Well, conjure up a piece of flat thin aluminum sheet, sort of stiff. form it into an open top square tube. Stuff it in under the place where the oil drain plug is, prop it in so it doesn't fall out, and remove the oil dip-stick, and then the drain plug. This will result in most of the oil draining out into the drain pan, which by now you should have in place to catch the oil. Also, using some rags, make a dam around the inner end of the homade drain tube, and have old rags under the tractor, or Speedy-dry, an absorbent material. When you open the drain, the oil will gush out, but, due to the infernal design of most of the new type oil drain types, you will no doubt have some oil on yer floor, hands, shoes, in yer ear or eye, but most will go into the drain pan. Maybe!
Above all---do not do this job on yer wife's favorite oriental rug. That will necessitate a call to 911, or a fast exit on your part! ;^)

We all make a mess the first time. Before you put the drain plug back in customize the drain with a nipple and elbow or a Drainzit... http://www.perr.com/drainzit.html and you're good to go from then on.

I see that I am not the first to encounter this problem. Figured I would have to wing it some how, but your answers confirm it. Great to know about the Drainzit's, a great solution for the future.

Many thanks!!!

here is a further comment on Rusty's idea.

Acquire a square socket that fits the drain plug.
Warm up the engine
Tip the mower in the right direct using a couple of blocks
I use cardstock to guide the oil away from the mower frame.
A plastic pan works nicely to capture the oil that is drained.

If you don't want to fool with tipping the mower, consider looking for some of the vacuum equipment that draws oil out of the fill tube.

TB: This issue was discussed at length a few mths back with numerous suggestions. I have installed on my neighbours Cub Cadet a 4' length of strato flex hyd hose of nominal Npt with a pipe cap on the end to assist with draining the Oil when required . The hose easily can be routed out of the way when not be used. Any Auto Supply or Mechanical Jobber Supply Store can assist you with the hose and cap at approx $10.00 .