Changing hydraulic transaxle fluid in a Gravely ZT XL

An overview of changing the hydraulic transaxle fluid/oil in a Gravely ZT XL zero turn mower. Don't pay the dealer big money to do this simple task. Video provided for guidance and you should check the owner's manual for further guidance.

[@DamonDowning1]

After draining, You can fill the transmissions with oil by using the fill tub on the left and right side of the unit.. no need to remove vent plugs (not a fill plug) you only need to loosen them to the point you can unscrew with fingers, leave them loose until you see oil running out the bottom of the vent screw when filling.. also need to work the transmission after it’s done with the fill tub caps loose, back and forth 3-5 times to help work out any air... Preferably with the unit still on jack stands under no load. Otherwise, great video!

[@rtaggs8178]

This man takes care of his investment. So many folks do not do proper maintenance and then blame the maker and not themselves.

[@user-jp1mk9tk4z]

Thanks! The video was very explanatory for me, because I don't have a owners manual.

[@honestabe7349]

You don't have to remove the fill plugs. Just loosen them until they breathe for draining. Upon refill just inspect until they weep, then tighten. Fill at the reservoir. My Ariens/Gravely manual specifically states DO NOT REMOVE the fill plugs completely, just loosen.

[@timothyzosel9474]

Great video - but I think the manual is a little misleading as it says to take the to fill "vent" plug out then fill. You don't need to fill into the vent plug though, you can fill into the reservoir and just watch for it to come up to the bottom (or start coming out) of the fill vent plug. Much easier than trying to manipulate a "funnel tube". At least that is my understanding and it works fine.

[@M70ACARRY]

I've seen one factory kit include a screw in plug that has a nipple on it. Takes a 3/8 hose that attaches to a funnel. Probably why they say to remove the plugs. I just loosen them as you say, they fill via the expansion tanks. Just so much easier and less mess.

[@carlferry8992]

Thanks! I just checked with service and they want $150 to do the job. So now that I've seen this vid will do it myself.

[@M70ACARRY]

I found it easier to fill both sides from the expansion tanks. Just loosen both fill plugs to allow venting. I put oil bottles in hot water to warm the fluid so it would pour and drain quicker.

[@mattbraysails]

If it's a maintenance thing you can just cut the lawn and do it after.

[@richardwilkinson744]

I changed my Gravely Hyd oil and refilled the system by putting oil in the reservoir with the plugs out, when I started seeing oil coming out of the plug holes. I put the plugs back in filled the reservoir ran the drive with the wheels off the ground for a few minutes. Topped off the reservoir to the cold fill line and went to mowing.

[@terrysmith7454]

THANKS I REALLY WAS THINKING THE SAME THING , MUCH EASIER TO FILL FROM THE RESERVOIRS

[@carlferry8992]

Thanks! I just checked with service and they want $150 to do the job. So now that I've seen this vid will do it myself.

[@emssmiley2002]

Approximately how many quarts in each side?

[@peterkautzer1451]

Dude...appreciate you putting this video out. Have Gravely XL 52, and the things you showed saved me so much time/frustration. The tire removal was a big plus. As others have said, you can just fill the reservoir instead of the vent plug opening. Definitely saved $ instead of getting it serviced at the dealer. THANKS

[@jeromepreservation7362]

Appreciate it! I couldn't find much when I went to do it and hate to see people pay dealer prices for simple tasks.

[@Z22ZINFS]

GREAT KZbinR! No BS'ing about the weather, why you bought a Gravely, no crappy music, or starting with "Hey guys, how you doing?". Just right to the point. The only recommendation is editing out some of the wrenching of bolts. Only questions I have are: 1. Did the expansion tanks drain when the filters were removed? 2. About how much fluid (within half a cup) do you think you put in the fill plugs and expansion tanks? I know I will buy the 5 qt 15-50, but just curious.

[@86309]

Couldn’t you take off the fill plugs, then just keep filling up the reservoirs till fluid comes out the fill ports?

[@09G8GT]

Very informative. Watching different videos to get myself ready to do mine. Thanks!

[@kelvinbaxter2480]

Thanks man, I've been needing to do this for a hot minute and your video will help me a lot. Very Grateful.

[@derbyd10]

Great video ! The oil change kit from HydroGears kit comes with pump that attaches to your bottle of oil. It fits a liter bottle but I’m sure there is one that will fit a large jug. Also I see no reason why it can’t be filled through the reservoir which is so much easier. Hydro gear also recommends the purge process.

[@bluedolphin5792]

Thanks! This saved me time and money.

[@servihomestead4324]

Really helpful. Thanks for sharing. I hope it's similar for our ZT 50.

[@user-jp1mk9tk4z]

Very informative indeed !!

[@terrysmith7454]

THAFDNKS GREAT VIDEO I LEARNED A LOT FROM IT . KEEP THEM PLAYING I HAVE A 46 ONE AND I AM DOING MINE NOW .

[@Marine-iu3ev]

Well, I can tell you this, your mower is a piece of cake to do this hydraulic oil change. We have a 2017 Gravely ZT HD 60 . The only easy part was removing the filter guard. On mine both fill screws are on top of the trans-axle with about two-inches of work space. On the left side my wife had to lift the one drive belt to access the fill plug. Oh and, the steering linkage is right in front of the filter. Glad I don't have to go through this for another 400 hrs

[@gregrandolph2845]

I have the ZT HD 60 also. I don't think there is enough room to take the top vent plug off. Mission impossible!!!

[@marcusssc8493]

Love the jackstands

[@gregsullivan8518]

Thanks, this was really helpful.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Great video!

[@robertbrown6311]

Good video,but you're supposed to fill the filters with oil,and you can use the tanks to fill it 😉

[@JuanAcosta-jq2wu]

Very good video help me a lot thankx man you the best bro.

[@user-jp1mk9tk4z]

I have a older model Gravely ZT 50 Zero turn mower, Model 915150, 51058, 03837. Has no expansion reservoirs!! Is it the same way you change the hydraulic oil the same as the XL mower, where you fill the transmission till the the fluid come out the fill plug hole?

[@maltedbarley1]

Thanks for making this video. I was wondering if you think we could just loosen the fill plug and add oil to the reservoir and stop when it starts to weep out. Seems like this may be easier than the funnel tube deal.

[@mattbraysails]

What about the overflow or reservoirs on top? You fill from the top after after running a short bit?

[@taplinger]

Thanks for the video, although I thought it was pausing for an ad and would pick up with the purging process. Just an aside, our Gravely 48 XL ZT is a crappy mower and the dealer support is terrible. It was delivered with a cracked subframe, a known problem since Gravely had a repair kit, but we were not informed by the dealer or Gravely and when the subframe completely cracked the dealer said Tough luck, your warranty expired 2 months ago. Then the solenoid died with 500 hours on it, then one of the hydraulic pumps started leaking.

[@livingthedream29]

How did you get the steering linkage out away in front of the oil filter?. I have a ZT48 HD and it’s directly in front. Also, the vent/fill plug is on top. Impossible to almost reach…

[@dodgert4me]

Nice video, very informative

[@servihomestead4324]

I have the same question. The user's manual for our ZT 50 does not reveal this info! I saw something somewhere that led me to believe it was about 2 qts per motor.

[@86309]

Good job one handed!

[@MG7316]

No reservoirs on the mower?

[@catman581]

How can you work with gloves on

[@raicebannon1936]

Jerome Pres, do you know if it the same process for the Kawasaki Engine?

[@JPMachine]

Raice Bannon Not sure if you found your answer, but as long as you have the hydro gear ZT2800 hydros or bigger this procedure is the same, regardless of the engine in the unit or the make of the mower.

[@stephenbrown9571]

11/16 is interchangeable with 11mm in most if not all situations in case anyone is sans 11/16. Same with 5/16 and 8mm, 1/2 and 13mm. I know there's more, but those were the most common I dealt with while working at a car lot. While this is helpful, I'm mostly just prolonging the fact that I need to change my fucking hydraulic fluid. Also, a side note, this video is only covering part of the process it seems. You still need to purge the air from the hydraulic system. Basically it amounts to putting the ass end in the air, pulling out the bypass levers on the back, starting the motor, and moving the movement control levers back and forth until everything is smooth. Then checking the oil level after everything is smooth. Second side note, this video also does not apply to all gravely's. On my 2016 HD (according to the manual I just DL'd), the fill port shown in this video is actually attached to reservoirs on either side of the motor, and there is a separate vent/fill plug on top of the transmission. Theoretically, I should be able to just pull the vent plug, and fill through the reservoir.

[@trevoreder4822]

11/16 is interchangeable with a 18mm wrench not an 11mm, likely just a typo but wanted to correct in case someone might get confused.

[@stephenbrown9571]

@@trevoreder4822 Fuck me, yeah. 7/16 is 11mm.

[@M70ACARRY]

It's not pressure sealed. No need to purge. Air finds its way out.

[@135tenis]

Mine has no reservoirs under seat?

[@chineeseproductreviewsando5149]

How many quarts did each hydro take?

[@derbyd10]

The Hydrogear factory kit comes with 5 qts of SAE 20-50, 2 filters and small transfer pump that fits the quart bottle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYrRe417oK13nq8

[@sherrischneider2794]

Please use some Jack stands from the start

[@brockohl769]

Might be a good idea to purge the system afterwards to get the air out.

[@paulsides6971]

The oil reservoirs aren't pressure sealed. The air will work it's way out.

[@Marine-iu3ev]

would make life easier if you used a filter wrench with 3/8 in drive.

[@jeromepreservation7362]

very true! One of those things that I always wished I had when I needed it then always forget to buy one.

[@jhscheppele2448]

I use a nut driver to put the filter shields on.

[@yungchoc912]

My gravely dealer never has shit in stock either what’s up with that

[@jeromepreservation7362]

No idea, every time I need something they say they can have it ordered in a couple days. Gets frustrating!

[@Maximum1A]

This look easy until I saw where the drain plugs are located….Shame on the engineers who put them there!

[@chuckgillett663]

Your a little over I'm at 150 hahaha

[@tbar1047]

You're putting the oil in all wrong.