that you twisted the oil gage when checking for proper level. It says right on the gage not to twist it when checking the level. Thanks for all your great videos. I rely on them every year. Cheers!

[@MaxAck]

Thank you for these invaluable ‘how-to’ videos. My family purchased a John Deere S240 from our PA town’s West Central Equipment and I’m now prepared to perform the tractor’s first annual maintenance.

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome! I'm glad I can help and thanks for watching!

[@justinerp5802]

Thank you for the S240 videos. Your videos help me decide on the S240 over other other mowers, both JD and other MFG's. Can I suggest that the next video touch on removing the deck along with noting the differences between the 42" and 48" decks? ;)

[@WesternEquipment]

Glad I could help! Stay tuned!! And thank you for watching!!

[@paulg.5997]

Vice grip the fuel line above filter to avoid fuel draining out.

[@kevinlandry7344]

Very informative! From this and your other videos, You sold me on the S240.

[@WesternEquipment]

@Kevin Landry thanks for your feedback!

[@timothypeck3640]

I own an S240! Its a great peice of engineering! This is a very practical video, well done!👍

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you! So I'm guessing you haven't had any issues?

[@timothypeck3640]

@@WesternEquipment No, nery a one so far!

[@rmurphy3435]

I’ve thrown two belts, one drive belt and one deck belt, on my S240 with less than 10 hours, also under 5 hours quit running, dealer replaced the seat switch. Runs good now but these issues have put me off a bit. My old La 150 with over 300 hours never had a major problem and l still use it. I will install a new k46 transaxle in the La 130 this spring as the newer John Deere may continue to be problematic, l hope not but always be prepared for the worst. To make matters worse our local JD dealer, who has been here for decades, went belly up and now we will have to drive over 45 minutes to the nearest dealer which sucks as they have left all of us JD owners kinda in the outs now. Many of us will be going elsewhere for lawn tractor repair and possibly JD will be losing a lot of our business.

[@donnacecil231]

Very helpful info for a woman learning to do maintenance herself... Thanks!

[@WesternEquipment]

@Donna Cecil glad it is helpful to you. Thanks for letting us know!

[@East-Coast-NS]

Hey Brent, thanks for the video. I noticed my oil dip stick says not to "screw threads down" to check levels, just to sit the cap on. Not sure which is the correct way.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, you want to sit it down on the tube and then turn counter-clockwise until the dipstick falls just a bit and then check it. I misspoke in this video when I was demonstrating. Good catch!

[@superdkano]

Man, what a great video! Thank you so much for doing this. I completed everything and I gotta tell you…accomplishing this made me feel like a real man. Lol! Oh hey, one thing…where can I find that oil pan? The one I have sucks and I had to hold it in place since it was to big. Thanks!!

[@valh216]

great video--gives me confidence. is the kit cheaper than buying the JD parts seperatly. at 8 hours you dont need an air filter,fuel filter or spark plugs. --can you use 10w30 snplus full synthetic oil in the 18.5 hp kawasaki motor? looking forward to seeing video on belt change on the 42in deck. my fuel flow guage says my kawasaki 18.5 hp with a 42in deck gets 13.5 mpg with top tier regular gas.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes the kit is a bit cheaper! True, after 8 hours it just needs to be an oil change and grease. Yes, the 10W-30 synthetic would be fine. Stay tuned and we will get some belt change video cranked out soon! Thanks for the questions and comments!

[@WIT911]

My Kawasaki dipstick says to check oil level with the cap NOT screwed in. I noticed you screwed the cap back in - is that a model year change? My S240 looks slightly different (2021).

[@seymourbutts3819]

Thank you so much for these videos. They are more helpful than you know

[@WesternEquipment]

Well I am glad I can help and thanks for watching!

[@mikepegram2139]

Awesome explanation of every step.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@rds990]

Good tractor....easy to maintain.

[@WesternEquipment]

I completely agree! Do you have one?

[@thefreeman8791]

Thank you for these videos. Very helpful as I bought an S240 and it now needs a maintenance job done on it. Also, just a really small tip, when you are pouring the oil into the engine, then flip the quart upside down form how you did it. The quart is designed with that angle at the top for a reason. Just sayin. :)

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I am glad I could help. God point on the oil bottles. Thanks for watching!

[@thefreeman8791]

@@WesternEquipment You bet. It jsut makes pouring in the oil a whole lot easier. And like I said, it was very informative for me. My service light just came on with my S240 so I am buying the service kit and looked up how to do it on YT and your video came up.

[@lauram.d.elkins9966]

Where can we get that drip pan? Looks like it fits perfectly under the oil drain plug 😃

[@WesternEquipment]

I got mine at Napa. Thanks for watching!

[@mattcriswell3569]

Thanks for the video! What size spark plug socket are you using?

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you for watching and that is a 13/16 spark plug socket!

[@sherrypearson4939]

Hello! While watching your video, I noticed that the air filter has a cover that slips over to protect the paper side. My S240 was purchased new from local dealership. It has never had that cover. My machine now has close to 100 hours and I'm just learning about this cover. Am I in trouble?

[@WesternEquipment]

Good question, but no you are not in trouble. This is just a good added layer of protection for the larger particles to get filtered out before getting to your paper filter. Sort of a "life preserver", if you will, for the inner filter. Thanks for watching!

[@sherrypearson4939]

Thanks! The answer I was hoping for! Your video's are the best!

[@jkbbq]

Can you give me the link to the oil drain pan you used?

[@WesternEquipment]

We used to sell this on our website but it is not available there anymore. If you look up oil drain pans on NAPA Auto Parts website you will see it there. Thanks for watching!

[@richardsharp3128]

Great! I've had my home kit in anticipation and with your very competent explanation know the fuel filter is going to a bear for me! Concerning refilling with new oil... might using a disposable plastic cup (6 ounce) taped to the height of the remaining oil prevent the guess work on when that last amount of oil goes in?

[@WesternEquipment]

I would say just by using your sight glass on your oil bottle and then checking your oil level with the dipstick should be sufficient. Just make sure your levels are to the top bubble on the dipstick and you will be alright. Let me know how it goes!

[@richardsharp3128]

@@WesternEquipment Well I'm not as organized as I thought and had a bear of a time finding my gap gauge and ratchet... didn't find mine, but my father-in-laws worked instead! As expected the fuel filter was a monster to get off. Had this big old towel and was I happy I did... what a mess I made! Thought I was being clever with a funnel and empty gallon container, then saw the oil back up and spill... I hadn't opened the valve -- dummy me! I did as you and carefully added the oil... that last little bit was no problem. When I first looked I was up two with only two more to reach the full mark. ALL RIGHT! Spark plugs were gapped correctly and I kept the old plugs (just in case). I got a JS 48 that I'll add the remaining oil to and I'm done! I will check tire pressure... it looks low to me I want to be sure; 14psi front, 10psi rear. Got new blades AM141034 (high lift bagger) coming so I'll be looking for my 15/16 wrench or some combination to get the nut off... that, might be a bear for me too... I'll let you know.

[@davidhuff5119]

Great video! It was clear qnd very helpful.

[@kgervat]

Great videos. What size oil filter wrench is used?

[@WesternEquipment]

Well the diameter of the filter is about 3" so you filter wrench will need to be about that size or you can use an adjustable strap wrench. Thanks for watching!

[@vincentvanpaepeghem4844]

Great video! Lots of good information! Thanks for sharing!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you for watching!!

[@gordonhutchinson529]

Great series on the S240. Where can I get that oil drain pan? Looks like it fits really well.

[@WesternEquipment]

We are in the process of getting our site back up and then you can find it at 247Parts.com, but you can also find them at Napa. Thanks for watching!

[@gordonhutchinson529]

Thanks, any idea of time frame for your site to be back up?

[@jerryturner8126]

Napa Auto Parts $6.99

[@DougAlesUSA]

My John Deere riding lawnmower is a LA135, about 12 years old. Back then, in addition to the items shown in this video, I have 7 total grease zerk fittings plus three points that need grease manually applied. Is this no longer the case with the new John Deere S240 riding lawnmower? No more grease points? Also, from what I read in a Facebook group, one advantage of the new John Deere S240 riding lawnmower is the hydrostatic transmission is serviceable, meaning you can change the transmission fluid. My model is sealed, which causes its life to end around 250 - 400 hours of use. By that point, the riding mower is worth less then the cost to repair the transmission. The ability to service the transmission has me considering the S240, but I would not want to gain one feature, only to loose the ability to add fresh grease due to a lack of zerk fittings. No more “sealed for life” for me. Been there, done that. Doesn’t work. My main yard tool is a John Deere 1025R sub-compact tractor. What a well engineered machine, plus everything is serviceable. With proper use and maintenance, it should last the rest of my life.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes there are grease fittings on the S240, I point those out in our S240 Review video. From what I read you can change the oil in the transaxle but it has to be removed from the machine and the pulley and fan have to be removed from the unit to reach the fill hole. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@kathywentz8672]

And I love your videos they're so informative

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoy them!

[@kathywentz8672]

What oil type does the s240 require I bought my mower used and I don't have the manual

[@WesternEquipment]

10W-30 is the way to go! If you need a manual you can download one from Deere.com.

[@cgard3165]

Do you need to have an empty gas tank before changing fuel filter or will it not leak? looks like you have about half a tank

[@WesternEquipment]

The less fuel the better but as long as you have your tank side hose facing upward it should not leak much. Or sometimes I will use a set of vise grip pliers to hold the tank side hose closed when doing this change. Great question and thanks for watching!

[@NatEvans65]

What weight oil is JD using and can you use synthetic?

[@WesternEquipment]

10W-30 and yes you can!

[@nathanstjohn3672]

Is there a way to reset the service reminder blinking? I have read multiple opinions on this...

[@WesternEquipment]

I'm not seeing anything in the service manual about a reset. I can tell you that the preset intervals are at 8, 25, and 50 hours and the service light will flash three times then pause for ten seconds and flash again. this will continue for 2 hours (1 before the interval and 1after) as a reminder that service is due. I hope this was helpful.

[@-cml-schoff4848]

Thanks for the help! Appreciate it.

[@WesternEquipment]

No problem! I am glad I could help and thanks for watching!

[@thedadboddiaries8871]

Love your videos, do you have a link to the oil pan you're using? Thanks!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and yes I do. Here it is parts.west-equip.com/oil-drain-pan-827-5601/. Thanks for watching!

[@jerryturner8126]

Napa Auto Parts $6.99

[@offdutycharterstx3898]

Just purchased a S240 and was told that the first Oil change was due at 50 hours. Is 50 hours the normal oil change time for every oil change? Thank You

[@kattmandu]

What drain pan is that? Looks like a perfect fit for that space! Where can I get one?

[@kattmandu]

Found it! Midwest Can Company Model #6380

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, it is great for these mowers for sure. And I really like the filter drain peg as well.

[@jerryturner8126]

Napa Auto Parts $6.99

[@adambeavers4933]

Should you use foam filter oil on the air filter?

[@WesternEquipment]

Good question! It does not require it but I don't think it would hurt anything. Thanks for watching!

[@angelmitchell1723]

Need info for a 115

[@casoncapps2210]

My John Deere S240 has automatic choke return but does not work all the way, I checked and the spring does not seem to be strong enough. Do you have a stronger spring return?

[@WesternEquipment]

I will have to look into this but I do not know of anything right off hand. Thanks for watching!

[@rlindsay23]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@douggracy2909]

That is one cool oil drain pan.

[@WesternEquipment]

We have this drain pan on our website, West-Equip.com/Parts. Part number 827-5601. Thanks for the comment!

[@douggracy2909]

I would really like to locate an affordable lawn tractor lift jack to use on the S240 for occasional use. Know of any?

[@douggracy2909]

Just to exhaust all possibilities I am wondering if the X330 42” is worth the additional $400 more than the S240 42”. Does the X330 require a blower style bagger? Any notable differences between these two that you could offer up would be great! Thanks.

[@williamfrancis6993]

@@douggracy2909 Home Depot MoJack HDL $199.00. I just purchased one. Good to 500Lbs.

[@jerryturner8126]

Napa Auto Parts $6.99

[@autodog618]

Good how too, thanks. One disappointment -you didnt discuss grease fittings/locations.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you! And yes I missed that on this one. There are 3 grease fittings on your front axle and then one on each spindle on the top of your deck. Thanks for watching!

[@seanmcmullen8839]

This was awesome! Thank you!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@ChrisJJacq]

Should the oil level be finally checked after running the engine since it is a new oil filter and it is empty at first?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes that is always a good idea but as small as the filter is you most likely won’t see much change. Thanks for watching!

[@rblbatb]

Thank you.

[@WesternEquipment]

No, thank you for watching!

[@doweordontwe238]

@12:53 best part

[@WesternEquipment]

Haha! Why is that!

[@doweordontwe238]

@@WesternEquipment Turn up the volume and listen

[@DamianValentino]

Need to place my kit order

[@WesternEquipment]

Email me with your mower info and I’ll get you your kit. [e-mail]

[@paulg.5997]

Shouldn't the oil level be checked by NOT screwing the dip stick all the way in? It even says that on the dip stick.

[@WesternEquipment]

You are exactly right and to be completely honest I was not aware! Great info, thank you. I will make sure to share this in the next service video.

[@johnnys.9734]

Glad you ask that question, the salesmen pointed that out to me when I bought mine. I was wandering if he was right? Still another great video!!!!

[@ytj2053]

How many hours between service on a S240? Thanks

[@WesternEquipment]

Every 50 hours or annually is what is recommended. Thanks for watching!

[@davidverhoef2399]

I think you are checking oil level wrong. On the dipstick it says do not tighten to check oil level.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, this is true. You are supposed to turn it counter clockwise until the dipstick falls into the slots. I have since made sure to do the correctly on other videos.

[@ethanb2085]

When should I do this? How many hours should the mower have before doing this?

[@WesternEquipment]

First oil change should usually be around the first 8 hours and then a full service (air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, and oil change) is suggested yearly or every 100 hours.

[@adammiller1316]

@@WesternEquipment Should I do all of the things described in this video after the first 8 hours or just the oil change? Thank you!

[@banksboy6806]

I hate o got my s240 no bags kit no mulch kit

[@WesternEquipment]

You can always order those things at 247Parts.com. Thanks for watching!

[@torontohomestead9254]

Please be careful. My shrouding didn't want to rotate because it was factory bolted too tight and the damn thing just snapped off at the joint. First time trying to do maintenance and i already damaged my tractor 😔

[@WesternEquipment]

Darn, I am sorry to hear that, but thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention. Also, thanks for watching!

[@leeweber7]

torn between 220 and 240

[@e30chicago]

Nobody is making a video about s220,what is the reason?

[@WesternEquipment]

Right now they are super hard to get but as soon as I get one I will definitely do a review. Thanks for watching!

[@nicksevers8045]

How fast can the home maintenance kit mow an acre without a mower? HAHA!

[@WesternEquipment]

Haha I guess we’ll never know!

[@alexroski8454]

You can just buy the engine parts their engine parts are way cheaper than this jhon deere home kit. Like Briggs and Stratton

[@WesternEquipment]

Sure, you can always buy cheaper parts, it’s all about what quality you want to insure yourself with...

[@alexroski8454]

@@WesternEquipment I understand like with my x590 I by the correct jhon deere OEM part not some Chinese bs but if I have a Briggs and Stratton engine with just the deer logo on it I am not going to spend a extra 5 bucks on a oil filter because it's the same thing but with jhon deere logo on it.

[@adammiller1316]

@@alexroski8454 Doesn't the S240 come with a Kawasaki engine, not Briggs and Stratton?

[@alexroski8454]

Adam Miller yes very good engines from what I’ve heard.