Hydro Gear ZT 3100 Transaxle Fluid Change

Hydro Gear ZT 3100 Transaxle Fluid Change.
The Disconnect failed after the fill on both transaxles.
The local mechanic stated that the air will burp out slowly and
the disconnect will start to work.
He said to just keep using the burping procedure and drive slowly.
The job was not bad but there are so many different Transaxles in service that this one shown could be different that yours.

[@jomama7458]

Thank you. Just getting ready to change mine after 200 hours.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Having worked IN a major Lawn Mower MFG plant for 40+ years I HIGHLY suggest that you take the HG part number and go ahead and buy rebuild kits for them and possible typical parts that are known to wear out or break, these companies are now designing in obsolescence, I have some specific NOT entry level equipment that you no longer can get what I recommend to you.

[@t.armstrong3119]

My reservoirs don’t even show a level after adding two quarts each and filling up to the low fill line. After purging with air the reservoirs are dry.

[@mrdavebach]

I've got a couple of Gravely commercial zero turns and I'm convinced that whomever designed these mowers never took into account the need to access the top bolts on these transaxles. You've got three choices, (1) fill oil through the overflow reservoir but you'll need an entire weekend and a ton of patience, (2) buy a specialty wrench made to bend around corners and have the needed clearance but still give you the torque necessary to get the bolt loose and tight again, or (3) take the rear tires off and still barely manage to get a wrench at it. Any other ideas?

[@frank7910]

Omg...Goot 'n' tight comment....lol

[@altonrowell613]

Sure is nice to have a zero turn mower. I got me one around 3 weeks ago. Hustler Fas trak 54 inch deck. 7916.00 . I've went ahead and changed my hydro fluid. You know it is a lot cheaper to buy oil then buy hydro parts. I only got 18 hours on mower and I have changed the engine oil twice. That Kawasaki engine cost over 2000.00 dollars. Who cares about the price of engine oil.

[@A_Renaissance_Man]

You are absolutely correct.

[@DexterFarmer-bo8yr]

I just serviced my hydro gears and one will not disengage to start the purge process. Are you saying to drive it some and then try to disengage until it works?

[@A_Renaissance_Man]

Unfortunately I must confess that the video is a little deceptive, what happened to me was in not moving the lever far enough to disengage it. Since I was doing this for the first time I was too gentle. My advice is to be 100% sure the lever on each transmission is in the fully off or fully on position. I hope this helped.

[@DexterFarmer-bo8yr]

@@A_Renaissance_Man something must be wrong internally with one of mine that will not disengage. Do you think it will purge itself overtime? It seems to drive fine and sounds the same as the one I did purge

[@undergroundupholstery]

And there’s your dinner

[@altonrowell613]

Where is it at.

[@timf8313]

why do you use motor oil instead of hydraulic oil is that what it calls for?

[@A_Renaissance_Man]

Here is a copy paste direct quote from the ZT-2800®/ZT-3100®/ZT-3200™/ZT-3400® Integrated Zero-Turn Transaxle Service and Repair Manual BLN-52441 April 2021 Fluids The fluids used in Hydro-Gear products have been carefully selected, and only equivalent, or better products should be substituted. Typically, an engine oil with a minimum rating of 9.0 cSt (55 SUS) at 230° F (110° C) and an API classification of SL is recommended. A 20W50 engine oil has been selected for use by the factory and is recommended for normal operating procedures.