For about 26 bucks, you can get conversion parts for the oil change. I went to a John Deere dealer and it includes the filter, the nipple that will attach the filter to the block and the extension drain/tube that will remove the oil without spilling it all over the frame. You have to remove the drain plug on the left side of the engine to install the tube. You must remove the easy change filter and then the easy change filter mount using a 1-1/8 six point socket. Once you remove the bolt and mount, you’ll see the area where you put the nipple in and screw the new oil filter directly to the block. I believe the S170 engine’s total capacity is about almost 3 quarts. To me it is senseless to change 26 ounces of oil contained in the filter and call it an oil change. For the reverse button, you need to press and hold it until you start moving backwards then you can let go of it and continue in reverse. You must do this each time you were going to go in reverse. This is because people have been known to run over children by not looking behind them when they back up.
Have the same mower and Love it !! Took about 15 to 20 mins. to convert it to a regular oil change and you are right about the cut, it does an amazing job!!!
I would make a recommendation if you don’t care about the safety issue of backing up with the blades still engaged. Right under the switch that you have to depress to keep the blades cutting while you back up (RIO!, there is a plug right under it. Pull the plug out, make a jumper wire with a single 12 gauge wire with 1 male connectors on each end. Should be just 3 to 4” long in total. Then plug each end into the 2 open ends that have the metal inserts. Then crank it up and you’ll be able to avoid pushing the RIO switch each time you back up. I can now go forward and reverse without doing anything but pressing the 2 peddles. So much nicer!! And it will save you wear and tear on the PTO! Best of luck!
got my 170 back in april from a jd dealer. had 30 sec oil change converted back to regular oil filter before delivery. love my 170. just take care of it for longevity
Great video. I have a D170 (same mower, but mine is a 2020 and has a 54" deck). I wish the choke was a traditional separate pull/push mechanism instead of being built into the throttle lever. If your PTO ever fails, check the switch and check the connector at the PTO clutch. It's usually not the clutch. In my case it was a slightly loose connector at the clutch that didn't look loose visually but was loose upon further inspection. I like how your has an upgraded reverse mow button - mine is literally a tiny button. Many great videos out there on repair and maintenance of this series of mowers. Good luck, you made a sound choice for your first rider IMO. It should serve you well for years and they also have a good resale value. I paid $1700 for mine at 3 years old and 187 hours, new one at Lowe's is $3300. (I hope it's served you well since 2 years ago...sorry, lol...just realized.)
Definitely use the RIO button. It isn’t at all mechanical, just an electric safety to allow the mower to drive backward. You are putting a lot more wear and tear turning it on and off. Could always delete it, but do that at your own risk… works real good though. Did it on my D105, was a life saver. Haven’t on my X580, RIO is easy to use with twin touch pedals. D105 had a forward and reverse lever, so the extra step was a pain.
I use the RIO button. To be able to get off of it to move things, etc...turn off the PTO, set the parking brake and set the throttle to low. You can get off of it and do what you need to. Cruise works fine, I've used it before, mowing the 2 acres in back.
Just bought a 2010 John Deere x340 with a 170 hours from an estate sale for $1500 here in northeast Texas, this thing is a beast, 25 hp Kawasaki engine, 54 imch edge deck and big and smooth operations, I like John Deere, was going to buy a new one but this is supposed to be great until 1500 hours, 1330 hours of use to go, the fat big back tires
There should be info with the mower indicating safe angles of slant. You could also go straight up the slant, back down then repeat with the next strip, wtc.😅
if you haven't figure it out yet, you don't have to "hold down" the button when backing up, you only have to push and release it right before backing. And for those who don't like the easy change oil filter... for less than 1/2 the average price of a Quick Change filter you can get a easy to install conversion kit $25 - $30 that includes a filter... Less than that for just the parts...the Easy Change filters are for those folks who don't have the skills/tools or don't want the hassle. I converted... My sister uses the Easy Change... I get it... Not for me though... I had a L120 (S170/E170 predecessor) prior and loved it, its still going strong and I never had an issue with the Electric PTO switch in the 17 years... That button is electronic... no wear and tear...hmmm??.. Needless to say it is still running over 20 years later for a friend... That's why I got its processor... Hope to get 15 out of this one...
One correction from the video. I was able to get off the tractor after applying the parking brake. I'm not sure why it was shutting off on me before. A couple considerations; either I didn't wait long enough for the PTO to spin down, or the parking brake wasn't completely set before I stood up. I was also on a slope, but setting the parking brake, on flatter land, and making sure the PTO is completely stopped seemed to do the trick.
I noticed you really have to push the parking brake down a lot for it to engage. I did 2 "upgrades." I disabled the seat engine shut off and disabled the button you have to press to mow backwards. Make sure to check your tires. My rear ones were at 30 psi when they should be at a max of 12 psi. And it's a Briggs and Stratton engine. Look into doing to oil change conversion kit. Whoever thought of the 30 second oil change should be fired.
I believe that engine is a Briggs and Stratton but on the S170 and S180 it's an upgraded Briggs and Stratton engine with chrome sleeves and some other stuff that was mentioned in a video that I watched today.
You don't have to hold the button down the whole time to back up. Just press the button then once you press the reverse pedal you can let off the button and still back up. I would not keep disengaging and engaging the blades.
have you ever driven motorcycle's? on sharp twisty roads? if so, then you know to lean or know how to lean into your turns, same with riding mowers, learn to lean some. when doing slopes/hills, pending on the degree, drive it from side to side but don't turn downward only upward, leaning upward, it all depends on how steep the slope is. i would say anything past 30degree slope, well, that might be different, so keep the push mower for anything past 30degree. i get a kick out of "new riding mower owner's joy" videos, puts a smile on my face. have fun, thanks. good luck, be careful.
I just got mine and I’m wondering if you could make a video showing the sloped areas that make you nervous? Me entire yard is sloped and I’m nervous about it lol.
That's a great idea. I will say that it's not recommended to mow more than 15 degree slope. This sounds silly but you can lay a 3 or 4 foot board on your sloped lawn then lay your phone on that to get an idea of how your mower would ride on it. You can usually find "bubble level" Apps for your smartphone that will give you the angle.
Wait a second! You've got the real deal right now! "lol" My old Deere is 24 years old.... everything is original ... Same belts.. Same tires.... and It's a little smaller version than the S-170! I purchased a S-170 a few days back and get delivery this coming weekend. 3/5/2022. You may not know but there's grease plugs you need to service from time to time and that's what makes them last... and not running into trees etc with the edge of the deck!! "LOL" So how's it going now since you've owned the S-170 almost a year!
It's been great. I use it to haul around a wagon for mulch as well as mow. I'm definitely getting more done with less effort. "Real deal" as in maybe something with a front loader, lol.
Good review thank you..ya i would leave the kill switch alone. I know a guy that bypassed his and its easy to do, he passed out and fell out of seat and mower blades kept going. Dont think you want to hear the details..thanks for great video review..
It is best to convert back to a standard oil filter. Also a zero turn mower would have been MUCH better! No bs with backing up. They are a bit more expensive and the steering is different.
You defiantly want to get rid of that easy oil change system. It is only 3 parts. Oil filter, drain tube, and a small close nipple. All 3 of these only cost $24 at the JD dealer. That filter system leaves about 1.5 quarts of dirty oil in your engine and cost $56 at Lowes. My S170 will be at the end of the month and I’ve already bought those parts. There are a ton of videos on how to do it. Most are for the e series but it’s the same (per JD). It’s a super easy change and will save your engine.
If you are turning sharp while on a hill or mowing steep while it's wet, it will spin. It doesnt have locking differential or 4x4 so yeah you can get yourself stuck if you are doing funny stuff with it. You can sometimes free yourself by raising your mower deck.
Why would anyone make a engine that you couldn’t drain all the oil out, thats crazy!! I would have it converted back to a regular oil filter and a drain plug before I would buy it.
Good question. They look halogen to me. It's definitely not led. But honestly, I don't mow at night, there are too many holes to fall into around here 🤣.
I know this is an old review. But the first thing to do is delete, the easy change oil filter system. Putting it back to the way they use to be. The easy change system will 'kill' your mower. It's just a gimmick to sell to lazy people, not wanting to do proper maintenance.
yeah, having to press the override the a little off-putting but I've learned that you only have to hold it until you start moving backwards, then you can let off the override. Not ideal but better.
Thanks for the video. The safety features are definitely annoying…but there’s a lot of idiots out there with shallow pockets… and Deere has the deep pockets when idiots idiot
For about 26 bucks, you can get conversion parts for the oil change. I went to a John Deere dealer and it includes the filter, the nipple that will attach the filter to the block and the extension drain/tube that will remove the oil without spilling it all over the frame. You have to remove the drain plug on the left side of the engine to install the tube. You must remove the easy change filter and then the easy change filter mount using a 1-1/8 six point socket. Once you remove the bolt and mount, you’ll see the area where you put the nipple in and screw the new oil filter directly to the block. I believe the S170 engine’s total capacity is about almost 3 quarts. To me it is senseless to change 26 ounces of oil contained in the filter and call it an oil change. For the reverse button, you need to press and hold it until you start moving backwards then you can let go of it and continue in reverse. You must do this each time you were going to go in reverse. This is because people have been known to run over children by not looking behind them when they back up.
Another good reason is that a new JD oil filled filter is about $55 Who can afford that?
@@p71collector that easy change setup is a scam.
Have the same mower and Love it !! Took about 15 to 20 mins. to convert it to a regular oil change and you are right about the cut, it does an amazing job!!!
Just bought my S170 today….great Video…. Thanks
Yeah! I'm really happy with mine so far.
I would make a recommendation if you don’t care about the safety issue of backing up with the blades still engaged. Right under the switch that you have to depress to keep the blades cutting while you back up (RIO!, there is a plug right under it. Pull the plug out, make a jumper wire with a single 12 gauge wire with 1 male connectors on each end. Should be just 3 to 4” long in total. Then plug each end into the 2 open ends that have the metal inserts. Then crank it up and you’ll be able to avoid pushing the RIO switch each time you back up. I can now go forward and reverse without doing anything but pressing the 2 peddles. So much nicer!! And it will save you wear and tear on the PTO! Best of luck!
got my 170 back in april from a jd dealer. had 30 sec oil change converted back to regular oil filter before delivery. love my 170. just take care of it for longevity
>had 30 sec oil change converted back to regular oil filter
@@Kevintripod I wanted to be sure I was getting a complete oil change and not pay $40 and get a partial
the 170 holds 2.8 qts of oil. the 30 sec oil change only swaps out a quart of fresh oil with old oil
Great video. I have a D170 (same mower, but mine is a 2020 and has a 54" deck). I wish the choke was a traditional separate pull/push mechanism instead of being built into the throttle lever. If your PTO ever fails, check the switch and check the connector at the PTO clutch. It's usually not the clutch. In my case it was a slightly loose connector at the clutch that didn't look loose visually but was loose upon further inspection. I like how your has an upgraded reverse mow button - mine is literally a tiny button. Many great videos out there on repair and maintenance of this series of mowers. Good luck, you made a sound choice for your first rider IMO. It should serve you well for years and they also have a good resale value. I paid $1700 for mine at 3 years old and 187 hours, new one at Lowe's is $3300. (I hope it's served you well since 2 years ago...sorry, lol...just realized.)
Ive enjoyed it so far. It hasnt quite held up on larger acreage, but doing great here at the house.
Definitely use the RIO button. It isn’t at all mechanical, just an electric safety to allow the mower to drive backward. You are putting a lot more wear and tear turning it on and off. Could always delete it, but do that at your own risk… works real good though. Did it on my D105, was a life saver. Haven’t on my X580, RIO is easy to use with twin touch pedals. D105 had a forward and reverse lever, so the extra step was a pain.
I use the RIO button. To be able to get off of it to move things, etc...turn off the PTO, set the parking brake and set the throttle to low. You can get off of it and do what you need to. Cruise works fine, I've used it before, mowing the 2 acres in back.
Just bought a 2010 John Deere x340 with a 170 hours from an estate sale for $1500 here in northeast Texas, this thing is a beast, 25 hp Kawasaki engine, 54 imch edge deck and big and smooth operations, I like John Deere, was going to buy a new one but this is supposed to be great until 1500 hours, 1330 hours of use to go, the fat big back tires
Would you still recommend the S240? I am looking at a new 42 inch version for $3400
There should be info with the mower indicating safe angles of slant. You could also go straight up the slant, back down then repeat with the next strip, wtc.😅
if you haven't figure it out yet, you don't have to "hold down" the button when backing up, you only have to push and release it right before backing. And for those who don't like the easy change oil filter... for less than 1/2 the average price of a Quick Change filter you can get a easy to install conversion kit $25 - $30 that includes a filter... Less than that for just the parts...the Easy Change filters are for those folks who don't have the skills/tools or don't want the hassle. I converted... My sister uses the Easy Change... I get it... Not for me though... I had a L120 (S170/E170 predecessor) prior and loved it, its still going strong and I never had an issue with the Electric PTO switch in the 17 years... That button is electronic... no wear and tear...hmmm??.. Needless to say it is still running over 20 years later for a friend... That's why I got its processor... Hope to get 15 out of this one...
One correction from the video. I was able to get off the tractor after applying the parking brake. I'm not sure why it was shutting off on me before. A couple considerations; either I didn't wait long enough for the PTO to spin down, or the parking brake wasn't completely set before I stood up. I was also on a slope, but setting the parking brake, on flatter land, and making sure the PTO is completely stopped seemed to do the trick.
I noticed you really have to push the parking brake down a lot for it to engage. I did 2 "upgrades." I disabled the seat engine shut off and disabled the button you have to press to mow backwards. Make sure to check your tires. My rear ones were at 30 psi when they should be at a max of 12 psi. And it's a Briggs and Stratton engine. Look into doing to oil change conversion kit. Whoever thought of the 30 second oil change should be fired.
I believe that engine is a Briggs and Stratton but on the S170 and S180 it's an upgraded Briggs and Stratton engine with chrome sleeves and some other stuff that was mentioned in a video that I watched today.
Would love to have one of these with the snowblower or plowblade attachment.
Im lucky that we rarely get enough snow to justify any sort of plow.
thank you very much for the video, very instructive again thank you very much
You don't have to hold the button down the whole time to back up. Just press the button then once you press the reverse pedal you can let off the button and still back up. I would not keep disengaging and engaging the blades.
have you ever driven motorcycle's? on sharp twisty roads? if so, then you know to lean or know how to lean into your turns, same with riding mowers, learn to lean some. when doing slopes/hills, pending on the degree, drive it from side to side but don't turn downward only upward, leaning upward, it all depends on how steep the slope is. i would say anything past 30degree slope, well, that might be different, so keep the push mower for anything past 30degree. i get a kick out of "new riding mower owner's joy" videos, puts a smile on my face. have fun, thanks. good luck, be careful.
Good review
Thanks!
I just got mine and I’m wondering if you could make a video showing the sloped areas that make you nervous? Me entire yard is sloped and I’m nervous about it lol.
That's a great idea. I will say that it's not recommended to mow more than 15 degree slope. This sounds silly but you can lay a 3 or 4 foot board on your sloped lawn then lay your phone on that to get an idea of how your mower would ride on it. You can usually find "bubble level" Apps for your smartphone that will give you the angle.
Wait a second! You've got the real deal right now! "lol" My old Deere is 24 years old.... everything is original ... Same belts.. Same tires.... and It's a little smaller version than the S-170! I purchased a S-170 a few days back and get delivery this coming weekend. 3/5/2022. You may not know but there's grease plugs you need to service from time to time and that's what makes them last... and not running into trees etc with the edge of the deck!! "LOL" So how's it going now since you've owned the S-170 almost a year!
It's been great. I use it to haul around a wagon for mulch as well as mow. I'm definitely getting more done with less effort. "Real deal" as in maybe something with a front loader, lol.
Good review thank you..ya i would leave the kill switch alone. I know a guy that bypassed his and its easy to do, he passed out and fell out of seat and mower blades kept going. Dont think you want to hear the details..thanks for great video review..
Ouch yeah :(. I figure if the safety is there it's because it was a problem before. Thanks for commenting.
It is best to convert back to a standard oil filter. Also a zero turn mower would have been MUCH better! No bs with backing up. They are a bit more expensive and the steering is different.
You defiantly want to get rid of that easy oil change system. It is only 3 parts. Oil filter, drain tube, and a small close nipple. All 3 of these only cost $24 at the JD dealer. That filter system leaves about 1.5 quarts of dirty oil in your engine and cost $56 at Lowes. My S170 will be at the end of the month and I’ve already bought those parts. There are a ton of videos on how to do it. Most are for the e series but it’s the same (per JD). It’s a super easy change and will save your engine.
Im giving it some real thought. I do have 1 filter, so it may not happen until after my next change.
Lot of people saying they don't go up hills good in the reviews how does yours handle it
If you are turning sharp while on a hill or mowing steep while it's wet, it will spin. It doesnt have locking differential or 4x4 so yeah you can get yourself stuck if you are doing funny stuff with it. You can sometimes free yourself by raising your mower deck.
@@HoneyDoHomestead it happens to me with my e130
Why would anyone make a engine that you couldn’t drain all the oil out, thats crazy!! I would have it converted back to a regular oil filter and a drain plug before I would buy it.
$19 dollar conversion kit from jd dealer.
This way john deere makes more money you get a useless oil change system no one wants and you need to spend money on a retro kit
I like my E170 25hp briggs
Does it have led lights or halogen?
Good question. They look halogen to me. It's definitely not led. But honestly, I don't mow at night, there are too many holes to fall into around here 🤣.
2nd mod I did to my s170 was installing led bulbs. about $20 from Amazon and 2 minutes and done
I just got an S170. Does your engine rattle the first second or two of running? It’s pretty annoying and I suspect it’s defective.
I havent noticed any rattle. That does sound strange.
I know this is an old review. But the first thing to do is delete, the easy change oil filter system. Putting it back to the way they use to be. The easy change system will 'kill' your mower. It's just a gimmick to sell to lazy people, not wanting to do proper maintenance.
Yeah, I have a conversion kit on order. Ill likely be doing it at my next oil change.
Oh man, DO NOT LIKE that it will shut off when you want to mow backwards.
yeah, having to press the override the a little off-putting but I've learned that you only have to hold it until you start moving backwards, then you can let off the override. Not ideal but better.
The Cub Cadet XT2 with Fabricated deck is twice as good. Stamp decks are a scam, Lol.😂😂😂😂
Never drove one. Im sure they are nice though.
Thanks for the video. The safety features are definitely annoying…but there’s a lot of idiots out there with shallow pockets… and Deere has the deep pockets when idiots idiot
Planned obsolescence lol
Lol you might be right.
Get a bigger one
Bigger one? Mower? It's working for me.