Zero Turn Transmission Fluid Change on Sealed Unit using Pump

[@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

[@RonElam-c6g]

Good job Mike. Very interesting.

[@MowerMike]

Thanks! Was an interesting little experiment

[@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.

[@Elliottdrpaful]

Great job! Informative!

[@MowerMike]

Thanks I appreciate that.

[@AllenDickenson]

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

[@MowerMike]

Interesting thanks for the info.

[@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.

[@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

[@ryno488]

Solid video. Thanks man!

[@MowerMike]

Thanks

[@kenneeds]

I believe if I were to go to the trouble to remove a transmission that I would prebuy 2 self taping oil pan drain plugs and install them where you pointed out where the newer models have them installed. Next drain & fill more user friendly. Just sayin----

[@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.

[@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.

[@stevendavis9294]

How do you know when it's full?

[@MowerMike]

When it comes to the top of the hole.

[@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 ;)

[@DerekmuhfuginHarmon]

The guys instructions dude told u to go thru the vent tube u know the guy who told u to buy the air line maybe that refresh your memory dude was right u don't know mowers stay in kitchen with wife measuring cup the vent tube gets u to the bottom duh big red firetruck

[@MowerMike]

@@DerekmuhfuginHarmon I appreciate the random grouping of words but have no idea what you are saying. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@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.

[@philliphall5198]

Tayral put a video on it

[@PAIDFOR50]

First thank you for the video. Now I call BS! I used a simple Harbor Freight suction gun and got out a little over 5 cups of oil. The guy who sent you the nasty letter was a jerk but you should still admit that there is absolutely NO NEED to take the transaxle off the mower. For all the trouble the extra quarter of a quart of old oil can just mix with the new.

[@MowerMike]

So much anger, I appreciate the passion you have for the transaxle.

[@frankmanibusan8406]

Thanks for sharing

[@MowerMike]

You're welcome, glad it helped.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@vanessawilliams7124]

I have a sealed axle

[@DerekmuhfuginHarmon]

He told u to go thru the vent tube bud because u can get to the bottom

[@051Jerrett]

Really? Okay I gotta try that before I pull them... I DO NOT want to pull them out what a pain in the ass

[@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! 🎯👍

[@RolyRhodes]

You are absolutely right... I'm looking to repair a leak at the left axle of my ZT1... very frustrating!

[@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.

[@jameswalsh2433]

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

[@MowerMike]

At your own risk! But I like it

[@PAIDFOR50]

Also the oil you took out looked brand new. Is everything FAKE on KZbin?

[@MowerMike]

Yes this guy is a total fraud, thanks for letting us all know.

[@philliphall5198]

Seems best to remove it and turn up side down for 12 hours to drain good 😮

[@MowerMike]

Yep, may as well do it right

[@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.