How To Change Hydro Fluid On A Craftsman Garden Tractor (Hydro-Gear)

Taryl & Elk Skins go over the proper way to drain and fill the Hydro-Gear transmission oil on your Craftsman garden tractor. They have all the know-how to get the job done so be sure to tune in and listen up as they walk you through another informative how-to video. And as Taryl always says at the end of every video... There's Your Dinner!!
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#craftsman #transmission #tarylfixesall #smallenginerepair #hydrofluid #hydro #hydrostatic #transmissionoil #hydrogear #hydrogeartransmission #gardentractor #tractor #ridingmower #lawnmower #mower #repair #fix #howto #diy #funnyhowtovideos #grassratsgarage

[@victoryfirst2878]

NOW I know how to drain, fill, and oil filter change for my tractor. Thanks a bunch Taryl and Elk Skins. Learn something new every day.

[@johnaxsom4212]

Thank you! I’ve been searching for almost a year on how to change the fluid on this tractor with no luck

[@Club-Thirty-Three]

Every Sunday is a Taryl fun-day. I thought this was a great educational and entertaining video with the Laurel and Hardy of small engine repair. Last weeks rework of the old Toro power-push mower was very good as well. I can't wait for the next fuel stabilizer test.

[@deanmoore420]

Great job on changing the oil on the transmission👍

[@andrewnorris1514]

I have to admit when Taryl says Shut Up I crack up. On the last video when he told the Camera Man SHUT IT OFF ! He loves to rip on Elkskins

[@michaelfinney2160]

Excellent job ! More HST transmissions would last many years longer if serviced like this ! Have a Blessed Day

[@thomasdavidson7057]

Although I will never change oil on a tractor, your video was very entertaining and shows how versatile and knowledgeable you are. Small engine technicians like you are so important in fixing tools rather throwing them away..

[@chainsawchips]

I think this is the cleanest I've ever seen Elk Skins. Must have caught him on laundry day.

[@andyhamilton8940]

He changed the oil in his hoodie too.

[@Neighborhoodgo2guy]

Elksins and Taryl= immediate thumbs up👍

[@AcerArtsOfficial]

This is hands down the best explaining on how to do this project thank you!! Craftsman aint gettin my money for these new plastic mowers, old ones are where its at

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

You need a video to figure this out?

[@AcerArtsOfficial]

@@Failure_Is_An_Option you need to put people down to feel better about yourself?

[@IHaveArrived]

I can appreciate the proper way you show of refilling through the vent tube. But if this was me in my garage, I would put a little oil in the filter, spin it on, and then pump the rest in through the overflow hole.

[@lynnh7694]

When E-SKINS is involved, I know everyone was expecting a sand blaster to get it clean. Lol

[@andrewmantle7627]

Nuthin' like it. Thanks gents.

[@TheGodsrighthandman]

When an American says a Walmart is too far away, you KNOW they be living in the Boonies . . .

[@acetech9237]

I'll have you know sir! You..... Are ..... Absolutely correct 😂

[@felixguzman6979]

Terrell thank you for that information on that craftman i'm sure we'll need it

[@honklerton732]

I love this channel! Another fun video to watch! Good job on the repair guys!!

[@hunter7476]

Nice video taryl I have a lot of respect for the craftsman tractors 2010 and older I’ve never had one that needed major work they were always very good to me I’ve learned to change belts very quickly and do just about every repair at my shop we get a lot of craftsman and they are very easy to work on from what I’ve found

[@scottbryant2235]

Agreed. Mine is a '93, but I really need to do this!

[@hunter7476]

@@scottbryant2235 yeah it’s a good idea too

[@hunter7476]

@Lowpass76 pretty sure all of them are serviceable and you could drill and tap the reads into one and drain it if you find a transmission that is not serviceable

[@rudysmachado5747]

Heers a stoopid ques, duz this apply only to tractors, or can ya do on reg craftsmn sit-down mowers??😅 Great vids!👍🏼

[@hunter7476]

@@rudysmachado5747 I’m not responding to that first get done better spelling and grammar then we’ll talk

[@curtmazur5155]

Back to the good ole repair videos. I was getting tired of turd polishing

[@andrewnorris1514]

Gotta take it all in

[@blademan175]

Thanks Taryl and Elkskins! I have same tractor, little newer bought it in 1998 and never changed it. I found filter right away on Amazon and will go to advance and get some oil. My vent hose sticks out the back a little…going to try putting an extension hose on it for fill and may not have to take off fender, thanks!

[@googleuser6875]

Thanks a bunch for this one! I just got one of these, and read the downloaded manual about "no maintenance ". Glad I found it.

[@jmc5341]

Elk skins really grew on me. I love his choice of mowers ive been looking for one of those ever since I saw this video. We need more human shop rag!

[@stacyg3802]

I read that in the manual too that the oil was supposed to last the life of the tractor. I couldn't find a number on my filter etheir so that was a big help. Thanks you guys!

[@AmraphelofShinar]

I like that tractor. I also like learning from Taryl and Elk Skins!

[@dougjones4007]

Elck Skins knows his 💩! He needs to be in more of your videos!

[@newsfan77]

I liked hearing the wise cracks from Elk Skins

[@FM60260]

I am just imagining Elk Skins driving home on that tractor. He doesn't even need indicators, when he is approaching a junction he can shout "TURNING LEFT, TURNING LEFT, TURNING LEFT"

[@NorthlanderMN]

Never knew elkskins was on KZbin. Love watching and learning. I’d rather watch the videos vs what’s on tv. I refuse to pay for cable tv and the junk toxic news. I’m in MN so I’ll be a while yet. I’m going to change the fluid on my JD Lt180 K46 transmission, filter, and clean magnets.

[@talontsi8213]

Very helpful video I was looking for how to change it but couldn’t find it thanks you guys

[@cabowabovhnut]

Can't wait to watch it when I get home!!!

[@ben-me9jy]

Great video guys! I enjoyed it. learned a lot. Cant wait for the fuel additive video!

[@joetaverna5264]

Hey taryl love the new shirt your wearing and a very good video my friend God bless you your crew and all who believes and there's your Dinner

[@danthemowermedic4444]

I have one of those older Craftsman mowers with a 6 speed high and low with reverse. My favorite tractors!!

[@user-yn6px4oj8z]

Same here! I have a 1996 GT6000 with the hydrostatic transmission and a 1997 GT6000 with the 6-speed High/Low. Best tractors ever built in my opinion.

[@georgehofgren6123]

Same... 2004 GT5000 here, which was the Last year they offered the 6spd (peerless) manual. It's virtually the exact same transmission as my 1970 Sears SS14 tractor (!). The only difference is they changed from a band brake to a disc. They're indestructible. Nothing against the Hydrogears in this video, but ALL hydrostatics are a joke compared to real gear-drive Manual transmissions (not cvt). As i said: 2004 was the last year any gear drive garden tractor could be purchased. Go find one; they're out there. Ignore the motor, easy to fix or repower. Don't buy throwaway yard machines ~

[@officialjedimasterardean4598]

Ooh wow a old crapsman. I love your videos and skits.

[@greywolfe1114]

WoW, I never knew you could so easily change out the tranny oil in that. Well, you do have to either drop the tranny or remove so much above it. But still rather easy process. However, With the manual saying good for life and your service recommendation saying every 200 hours, that is almost criminal of them. I have a Poulan Pro PRGT22H50D that has the 331-3000 hyrdro gear transaxle. For being a 2001 and getting it third hand used from my brother in which it came with a house he bought and sold years ago it still runs like a charm. However with watching yours and a couple other streamer with maintenance and rebuild vids, I think I have a bit to do to keep it running tip top. Thank you for your wonderful and entertaining how to vid.

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

Great information thank you for sharing

[@jamesadams2333]

It’s nice when ya can fix stuff that manufactures hide. That’s planned obsolescence for ya. Well done on the video!

[@bubbaseth1]

Thanks boys, just ordered the stuff to do mine

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

Anti-seeze on the lug bolt threads as well, helps out a bunch also.

[@user-rq9ky1em7s]

Thank you. Definitely walked me through how to do this.

[@nbpt1000]

This is the first time I have ever seen a 7/16 bolt ever used. I always wondered who the heck designs with them?. Wheel bolts are common on German cars. Make a wheel hanger from 7/16-14 threaded rod or a long bolt. Much easier. Good and informative video. Thanks

[@johnlorusso1835]

Elkskins!!!!!!!!!!!

[@larrycroft470]

"iIll be the one throwing the insults around" - typical Mr. Dactyl expert comedic timing while ad libbing. Mr. Dactyl is a very very funny man.

[@jdmccorful]

Good one guys, enjoyed. Thanks for the look.

[@patrickstockton2091]

BTW...what happened to the good-looking hookers that used to come around?...

[@tbonky]

Running smooth!

[@andrewmantle7627]

Thanks Skins and TD.

[@brentsmith5647]

You guys are fantastic👍

[@markk4300]

Missing some Junior and Slippers! Nice to have Elkskins dabbling in repairs with Taryl.

[@leepatton1180]

Fire it up !

[@jandziedzic9038]

great job

[@andrewnorris1514]

Love the videos no matter the content and that is because you guys are comedians. Laughter is very important.

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video.

[@krisanderson997]

Lucas products are very good. I only use the oil stabilizer (about half the recommended dose), the zero or low viscosity stabilizer (at the recommended full 12oz dose), im sure the trans stabilizers are good products. I dont use any stop leak products, because chemicals dont fix parts that have failed or engines. In automotive transmissions i always add a tube of 4oz dr tranny instant shudder fix when i change filters. (Great for fords that get a bucky or jerky feeling at torque lock up- 40-45 mph) The lucas stabilizers emulsify the oil with long hydrocarbon chains (makes the oil very slippery and prolongs the thermal breakdown process). The dr tranny is an anti sheer additive that prevents the trans fluid from forming tiny air bubbles in the torque converter. What i do for automotive transmissions that are the “non serviceable bs” (changing the filter in the pan) and dont have a dip stick is after I’ve collected everything in the pan i use rinsed out windshield washer jugs and measure exactly what i took out. I keep 1 dirty jug for the used fluid and one clean for the new fill fluid. Use a sharpy to mark the last fill level. So if i took out 3.5 jugs, i pour in 3.5 jugs. Since there isn’t a stick or fill plug level. I have never had a trans failure doing this for idk 25+ yrs. The only time thats not going to help is if theres a trans leak. Then you have to get more intuitive and figure out the solution. Usually though any of those leaks are more like wet stains and not active leaks. If it was an active leak, and since there isn’t a “normal” way to fill them the trans probably went low and cooked any way. Lol Great job fellas! That trans will run forever now. 👍🏼😎

[@tedsamuels3203]

That's, what I call mechanics...Thanks for sharing

[@goodaggie]

Thanks for the video

[@SHANEO1976]

Elk Skins Rocks!

[@JQUICK21]

Thanks guys!

[@fixit4182]

Thanks boys for the info

[@johnobiro5202]

Love you guys.🇬🇧🔧👍

[@brianbanks3044]

great job guys...if it was my tractor, i would put some type of filler tube in it so I wouldn't have to take it all apart every time i changed the trans oil......and use full synthetic to make more time between changes

[@wandaellison4912]

😂

[@stevesinkey9736]

I like using that Lucas oil treatment to, I heat it up first sometimes.

[@bombidude]

Thanks for this video I have two GTs to service

[@altonrowell613]

I like the dozer blade you got.

[@TractorWrangler01]

You need a set of Carlysle AT101's for that tractor and you wouldnt need chains. They are bar lug tires with rounded lugs and wont tear up the grass either. I have a tractor like that I use for snowblowing and mowing a small field. It pulls a 64" 20 hp haben offset deck and gives me 110" cutting path. Works great. The last of the good garden tractors..

[@davidp8563]

To achieve a complete oil change, I believe if you rotate the wheels while it is up on jack stands you can get the fluid out of the pump and motor too.

[@fullmetaljacket7]

It's not the space shuttle. It'll be fine.

[@davidp8563]

@@fullmetaljacket7 I appreciate the Taryl quip but why leave 30% of the contaminated oil in the trans? There is usually a lot of glitter in the drain pan.

[@fullmetaljacket7]

@@davidp8563 because again, it's not the space shuttle. Not going to make a difference so why bother?

[@latestplague3762]

That's what I was thinking when I watched it. I assume it would work and if I'm gonna take the time and money to do this I'd want all the old oil out that I could get.

[@davidp8563]

@@latestplague3762 Most trans do NOT have a drain plug. You must pull the trans and turn it upside down to drain out of the vent. I let mine sit over night to get all the old fluid out.

[@sethshuman6027]

"Get me a hammer!" Ha ha ha ha ha....love it

[@stentonmcintyre5753]

Great video. I would like to meet you guys sometime.

[@ronniej68]

FYI: Next time just thread the fill tube out behind the fender. That way you don’t have to remove fenders. 👍🏻

[@pavelbrutsky5838]

Good job

[@SuperJamster1]

I've used Lucas Engine oil stop leak additive on my daughter's beater 99 Ford Escort for years. It really works, until it sub-zero and it will harden like wax.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

Taryl and Elk Skins together again!

[@michaelkoon8371]

Lookin good taryl

[@mikejurcisek3541]

I'll just purge the air after i fill the hydro by keeping both wheels on & jack stands ,then start the tractor and move the hydro lever forward for about 10-15 minutes then the same for reverse.

[@davidleatherneck]

Good Vid. Who would have thought a Ford Wrench would be required on a Craftsman drain plug.

[@snoopysrc]

Awesome

[@knucklebuster3]

Thanks dudes

[@999thenewman]

Might could add a brass y-connector to the fill tube. That way you can unfold a long tube from the side for future fills. No need to remove seat again.

[@liberty4617]

Ive discovered both my kohler command 25 horse from my gt-5000 and my Kawasaki fr-730 on my husqvavarna ts-348xd can use the same oil filter as my old s series saturn 1.9 engines used which is nice cause i can get them at any auto parts store and dont have to go to a mower dealer . and dont have to pay the money they want .

[@billsimpson604]

You watch Taryl too much, and you start to think that the sound effects are normal. You come to appreciate how many seals are on machines.

[@Hubjeep]

17:54 Wal-Mart!!!! They have it, and best price for any oil around! Oh, you said Wal-Mart is too far away.... Where do you live?!?! lol

[@hotrodgavin6543]

I did a video about this a few years ago when I had my gt5000

[@tommygun6028]

Good video thanks Boys 👍🤝😎😁✋

[@peterm3964]

Two Legends for the price of one.

[@btasler]

"Walmart is too far away"... damn you really ARE in Podunkville 🙂

[@Tommyr]

I have to replace the idler pulley bracket on my Craftsman once the weather warms up. Should be fun. (Sarcasm mode on/off).

[@austinglennkimmel8719]

I just here couple months ago change the oil in a 1970 Charger 12 automatic transmission and doing the research on what I can replace the oil or, I could find out I can use 10 W 30 and it took 5 quarts and I'm surprised that it took much because it does not look like it holds that much

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

I would have warm that oil up a little bit. In a container of some hot water so it would of poured in a little easier. Nice job you two 👍.

[@StephenBiz]

Yep my craftsman lt3200 is doing this (manufactured by husk) mine is loud as crap lol and it makes the clutch petal even vibrate

[@davidgrimes2745]

Thanks for this video. I just changed my fluid and purged, but now the tractor won't move at all. I have followed the purging steps, but still nothing. Any tips or ideas? I have tried tilting it and purging, turning off push-mode (that bypass valve), etc.

[@serenitytreeservice5448]

Taryl,I’m getting ready to attemp to install new rings on kohler ch25.Can I make this 25 into a 750? If so, what must I do.thanks sorry if it’s repetitive,not sure if it’s going through

[@gillgetter3004]

Used that Lucas transfixer in an old Chevy pickup with a slippery trans, stopped slipping and drove it another 100,000

[@edwardkane3237]

Love Elk Skins. Does he work for you at the Grass Rats Garage Taryl ???

[@billlovett4256]

Great video, could we use a outboard motor lower unit gear oil pump that you put on the bottle to attach to the drain hole and pump it up to the level hole instead of removing all those components. Like on the Hydrogear pumps on zero turns that you can use?

[@ProlificInvention]

That's a good idea

[@billlovett4256]

@@JM-yx1lm it's a mess no matter what, you just have to be fast and use you finger to stop it in between when you put the plug in like on an outboard motor.

[@ProlificInvention]

@@billlovett4256 Agreed, I've done it on many outboards-I think this might even be easier 😆

[@Hubjeep]

How reliable are those hydro's on those tractors?

[@Hubjeep]

@@JM-yx1lm Thanks! Fluid changes are satisfying to me, always change fluid/filters on my used equipment.

[@Eric-fv4jx]

Good info even though i dont own a hydro.

[@andyhamilton8940]

Sears says no maintenence required but it has a filter and a drain plug!

[@stevieworley8823]

Can you please send out a video 📷 of u fixing a Deck on a craftsman 48"cutting deck My name is Junior I live in Blount county Alabama luv yers show keep up the good work bro

[@bombidude]

Taryl so how much fluid went into the transmission around 45 ounces.. I have two of these tractors that need this service done... Thanks for making this video..

[@wirewaykingelectric4978]

Great video Crapsman junk!

[@independentthinker8930]

My cub cadet LT 150 transmission is starting to slip, about 240 hrs on it. Gonna try oil change

[@freetolook3727]

@14:56 Like putting STP in your engine crankcase. It's all snakeoil. The high viscosity gums up everything and makes it work harder wearing out prematurely and hiding the real issues. It's good if you're selling an old POS and want to dump mechanical issues on the next person.

[@wg4405]

I've been putting STP high mileage extra zinc ( gray bottle --- because the oil manufacturer took most all the zinc out of the oils ) in all my vehicles for many years with no problems . I let the engine come up to temperature then put it in and then let it idle for a while . One of my Ford's ( 1994 ) has 250,000 miles on it the other ( 1985 ) has 200,000 miles and my Dodge (1988 ) has 130,000 miles on it -------- all push rod hydraulic lifter engines and I change the oil every 3000 miles or less depending on how much I let them idle , no problems yet and I'm not getting rid of them any time soon

[@chrisbrown7362]

14:56??!! More like 27:25, kid.

[@floydbarbour5098]

I would like to see how you have that lever coming from the front to the back to lift stuff up the hitch from the back lift thank you