John Deere Z445 General Maintenance

[@richardsiegfried9423]

Thanks Zip for the great video. I'm new and also love motoring and I enjoyed your thoroughness

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Richard!

[@byronmorton6736]

Hey Zippo, Great video. I run a small engine shop in Port Dover Ontario Canada. Can't believe all the videos on your channel. Looking forward to learning some important information. Keep up the great work.

[@ZippoVarga]

Thank you very much!

[@joelgregori8202]

So helpful! What kind of oil should I use on the cotter pins? Will WD-40 work okay for that?

[@ZippoVarga]

Throw WD-40 out. It's Not a Lubricant. It is "Water Displacement formula #40" and once it evaporates, no lubricant is left behind. It's a common misunderstanding and often the root cause of many prematurely worn components where it's used. Use regular old motor oil in an oiling can. Zip~

[@newsite1]

Got it. Thanks for that! I just purchased a used z445 zero turn and am doing maintenance on it for the first time and this video is super helpful!

[@ZippoVarga]

@@newsite1 It would benefit you to download the owners manual. There is a ton of great information in it as well as regular maintenance tips. Enjoy it! Zip~

[@joelgregori8202]

@@ZippoVarga Will do. Thanks!

[@butler386]

Fixing things correctly is the most important which you do. Also doing the details of a little cleaning put a smile on the customers face. Good job. Yep the audio is a bit wonkie. I know nothing about the video stuff so have no advice on that issue.

[@meandthemrs7403]

I saw a video a while back that showed that those spindle bearings are sealed and the grease does not even get in them. You can remove the bearings and remove the inside seal and reinstall them. I THINK it was a JD riding lawn mower deck that he showed. But I'm not sure.

[@ZippoVarga]

JD uses both sealed and single sided sealed bearings depending on the level of the riding mower/zero turn. This one happens to have the single seal bearings, so the grease does get into the bearings. Oddly enough, Simplicity had Zerks on their spindles, but ran nothing but sealed bearings back int he day. Thanks for pointing this out Mr! Great to see you! Zip~

[@randybeard6040]

Me--The JD Generic Convention Mower has grease fittings but Sealed Spindle Bearings so yes zero grease gets inside bearing housing, a mechanic told me to remove seals from new bearings and then when you grease the spindle hubs, grease will be forced into bearings...

[@david2881]

Say i have z425 itll crank but not fire.bought used.i did when first got it clean out fuel line to filter and new filter was real bad think some gotten past filter.think carb clogged? Not know much about this mower thks

[@seanh6578]

Hey Zippo, nice overview of a full service. You do have the fuel filter on backwards. The fuel inlet side of the fuel filter from the tank should always put the fuel over the outside of the paper element inside the filter so you can see how dirty the filter is. The way you installed the fuel filter, the fuel inlet from the tank is flowing to the inside of the fuel filter, so you will not be able to directly see how dirty the fuel filter is. The heat must be getting to you. ;o) Also if you look back to time stamp 13:26 in this video, you can see how the previous fuel filter is installed how I described. In reality, the filter should work the same either way, the paper will still filter the fuel, just one way you can see when the filter is dirty, and the other way you can't see because you are only ever seeing the filtered fuel. Cheers Sean

[@meandthemrs7403]

I just use the arrow on the filter. I assume most filters have the arrow.

[@ZippoVarga]

Heya Mr! This one didn't have an arrow....Baffled me lol. But I did turn it around after reviewing the video so it matched the original filter. Cheers! Zip~

[@ZippoVarga]

This is what I did after viewing my video while editing. Crazy thing didn't have an arrow! Thanks for the explanation my Friend! And yes....the heat was and is brutal out right now lol. Cheers!! Sean~

[@seanh6578]

@@ZippoVarga I agree most have an arrow and it makes things easy. But I have picked up bulk filters at swap meets before for cheap, that also didn't have any markings. So I just look at it from a function standpoint, I want to be able to see when the filter is dirty. Cheers Sean

[@delmarielockhart6562]

I am a newbie....what kind of Hydraulic fluid is to be used?

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Fun video zip. Good lessons on blade sharpening. Man that baby was clean under the blower housing

[@michaeldesimone1558]

Do you happen to know why mine would have gas coming out of the carburetor? I just put a rebuild kit on it. Mainly just gaskets, a new float and a part to close the hole on the float. Looks like a bullet. The mower is a z445 with a Kawasaki engine. 20+ HP.

[@rocknral]

Seems like the needle/seat or the float is faulty. Or installed incorrectly. Did you loose the little spring in there? I'd start there anyway.

[@gerbos87]

Thanks, all good advice.

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad it was helpful!

[@watermanone7567]

Great job Zippo, don't tell Bruce Pender that you took out those plugs for new ones or he will want you to send them to him: Ha Ha. Thanks for the excellent video's.

[@ZippoVarga]

I keep all the used plugs and clean them so they're ready for the customer looking to cut corners and save a little cash. Cheers my Friend! Zip~

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Great full service on that JD Sean. Also a small engine mechanic always needs his "Bibles" to get the job done right. Good score on those. It crazy hot also here in Columbus, Ohio. I might need to make a swamp cooler for the shop to work in this heat.

[@ZippoVarga]

I'm fortunate in that I put in A/C in the shop many years ago. A cheap 5,000 btu unit that just keeps on going. It does a good job of wicking the humidity out of the shop for as small as it is. My shop is 25x35 feet and even in the hottest weather, I can cut the temp down by 15 degrees. Cheers Raymond! Zip~

[@MaxAcceleration]

Thanks for the excellent video. I do all my own maintenance and consider myself as detailed as you. I picked up many tips from your video, so thanks. My purpose of watching this was to observe the seat pivot points. For whatever reason, my Z445 seat will not raise. It is stuck in the down position and will not raise at all. Something is catching or something, not sure. Meanwhile I can't get to my battery! I'm bummed out, any ideas?

[@ZippoVarga]

Here is the PDF file (manual) for your mower. Within it will show you how to raise the seat. I hope this helps! Zip~ images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/5b/5bef7eb2-6221-4934-98cd-5fcaaf2ac9eb.pdf?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-27795-483420-&clickid=weH3jszTcxyOT3UwUx0Mo3cmUknRdQwxwzRXUI0

[@roymaclean2884]

hi Zippo Varga what's the best ride on lawn mower to buy if a person going to buy a new one or what's the best zero-turn to buy

[@ZippoVarga]

Lots of variables here Roy. How much land, what type of terrain? Your preference? Diesel or Gas? For me, with 3 acres, I would choose an industrial zero turn mower like Grass Hopper, Ferris or Toro Industrial. For a rider, Simplicity Legacy Diesel 4 wheel drive. Anything commercial would be more robust and last longer. Stay away from the Box Store mowers and zero turns. Zip~

[@roymaclean2884]

​@@ZippoVarga I was thinking on Cub Cadet or Kubota Zero Turns roughly three to four acres

[@ZippoVarga]

Stay away from Cub Cadet Roy. They're not made well at all. Kubota is a very good choice. Zip~

[@BrucesShop]

I need a new camera but i am afraid to make the move. Good lesson on blades. I find books quicker sometimes than looking it up eh!!!!

[@ZippoVarga]

Take the plunge Bruce! I've got growing pains every time I get a new camera, BUT....once figured out, I'm always glad I upgraded. As far as manuals....Nothing beats a quick reference book to sit beside the job when needed. I have all my other files on my portable devices like my lap top's and tablets, but a book is quicker and less apt to get broken lol. Cheers my Friend! Sean~

[@auburnfolsom]

Sean, Yes the audio isn't very good now. I have to almost max out the volume setting on my laptop to hear you unless you're right up close to the camera / mic. Hopefully you can address the issue w/o too much effort or additional cost ? Don't you love our "maintenance free society mentality" of today. Most people don't own or know what a grease gun or oil can is, let alone want to get their dainty little fingers & hands dirty / take the initiative to do a Proper Regular lubrication of machinery these days. As to cleaning, I usually either completely blow the machines off with compressed air (outdoors), pressure wash them or both prior to begin work on them. Makes it much neater, easier & cleaner to work on them, not to mention avoiding the risk of dirt getting into where it Shouldn't be when disassembling. Plus then it looks (to the customer) like it's really been worked on & that the mechanic takes pride in his work. Something I learned when I worked for John Deere back in the mid 90's. Removing the blower cover, checking & cleaning the cooling fin area should be standard PM when servicing small air cooled engines. Don't you love it when customers bring you equipment w/o fuel in them "Not my job !". ;) Yes, it's Too _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Hot to be working on this stuff unless you either have A/C or a fan blowing directly on you in your shop. Don't get yourself overheated or suffer a heat stroke. Great video ! Lot's of good pointers for beginners & those with bad service habits. Thanks for the video, your time, effort & for sharing !!

[@ZippoVarga]

I've got the little 5,000 BTU A/C unit in the shop and it does a good job of keeping the humidity out of the shop on these hot days. I wasn't sweating much at all in there, but as soon as I open the doors, in comes the relentless humidity! I always ask the customer if they want the machine detailed. If not, they get the basic service and light cleaning where needed. But, if I'm doing any kind of internal engine work, the entire engine compartment gets a thorough cleaning regardless of their preference so I don't contaminate the work area. I agree with you on all counts Mr. Doogals! Cheers! Zip~

[@matthewlawson8666]

Zippo I have a z445 and it dies every time I release the parking brake. I've replaced the pto switch and the seat switch. Any other ideas for me?

[@ZippoVarga]

The parking brake is often the cause of this. There is a safety switch that tends to wear out prematurely and is located on the parking brake bracket. That's what I would check. Zip~

[@_SouthernPride_]

How much oil did you put in

[@jarrrr69]

Got a z445 wheels off the ground while running move levers over and wheels slowly turn in reverse. Any ideas? No manual at home.

[@hockaday2fer2]

Use the mower height pin to adjust the levers

[@doogals]

Are you still using that tiny A/C to cool the shop? I recently saw several 5000 btu units at Kmart for $159/each. I thought seriously about buying one for my 24x24 garage, but didn't know if it was enough.

[@ZippoVarga]

It depends on how well your shop is sealed and if you've got it insulated. I've got the loft which helps get rid of the heat and humidity. My shop is 25x35, and my work area is about the same size as your whole shop. The little A/C unit I have does a good job of wicking out the humidity more than it actually cools the space down. But it definitely helps a lot over nothing at all. If you have a high ceiling and not much ventilation to get the heat out up high, you might also consider a roof vent to help pull the heat and humidity out. I just picked one up to install in my loft. Cheers my Friend! Zip~

[@doogals]

@@ZippoVarga Mine is 24x24 with 8' ceiling. Drywall ceiling and chipboard walls. It's an ongoing project. The ceiling is insulated. The walls are at least 3/4 completed with insulation. And it has insulated garage doors. I'd love to do a mini-split A/C, but that's not in the budget right now.

[@ZippoVarga]

I only spent $88 on the A/C unit I put in my wall over 10 years ago now I think it was. Take the plunge. Knock a hole in the wall and enjoy! Seriously....do it. Zip~

[@willyck948]

have you ever tried Fluid Film as lubricant? Seems to work better than grease on deck pivot points haven't tried oil as my oiler leaks after each use🤔

[@ZippoVarga]

I've got probably 2 dozen oilers of varying types with a variety of lubricants in them. Fluid Film isn't one, but I've heard a lot of good things about it. I'll give it a try! Cheers my Friend! Zip~

[@willyck948]

@@ZippoVarga I'm just curious as I haven't tried a comparison is all you don't need to go out of your way the cans are expensive I'm thinking about buying a bucket myself someday to save $$

[@chrisoakley2851]

What's the trophy for

[@ZippoVarga]

That was for my show truck. The 1988 Silverado. Here's a link to that truck AFTER A tree fell on it. Cheers Chris and I hope you're healing! Zip~ kzbin.info/www/bejne/qabLmnypetaEnNk

[@davidharvey7905]

Where are you located

[@ZippoVarga]

I'm in Indiana David. Zip~

[@bradleysanders1496]

My z425 doesn't seem to steer properly very out of control and the seem to be working independently of each other instead of together smoothly does any one know what I should do?

[@ZippoVarga]

Bradley. They DO operate independently. I'm not sure what you're trying to explain here. Movements of both control levers in a smooth uniform manner should yield good results. If you think your mower is having issues, I would find a reputable shop to take it to and tell them what's going on. Zip~

[@willyck948]

dug up some more parts I don't need so need to talk mail should I email you or talk in comments? have a coil for Bendix style 13-16hp engines also have a 3 pole coil looks to be from 5hp briggs and an intake pipe for 3 hp flow jet carb. Like to trade for older coil to fit my Starter Generator briggs engines is all Also have a cast iron 3 speed small frame trans that needs a good home if you know anyone looking for one north east Pennsylvania found it outside for free with oil water mix in it, drained it out and stuck it into my shed.

[@ZippoVarga]

What is your S/G powered Briggs? Got numbers? ZIp~

[@willyck948]

@@ZippoVarga Briggs 13 hp 302431 0144-01 7309181 Same coil on few of my engines don't have any spares as of yet have one but don't know if it's any good need to run resistance test on it got one engine without spark might need to compare the 2 look for any differences I suspect condenser as it quit rapidly only run few minutes at a time so not super hot I don't think

[@greenmule4634]

Good one Zippo, I Blow them off and wipe them down just makes for a better job, would like a blade sharping machine also, hope ya get one and make a video of it, thanks Zippo

[@ZippoVarga]

When I get the blade machine I'll also get a proper blade balancer to go along with it. Cheers Mule! Zip~

[@bevis226]

Kowasucky. Gota love those Plastic Cam gears and plastic cam lobes. Hey gimme that Vanguard manual. lol Hording all the good stuff eh?

[@ZippoVarga]

The early Kawasaki's used the plastic cam gear on a steel lobe shaft. This engine is the later design with the all steel cam gear and lobes. I've replaced a couple on the older Kawasaki's. No clue why any manufacturer would sacrifice durability with plastic internals. Wait! Yes I do! Failure means more $$ in their pocket through parts sourcing! Thanks for pointing this out Rock! Zip~

[@bevis226]

@@ZippoVarga More like $$$ lol. The darn gasket kit was around $150 for the last 1 that I did.

[@illduitmyself]

Ads were a bit ridiculous

[@ZippoVarga]

I agree! KZbin has initiated a new algorithm and it's inserting ads WAY too frequently. I'm looking into how to limit them. Zip~

[@michaelroof1969]

well done.

[@TheOtherBill]

I think a DSLR and a wireless lavalier mic would not only improve your video quality, it would be much less aggravating for you and possibly save time in editing. Downside is the cost :(

[@ZippoVarga]

Right now, I've got as much in my equipment as what a good DSLR would cost me. I'm happy with the GoPro's and their compact size, but they leave a little...ok, a LOT to be desired in the audio capability. I can still go the wireless route with them and I've thought about trying that before jumping into the DSLR world. It is tempting though! Cheers Bill! Zip~

[@joesloan4865]

I enjoyed it my brother keep them coming also tell miss zippo i said hellow . Later your brother joe

[@ZippoVarga]

Brother Joe! Haven't heard from you for a while! Drop me an email please! It's [e-mail] Love you Bro! Zip~

[@randybeard6040]

Why don't people Blow off their Lawn Mowers when through mowing especially the Deck around spindle area--very easy to do with leaf blower, your spindle bearings will appreciate it....

[@ZippoVarga]

That's the question of the Decade Randy. One I have no answer to other than laziness on the owners part. Zip~

[@tomdewey9907]

If you are going to get an actual professional blade grinder, then get a proper Magna-Mactic to go with it; IMO. Those tee-pee balancers are not that good.

[@ZippoVarga]

My plan is to get the Oregon balancer made by Tecomec and distributed by Oregon under the "Oregon 42-047" part number. It's 1/2 the price, but the features are close to the higher Magna-Matic balancer. I realize the cone balancers are a joke. But you work with what you can afford. I'm in a position to purchase the higher quality balancer and that is the plan since I do so many blade sharpenings. Bonus...the Oregon also provides a fixture to check for bent blades like the Magna-Matic. Thanks for the motivation to do my job better Tom! You're always available with sound and constructive advice and it's greatly appreciated. Thanks for having my back! Zip~

[@tomdewey9907]

As you deep dive into more mower stuff, it'll save you time ($$) in the end. Every shop back in the "day" used the Magna-Matic type balancers to do that and check for bent blades. Bent crankshafts thereof were another story; guys peddling their crank straightening gizmos were turned away in my teenage years (40-45 ago). The shop owners I worked for wanted no part of that (liability); just replace the bent crank.

[@doogals]

Please re-title this vid: Lack of General Maintenance

[@ZippoVarga]

Most of the machines I service get no regular maintenance unless it's me doing it unfortunately. Cheers Mr Doogals! ZIp~

[@kevinking2357]

Don’t care about the camera.

[@ZippoVarga]

Don't care about you not caring about the camera lol. Thanks for watching! Zip~