The engine is the heart of a wheel loader, and engine oil is its lifeblood. Proper oil replacement is critical to maintaining performance, reliability, and service life. This guide walks through the correct steps for changing engine oil on a wheel loader safely and effectively.

1. Preparation

Park the wheel loader on a flat, solid surface to ensure the machine is level. This helps prevent oil residue and leakage during draining.

Start the engine and allow it to run until the coolant temperature reaches approximately 60°C (refer to the operator’s manual for specific requirements).

Shut down the engine and engage the parking brake to ensure stability before proceeding.

2. Draining the Used Engine Oil

Place a sufficiently large container beneath the engine oil pan to collect the used oil.

Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. Slowly loosen the plug and allow the oil to drain naturally.

Caution: Used engine oil may be hot. Take care to avoid burns during operation.

Once the oil has completely drained, reinstall and tighten the drain plug securely to ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks.

3. Replacing the Oil Filter and Refilling with New Oil

Open the engine compartment and locate the oil filter.

Use a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter by turning it counterclockwise.

Clean the filter mounting surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or oil residue.

Apply a thin layer of clean engine oil to the sealing ring of the new oil filter. Install the new filter by hand and tighten it clockwise—do not overtighten.

Slowly add new engine oil through the oil filler port. Use oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Monitor the oil level with the dipstick and fill until it reaches the “H” (High) mark.

After filling, ensure the oil filler cap is properly secured to prevent leakage.

4. Inspection and Testing

Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes. Check the oil filter and drain plug for any signs of leakage.

If leakage is detected, shut down the engine immediately and address the issue.

After stopping the engine, wait 10–15 minutes to allow oil to return to the oil pan. Recheck the oil level using the dipstick and top up if necessary.

5. Important Notes

Always use engine oil that meets the specifications required for your wheel loader. Different oil grades can significantly affect engine performance.

Used engine oil is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to environmental regulations. Never discard it improperly.

If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, consult the operator’s manual or have the oil change performed by qualified service personnel to ensure safety and proper maintenance.