i haven"t a manual so have some simple questions.

[blue skys]

i probly have done this  wrong, is the oil drain plug on the same side as the oil filter? is there a good way to do a oil change, with out a big mess. it looks like the mower deck is in the way.

[rattosh51]

Yes, the oil drain plug, should be below the oil filter. Best way to do it is get a shallow pan or a funnel and put it on top of the deck and let it drain out.