I have read many of the previous post pertaining to the process of changing the oil. I haven't heard anyone speak of removing the protective shaft cover to get to the drain plug. I have looked through the manual... but it doen't show anything on the bottom of the tractor. I am approching 25 hours on my tractor and as a lot of you have said, it's a good idea to change the oil early. So my question....is it necessary to remove that shaft cover to remove the drain plug.... it looks like if you leave it on, you will have oil all over that cover?? I hope this makes since. let me /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifknow...Scott /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif