Zero Turn Transmission Fluid Change on Sealed Unit using Pump

Can it be done without removing the transmission?? Watch and find out. Reference my other videos below to do this method right :)
Zero Turn Transmission Oil Change
• Zero Turn Transmission...
Zero Turn Transmission Removal
• How to Remove Zero Tur...
Zero Turn Transmission Install
• How to Install Zero Tu...
Amsoil 20w50 Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid
www.amsoil.com...
Transfer Pump Used (is slick will even pump up balls)
amzn.to/3RLIwZ2
Air Brake Line 3/8
amzn.to/3L4XUvU
Thanks for watching!
Mower Mike
Disclosure: The Amazon link above is an Amazon affiliate links. This means that, I do earn a very small commission (at no cost to you) if you click the link and finalize a purchase.

[@laytonwhip]

Ive seen a KZbin where the guy drills a hole in the bottom and taps it for a plug. Shows the correct location for the hole also. Seems to be the actual easiest way. Apologies for not having the link..... Appreciate the video.

[@MowerMike]

Yep can do that for sure. I would just worry about getting shavings in the oil.

[@Angelo-lq3vd]

If you end up locating a link or screen name, please post back. Interested in seeing what’s involved.

[@laytonwhip]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJS6dqp7oL52ptksi=h1kNTQPbkv856Kc0

[@Naki523]

You can do it as long as there is enough meat on the casting to cut threads. You can't do it on the EZT 2200 unless you weld an aluminum drain plug kit

[@Naki523]

Not having a drain plug is borderline criminal! They want these units to fail, so you can spend the big bucks to replace them. Mine took a dump 2 months after the warranty expired and my local Toro dealer quoted me $2000+. I rebuilt it for $160! 🤑

[@MowerMike]

Wow well done. Is there a KZbin video you used to help rebuild it?

[@Naki523]

@@MowerMike The one I used from YT University was from: SilentKnight Saga. Hat-Tip to him! I also used a Mityvac oil extractor to get the old oil out of my other drive unit and reserviced it. These sealed units are a 'time bomb'. When the hydro oil breaks down, the components will fail. I believe your video is the way to go on these sealed hydros. Suck out as much as possible and reservice them to keep the oil in good condition as preventative maintenance.

[@gailjohnson6670]

It's ridulous manufactures don't put drain plugs to able to change fuild. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@MowerMike]

I agree man. Blessing to you also.

[@gailjohnson6670]

@@MowerMike I'm a lady..

[@MowerMike]

@@gailjohnson6670 My apologies, I am used to talking to a bunch of meat head guys on here. Happy to have you watching.

[@gailjohnson6670]

@@MowerMike No problem.

[@AllenDickenson]

The non serviceable hydros without the external oil filter are EZT models

[@MowerMike]

Interesting thanks for the info.

[@RonElam-c6g]

Good job Mike. Very interesting.

[@MowerMike]

Thanks! Was an interesting little experiment

[@Elliottdrpaful]

Great job! Informative!

[@MowerMike]

Thanks I appreciate that.

[@markwright990]

just bought a husq z248f, would you recommend draining the factory fluid and replacing with a superior fluid, or just wait until next year?

[@MowerMike]

Noooo just run it. You will be fine

[@franknelms3888]

Hey MM, great video/info. I changed one side of my old Bad Boy Magnum MZ. One side was obviously low. It would develop very little torque once it got warm. The bad boy design makes it very hard to access the fill port when the unit is mounted. Not able to get a good angle to tighten the plug. One thing I tried and it seemed to work is I used a dewalt drill and a socket to purge the unit on my bench. Just put the socket on the nut that holds the fan on the shaft. Did some forward and back a few times. Seemed to work. You ever tried that?

[@MowerMike]

Nope but sounds like a great idea.

[@jonlapointe5582]

I have no idea...but in theory why wouldn't you be able to try to push out the fluid with compressed air? Could you hook up a hose from your air compressor maybe to your vent tube and hook up a cap/hose to the fill port and blow the oil out? It seems like it would work.

[@MowerMike]

Interesting theory. If you try it let me know how it works. I am done wrestling with these things for a while though.

[@nikekidingram2998]

Could you please use a sealed transmission with wet models with a drain plug using the same procedure. Please thanks

[@MowerMike]

Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKOwd3aOhLmpns0si=YZEbpkkjz5gOWWLG

[@nhojcam]

i've always said that if it was manufactured, then there is no such thing as "sealed." anything / everything can be serviced.

[@garyhelms1889]

What is the reason for draining the fluid: routine maintenance, trans slipping/whining?

[@MowerMike]

Just to shoot a KZbin video. Lol being honest here. If it were me I wouldn’t mess with changing fluid on ones without a drain.

[@garyhelms1889]

@MowerMike Mine is slipping pretty bad when it gets hot. I thought changing fluid might buy me some time. I've already got one side pulled and drained. It's pretty easy. I just need to get new hydro fluid now.

[@MowerMike]

@@garyhelms1889 Check out the link in my video description to the Amsoil fluid. It makes a difference

[@garyhelms1889]

Last question, and I leave you alone. You mentioned how thick the fluid is while filling. My old fluid poured out almost like water. I figure 20w50 is 20w50, no matter what manufacturer of the oil. Is Amsoil a thicker fluid?? That's what would buy me more time I think, (a thicker fluid). If this works for me, I'll post in your comments. This may help someone else. Warning to others....don't pull heavy objects with your mower. This is what messed my trans up!!

[@vanessawilliams7124]

I have a sealed axle

[@AnthonyCartergoldplated]

I drilled a hole in the bottom of transmission 1/8 drillbit then you they1/8 tap Bought a 1/8 plug put it in now I can service it

[@MowerMike]

Very cool

[@nhojcam]

correction... not all of the new zt-2200's have a drain plug. if the 3rd digit in the 'model number' is either the letter E or F, then it has a drain plug. if it has any other 3rd letter, then it has no drain plug. shame on hydro-gear for not making ALL of their transmissions with a drain plug. there should be REQUIRED BY LAW a right to repair component in the design spec, which would include a drain plug.

[@MowerMike]

Thanks for the update and I totally agree. Same issue on the riding mowers.

[@nikekidingram2998]

I totally agree. Amen

[@Naki523]

@@nhojcam Bingo! You are correct! 🎯👍

[@vanessawilliams7124]

Show video how to replace the left transaxle on a bad boy 48 in. Cut Mz zero turn

[@MowerMike]

Nah will let you do that one.

[@garyb.4080]

Well my question is, why are you calling ducks?😂

[@MowerMike]

Haha

[@nicholaslopez8830]

Should just drill and tap a hole towards the bottom

[@MowerMike]

Maybe you should

[@Naki523]

I rebuilt my EZT this year and was planning on going that route. Unfortunately, there is not enough meat in the aluminum casting in the location specified for the drain plug. You would need to weld a drain. I ran out of time and needed my mower back, otherwise I would have gone this route.

[@wayneg.7605]

I was curious, you said to pop off the vent cap and suction out the fluid. You removed the hex plug . I think you misunderstood the instructions.

[@MowerMike]

What instructions? I make this up as I go ;)

[@allynfinkbeiner1034]

Hello, I have a E335Z Zero Turn JD. I encountered a slow leaking bearing on a left side transmission. Approximately after the lawnmower is used for 1/2 hour the left turn is inoperable. How can I fill only without taking the transmission completely out? Thanks!

[@MowerMike]

Take the wheel off and there is a plug ontop of the transmission behind the wheel. It should have an Allen head on it and take it off and you can fill it up.

[@scottweathersby6659]

Do you know of an axle upgrade kit for a gravely 160 commercial zero turn from 3/4 to 1 inch shaft

[@MowerMike]

Nope.

[@jameswalsh2433]

Drill and tap 1/8 inch NPT thread for pipe plug.

[@MowerMike]

At your own risk! But I like it