Hydro Gear Oil and Filter Change on Hustler Raptor SD 75 hr

Today I'm doing a 75+ Hour transmission hydro transaxle service on my 54” Hustler Raptor SD zero turn mower. We'll change the oil and both filters. If you want to see how it's done, stick around.
Thanks for watching, liking and subscribing. It means a lot. 👍🏼

[@tombowen-tk7zz]

Great video! Tip on those infamous vent plugs - trying to get them loose from the back, is like trying to fill a straight the hard way. After putting the filters and covers back on - come at them from the front while the wheels are off. You have much more room an you can get the right side plug easy from the left side of the mower and vice versa. I used a 1/4 allen socket and 3/8 drive to break them loose and just fingers and the socket alone to take them out.

[@tombowen-tk7zz]

And also, make sure you review the air purging routines after the change. An airlocked system is a pain and it's EASY to cause it.

[@rickmoore3496]

Good job !!

[@kennethcollins1529]

You do the Best Videos on Hustler I've seen!!!

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Ken, Thanks for the kind words and for stopping to watch the videos. It’s appreciated. 👍🏼 More videos to come as services or problems arise. 🤙🏼

[@sergezast]

Very thorough and informative, I'm impressed.

[@bitemyram]

Fantastic video nice detail. Thank you very much… super helpful. 👍🏻👍🏻⭐️

[@SometimeIsNow]

And… Thank you for stopping to watch the video. 👍🏼 Take Care

[@Studio23Media]

I don't even know if this video will be useful for me or not, but I'm here for the doggo now.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey 23media, Thanks for stopping to watch the videos. Riley appreciates the support !! 🐶 Take care 👍🏼

[@joekurzeja3455]

I always pull a vacuum on the reservoir tank with a brake bleeder when refilling the system. This way you don’t have to mess with those vent plugs because it pulls all the air out and you save time by not waiting for air to come up. Much faster way.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Joe, Great tip !! Take Care

[@altonrowell613]

Hustler recommend purging the system of air , by raising the wheels off the ground and starting the engine and moving the control levers forward and backward several times. That is in the oner's manual under hydro transmission oil change. Thanks for the information nice video.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Alton, Thanks for stopping by to check out the video. You are correct. 👍🏼 I just purged the air out by slowly moving the mower back and forth on the ground. It only took a couple times back and forth to purge the air. 👍🏼 Take Care

[@altonrowell613]

@@SometimeIsNow ok I see. Did you disengage the drive system? . I know you can't roll it unless you do. Hustler recommend doing it like I said to do it. With the engine running and wheels off the ground both internal pumps are running. But I know if you try pushing it on the ground with out the hydros dish engaged you can't roll it it. It's just easier to do it like Hustler recommends. But I can see how it worked for you. By rolling in around the driven pumps purged out the air. Yes that works. But it's easier to start the engine and let the wheels turn free.

[@altonrowell613]

@@SometimeIsNow thanks for the video. I enjoy watching someone do maintenance on mowers. I just bought me a Hustler Fas trak 54 and I'm getting ready to work on it. Thanks again.

[@claudioconde9553]

Excellent video!!!

[@millyjr343]

Thank you. I got my SD from my dad after he left it out broke down in the weather uncovered. I had to do a full tune up on the engine and replace all fluids and fuel pump. Got it running to find out it needed this done because it was so low. Big help. Thank you so much.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Kevin, Thanks for stopping by the channel to check out the video. It’s appreciated. It’s been a good mower so. General maintenance like any other. The only major issue I had was within the last week I had 2 bolts break off and one loose that hold the two transmissions to the frame. While mowing I had the right rear wheel almost separate from the frame and the belt that drives the transmissions jumped off. I had to purchase better quality bolts to replace the low grade ones and reinstall the belt. When I was doing this I noticed the belt was almost to it’s lifespan so I bought a new belt.. I’m planning on doing a video on changing the belt and pointing out which bolts that failed so everyone can check there’s before their rear transmission fall out of the mower. Stay Tuned !! and Take Care

[@richoutdoors8962]

Another awesome how to vid bud! 👍🏼

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks Rich !! Appreciate the support 👍🏼

[@bstewart6338]

Well done!! Thanks for the effort and good informative video.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks again for watching !! Take Care

[@jimjohnson2321]

Very Helpful. Thank you . . .

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Jim, Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 👍🏼 Take Care

[@jackharding98]

Thanks for showing how it's done! I appreciate it.

[@calebspence9552]

Excellent video, sir! Thanks for the information.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Caleb, Thanks for stopping by the channel to check out the video.. Take Care 🤙🏼

[@user-ys6pk7tw9h]

You did an excellent job, when is too hard to take it off, I use my old Harvard Freight impact wrench.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks !! 👍🏼

[@donniemeyers3562]

Good job.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Donnie, Thanks for stopping by the channel to check out the video. Take care👍🏼

[@randymoore3983]

Great informative video. Thanks for doing it.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Randy, Thanks for stopping to check out the video.👍🏼

[@Bill-Rocker]

Good info, thanks for taking the time. Just to note...I would not let the reservoir ever get empty while filling, possible air trap. I would also fill filters partially before install as they absorb fluids.

[@bobbyplatt7654]

Vent plugs removed no way for air to get trapped..

[@Bill-Rocker]

@@bobbyplatt7654 Vent plugs were installed, reserve tank was empty, then more fluid added, watch last few minutes of video. There are actually bubbles coming up into reserve. Just noting, but for me, my tank is never empty once I start refill, ymmv.

[@SometimeIsNow]

@@Bill-Rocker All good info, Thanks B 👍🏼

[@bteddy658]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Brian, Glad you enjoyed. 👍🏼Thanks for stopping by the channel to check out the video. Take Care

[@PeterDownie1988]

Hi, Thanks for the video. I would have like to see you get the air out of the transmission lines as well as I well.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Peter, Leave the mower up on jack stands or the floor jack and start the motor and run the two levers forward and in reverse and you’ll purge the air out of the system. 👍🏼 Take Care

[@PeterDownie1988]

@@SometimeIsNow It did work, thanks.

[@roncrawford7128]

Thanks for the info. Now I've got to get out there and do the same for mine.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Ron, Thanks for stopping by to check out the video. It’s appreciated. 👍🏼

[@darwindropmazda]

Good video!

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Darwin, Thank you and thanks for checking out the video. Take Care 👍🏼

[@donnyj1]

Great video! Thank you!

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Donny, Thanks for stopping to check out the video.. It’s appreciated 👍🏼 Take Care

[@derickbrown8471]

Great video. Thanks

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks Derik, and thank you for stopping by to view the video. It’s appreciated. Take Care 👍🏼

[@derickbrown8471]

It saved me a service labor fee, plus delivery, and wait time at the service shop. Thanks again

[@thomasgregory8941]

Good video. Thanks

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Thomas, Thanks for stopping by to check out the video. Take Care 👍🏼

[@bartvanpraag1720]

Good video, great details like the 70 Ft/Lbs of torque on the lug nuts - I learned a lot. The only thing you might consider adding is how to bleed the air out of the system. Thanks!

[@mypolitical]

The bleeding procedure is the only reason I watched this video. So disappointed. 😂

[@SometimeIsNow]

Shows in the service manual to bleed the drives you have the rear wheels off the ground and work the forward and reverse back and forth till they run smoothly. I just drove the mower back and forth slowly on the ground till all the air was out of the drives. 😁

[@thomasgregory8941]

good video

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Thomas, Thanks for the visit to the channel. 👍🏼

[@TexasLocalProduce]

I almost bot the Raptor! Ended up getting the Toro Titan HD, very disappointed. I took it back to adjust the arms but to this day,3 yrs later, the arms STILL don't function as they should! I do however have the JDeere 1025R. I love how you love Riley, so new subscriber today!!! Love all your Tractor videos! I want to learn how to do my own maintenance on both the Jdeere 1025R & Toro Titan mower. As a lady,my hands are smaller & I am very motivated to learn, so 2 big pluses, yes? I am also motivated by incompetent so-called "mechanics" So I am on-board! Subbing right now! How about organizing your Tues videos into it's own Playlist? Thanxs!

[@SometimeIsNow]

Welcome Dogs Rule, Thank you for stopping by to check out the videos and thank you for the kind words. It’s greatly appreciated. Sorry to hear you’re not having good luck with the Toro Titan. You did however make a great choice on the 1025R. 😁 IMO they’re a great little tractor. Yes I truly love dogs as you can see. I try to include Riley in all my service videos so I have the videos to look back on one day. If I could get Riley to hold on better on a snowmobile he’d be in those videos too. 😂 You make a great point on incompetent mechanics nowadays. No attention to detail and they seem not to care. That’s why I do all my own work. That’s a great idea to put all my Tractor Tuesday videos in a playlist.. I’ll have to do that.. Thanks for the input. Take Care and thanks for subscribing. 👍🏼

[@time4tube1]

Great video. I notice you still have the "Thin" brackets on your transmission. You might want to order the kit and replace like I did. Best 100 bucks you'll spend on a good mower.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey time4tube1, Thanks for stopping to watch the video. I didn’t know they offered such of upgrade. Where would I find the update kit? Thanks 👍🏼

[@user-tq5et8yj9c]

You have a missing bolt on the cross brace between the drive motors. 3/8” bolt right side of filter

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Tony, Thanks for stopping by to check out the video. Yes, I noticed that when I starting working on the Hydro service. I ended up changing all 4 of the known junk bolts that came in the mount.. After doing some research they've been known to break. I changed them all out with grade 8 bolts. Take Care my friend 👍🏼

[@6.4hemidriver44]

I just changed the hydro oil and filters on my Ferris IS700Z w/ZT-3400. I fill them back through the oil vent hole with a pump. Once they level off there, I put the vent plugs back in and top off the reservoirs. Each side has its own reservoirs.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks for stopping by the channel. I’m not familiar with the Ferris mowers. Are they similar to the Hustler Hydro’s? Take Care

[@6.4hemidriver44]

@@SometimeIsNow, I'm no expert by any means, but I believe Hydro-Gear makes different variations for a lot of manufactures. My son always said, Hustlers were pretty straight forward to work on. My Ferris is the only one I've owned. So far so good.

[@youareright5431]

Put that crap away and get that thundercat in for a wax and a go over 🤬🤬😂😂😂 Leaves are falling 👍👍I have a feeling were all going to get some good local riding this year👍👍I sing oh yeah leaves are falling ( To kisses " Tears are falling")😂😂

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hahahahaha 😂🤣😂 Won’t be long now buddy and we’ll be motoring down a nicely groomed trail. The leaves are definitely falling and Sept is the start of sled videos. Shhhhhh. 🤫I can’t put a coating of wax on the T-cat just yet as I have a Deviant Ink wrap to install. I have a bunch of videos planned involving the Thundercat with accessories from Precision EFI and the Elka shock install. I just fired up both sleds yesterday and let them run up to temp. It’s getting close to “GO TIME” Take Care.🤙🏼

[@jrblair978]

Very informative video I think I can do it now if I can only get those darn plugs out

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Jr, Thanks for stopping to check out the video. Yeah.. Those plugs were the toughest part of the whole service. 😫 Take Care 👍🏼

[@ugabd57]

Very impressive video. I screen shotted your notes for quick reference. Do you know if anyone has ever figured out how to keep grass from getting packed inside the plastic pulley guards on top of the deck? I’ll bet you pull those off every cleaning.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thank you… Yeah you definitely have to keep the deck clean for it to last.. I don’t pull the plastic covers off after every use but I do use the leaf blower and blow the grass off it after each use. Take care

[@leechjim8023]

The hydro change was MUCH more difficult than it needs to be😢😢😢

[@THATGUY50551]

Great how to video! How do you keep your mower so clean?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Willie, Thanks for stopping by the channel to check out the video. 👍🏼 After I mow, I use a leaf blower to blow off all the grass so it doesn’t sit on the mower and I wash it a lot. 😁 Take Care

[@edp9811]

Should add the bleeding sequence

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Ed, Thanks for stopping by the channel. Yeah,.. I agree I had the jack right there and could have ran the mower forward and reverse to bleed the drive. Next time I’ll do a updated service video 👍🏼 Take Care

[@bhlife65]

For the plugs to drain out, the fluids should not have to use an Allen wrench to take it off but a lug nut wrench and take off a bolt.

[@rickbrownstead7595]

Good job and nice video, please use jack stands while under anything using a hydro jack. Thanks again

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks Rick, I did purchase some jack stands for future use. 🤙🏼 Take Care

[@bobhope1234p]

Great video. Shop wants 300 to do this

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey, Thanks Bob for stopping to check out the video. That’s why I do my maintenance videos is to show what it takes to do each service and let the people who watch decide whether they want to try and tackle it themselves or pay the high shop fees. 👍🏼 Take Care

[@dommygarcia1347]

I bought an used hustler with 27 hour but it looks like the hydro gear is totally empty. I asked the guy what is the hydro gear stands for and he never told me because he didn’t know. What do suggest me? Fill it out with new hydro gear oil like you did or do an oil change because it has only 27 hours I guess only need to fill with hydro gear oil right? Your video is opening my eyes thanks for the video. Let me know thanks

[@jimdaniels3542]

Where's the Track? Where's the skis?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hahahahaha They’re in the back of the garage, couldn’t you see them 😂 I’ll have to get a set of tracks and skis for the mower and head up north this winter. You’ll just have to wait for me 🤙🏼

[@horsship]

How many hours are on your mower? Have you had and cracks in the front wheel cross brace? Seems some get cracks there. I’m also having paint coming off mine. I know that’s an issue with these as well.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey horsship, Welcome to the channel. I have 152 hrs on my mower. I have zero cracks in the front wheel cross brace although all the deck wheel brackets tend to bend and I just bend them back. I do have paint peeling off the deck in certain areas which is common on some. I recorded a video with pulling the deck off and going through everything. I cleaned the deck, changed the blades and straightened all the wheel brackets. I’d that something you’d be interested in seeing? Take Care 🤙🏼

[@kylehanna6486]

What tires are you running on the rear? Did the mower come stock with those big bite tires? Which ones do you prefer?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Kyle, Thanks for watching the video. 👍🏼 They are the stock rear tires that came on the mower and are called GrassMaster 18X8.50-8 tires. They have worked well and I have zero complaints with them so far. Take Care

[@bobbyjones9502]

Where did you get your measuring filter

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Bobby, Thanks for stopping to check out the video. It’s a Motion Pro funnel. www.motionpro.com/product/08-0747 Take Care

[@travistreadwaymd-fw2xv]

Where did you get that digital torque wrench?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Travis, Thanks for stopping to watch the video. The Digital torque wrench is a 3/8" Drive TechAngle® Flex-Head Torque Wrench (5-125 ft-lb) I bought it off shop.snapon.com Just enter ATECH2F125BV into the search bar and you’ll find it. Take Care 👍🏼

[@sherrischneider2794]

No Jack stands, bad news one day.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Good point.. Thanks for looking out for me Sherri 👍🏼 Someone has too.. Riley wasn’t watching me as he was too busy playing with his ball. Take Care

[@travisricks3436]

Where did you get that funnel?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Travis, Thanks for stopping to check out the video. It’s a Motion Pro funnel. www.motionpro.com/product/08-0747

[@bradhitchcock3980]

I see Riley isn't much help with lawn mowers either, let's get some snowmobile videos going. 😳

[@SometimeIsNow]

It won’t be long now buddy.. I’ll be starting the snowmobile videos this month. I can feel the chill in the air 😁

[@joeparker7508]

Where you get filters and oil?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Joe, I get all my parts from www.hustlerlawnmowerparts.com/ Take Care 🤙🏼

[@philliphall5198]

Good time to check for broken or cracked brackets

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Phillip, Thanks for stopping by to check out the video. I totally agree on checking the mower over while its apart. The only thing I had found during this service was a missing mounting bolt and washer on the right hydro trans. Take Care

[@jlb197736]

I have a 2009 fast track 36 inch (927376). I am having a hard time finding oil type, hydronic oil and filters. Would it be the same as yours?

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey jlb, Here ya go. Here’s the manual for the Hustler Fastrack 36. www.manualslib.com/manual/606832/Hustler-Fastrak-36.html?page=20#manual On page 20 it goes over the variations of EZT hydros and whats needed for service. Shows the 36 is non serviceable.?? LEt me know how you make out.

[@jlb197736]

@SometimeIsNow thank you bud!! I really do appreciate this

[@SometimeIsNow]

@@jlb197736 You’re very welcome. Let me know if you have any more questions, I’ll try to help. Take Care👍🏼

[@orlandomackey763]

How often should this be done

[@BIgBass255]

Manual says 750 hours, so I did mine at 75 hours.

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Orlando, Sorry… I just seen your comment.. Looking in the service manual it states the following: Initial hydraulic system oil and filter change must be after the first 75 hours of use or 1 year whichever comes first. Thereafter, replace filter and oil in each transmission every 2 years or 200 hours, whichever comes first. Take Care

[@joefro9473]

Every time you mow

[@tonymcveigh8789]

Get a set of socket Allan keys

[@libertarianman69]

You know what pisses me off I bought a 2023 model and it does not have a reservoir

[@SometimeIsNow]

Thanks for stopping to watch the video. That’s strange, I wonder why Hustler eliminated the reservoir?

[@libertarianman69]

@@SometimeIsNow I'm not sure. What sucks is you gotta pump it in and go underneath the mower and pump it in on the side of the transmission. It it has a filler place on top but there's no way of getting a socket or wrench on it to take the boat out to fill it up. Horrible horrible design

[@SometimeIsNow]

@@libertarianman69 Wow.. Sounds like they went backwards on that update.. Sometimes you wonder if the engineers really know eventually someone has to work on it.. Shameful.. Take Care 👍🏼

[@libertarianman69]

Actually got a socket on it and a swivel extension and it worked. Can also remove wheels and get a wrench on it.

[@libertarianman69]

Got a long funnel and barely got it into the hole. I had a pump for when it went low but thats not often