Zero Turn Hydrostatic Transmission Fix - NO REMOVAL!!!
How to fix a weak Cub Cadet Zero Turn hydrostatic Transmission and how to fix a common transmission leak by replacing charge pump cover and seal. Seal kit and upgraded charge pump available at links below.
Hydro-Gear 72274 Charge Kit: amzn.to/36ZPl1m
Hydro-Gear 72994 Pump Seal Kit: amzn.to/3x3unJB
Charge Pump Seal Used: www.hydropumps.parts/Hydro-Ge...
Metric Tap & Die Set: amzn.to/3QW4Kaz
Inch Tap & Die Set: amzn.to/3MDaqUg
(You may need to tap the whole if you screw it up with the scredriver like I did!)
Mower Mike’s Tool Store: www.amazon.com/shop/mowermike
Drive Belt Replacement: • Zero Turn Hydrostatic ...
Hyro Oil Change: • John Deere Zero Turn D...
Sealed Unit Hydro Oil Change: • Zero Turn Transmission...
Hydro Quick Fixes: • Zero Turn Hydrostatic ...
How to Install Transmission: • How to Install Zero Tu...
How to Remove Transmission: • How to Remove Zero Tur...
Mower Mike Texas HQ
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.
I was sold on the subscription when you pointed out your mistake. That’s genuine and exactly the type of people I want to be watching and taking advice from.
I appreciate that. I am different than the other guys fixing mowers on KZhead, I don’t do this professionally and thus make a lot of mistakes. But that is half the fun right, welcome aboard.
I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzhead.infoUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.
Mower Mike, I was having hydrostatic transmission problems with my Cub Cadet ProZ 500/560 until I watched your video. I followed a few of the tips you offered in the video. Thanks to you and less than an hour of my work, I was able to resolve the transmission problem WITHOUT having to pull the transmission. I'm from Texas and living in Virginia. Keep up the great work & posting brother!
That is great to hear. Thousands of people of watched that clip but no one has actually told me it helped them fix their issue till you. Time to get to mowin!
@@MowerMike Great channel, never had a problem with this just wondering what to look at next? kzhead.info/sun/rbmjpZlrr5mfgas/bejne.html
@@rpmzzz Should look ontop of that plate and see what is leaking not under it
Hey Mike thanks for getting back with me. Hat off to you brother for these very informative videos you make for all of us. I just did mine ordered the fluid it took about an 45 minutes or so to finally get it running smoothly again! I couldn’t have done it without your guidance!!
That is great news. Well done on tackling a transmission and not being scared of it. Merry Christmas!
I'm here to very carefully explain that this is extremely valuable to me as a landscaping business owner who functions as his own mechanic. Thank you for these in depth, high quality videos.
Very cool, glad it helped out. I am just winging it here
You just fixed my zero turn, my pulley was stuck and not getting my belt tight, now it’s like a brand new one. Thanks a lot Gravely zt1540
Nope you fixed it, congrats! I am about to drop a lot of Gravely videos, those are some great mowers. Stay tuned!
I really appreciate your post, I’ve been having trouble with the steering on my Badboy for a while now, I was about to trade the ol boy in I’ve had it since 2011 BUT i watched your video with an easy fix (loose belt who would have known not me lol). Running like a new champ again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and advice.
Hey that is great news, well done. Sometimes it is the smallest things!
Dude! You saved me a ton of cash with this! 2 mower shops said it needed a new hydro gear.
Nice glad to help. Was it just the charge pump tube?
The pump/plate, total win thanks to your video.
Great video! Saved me big time! Turns out it was an under tensioned belt! I was going to take it apart🤣
Easy fix, congrats
Thanks man!! I had no idea what I was doing so this helped majorly.. Love my Cub Cadet.
Glad it helped
Hi Mike, Tori here. Thanks so much for the video! My Troy-Bilt Mustang RZT 50 trans’ (BOTH) feel weak and are whining. I’ll take a look at “him” (I named my Zero-turn “Steve”🥰) today to see if the trans’ are serviceable. If so, I am confident I can make Steve strong again thanks to your very clear and concise content. I just subscribed to your channel because, well, Steve has a few things needing repaired. If I’m being honest, I have downright neglected poor Steve because working on zero-turn mowers was intimidating before finding your videos. One last thing. I want you to know that your content is not only helping me, a single mother, save a TON of money, it is also being utilized to teach my two amazing young men (13&14) essential life skills! They may not have a man in their lives to teach them “manly” skills, but mama’s got their back! Thanks again for sharing your skills so I can pass them along my young men. You are a blessing! Many blessings, Tori Me: *Walks out to check on Steve singing ‘INVISIBLE’!* 🤣😂🤣
Well, as you may have guessed, they are not serviceable. 😒 I need to order some parts and seals etc. from Amazon and crack them open one at a time to service them. I’ll be doing lots of research first though. Wish me luck. 🤣
Ah shucks you are making me tear up here. I appreciate the kind words. Good luck with Steve just take it one step at a time. I will keep churning out videos so I can teach those boys everything I know about wrenchin! My dad didn’t teach me a thing about working on stuff, is all self learned. Whatever their passion is in life they will find a way to dive in and learn. Mine just always seemed to involve speed and gas motors lol.
One more thing, before you start tearing apart the transmissions make sure Steve has a good tight belt. It both trans are equally whining and weak I doubt that they need to be rebuilt. Usually it would just be one goes bad. My guess is the belt is loose or worn out since that belt runs both transmissions.
Thanks Mike! Tips like this save a bunch of money!
Yep glad you enjoyed, just a few tricks I have learned over the years
That is a outstanding video I have never done it and it would been nice back in my younger times to work with motors I have an LT1000 Craftsman and it does not want to move now I can start looking thank you very much
Good luck
Great video bro ❗️ Thanks for sharing ! I guess it’s time to upgrade some parts . I wonder if upgrading to a bigger spindle on the engine side would make that transmission (pump) to spin faster, thus producing a higher pressure. Good luck with your projects !
No telling, let me know what ya find out if you do it though. Sounds like a fun idea
thanks man you helped me fix mine today
Well done, what was the fix?
Good video. I did change out the o-ring on both of my ZT-2800s since they leaked. Of course, also changed out the oil and filter on both after making sure I could remove the air bleed screws. Yet, even after going through the purge cycle 6 times, my left hydro no longer works. The disengage seems to be working correctly I verified that I put the pump cover on in the right configuration. I am at a complete loss now as to why I cannot get it to work at all any more.
Try unhooking the fill tube and use a funnel to fill it directly to help purge it.
@@MowerMike - Appreciate the reply. Turned the pump cover 180 degrees. I cannot for the life of me figure out how I got it turned. Even a service manual shows the cover was on right. Oh, well. Live and learn.
Hi again Mike vaccum sweeper and yes it is similar to ones on ice rink but only to keep shed clean not for packing Vegs . Maybe it was another guy I watched in youtube.
Wow, try not to smosh the veggies!
Wow, exactly what I need to do! Thank you. I have a problem. My 12 YO Exmark Phazer model PHZ19KA443 s/n 641119 has Exmark part number 109-2240 for the trans-axle. It looks like the one in this video but maybe different. To get parts I need to know the Hydrogear model this trans-axle is. Is there a cross reference to get this info? The parts manual does not give part numbers for the components of the trans-axle so I am dead in the water. Any help greatly appreciated. parts for a trans-axle this old are not easy to find. Thanks, Doug
No idea I would go to your local mower shop and ask them
Thank you sir for this video
Did it get you going?
That's a new one to me ,about the Hst trans . The pump drives a swash plate pump . Forward reverse and speed is done by moving the plate
Yep, as long as it has good pressure. I am no expert on hydros this is just some light fixes to try.
Great video, but I'm surprised you didn't mention to check for sloppy arm linkage where that Allen bolt gets lose. That is my problem with the same mower in your video and I'm searching now how to fix it.
Hmm not familiar with that one. Maybe it is a worn out ball joint
could you elaborate
@@tennesseejed884 Where the black control bars join up with the gold pieces that go to the transmission linkage, there is a poorly designed joint with an allen bolt. When this bolt gets lose, you lose some of your forward and backward control. I fixed the right side on mine and it's like new now. The left side is harder to get to since you have to take some panels off, and I haven't fixed it yet. Always check this first. So happy I don't have transmission problems like I first thought.
Ok thanks for the information man
Glad to help
Really great video and awesome explanation on how these hydrostatic axles work. I am a small engine tech and have a business in Kaneohe Oahu. I'm working on a Z4200 Toro zero turn mower model 74360. The right side transmission works great but the left side just barely turns. The belt seems a bit loose but we didn't think that was the issue since the right side works great We've made sure there is fluid and have did all the adjustments we can think of but it still wont turn any faster. Is this transmission in this Toro the same as in your video ?? If not ,what else could cause this transmission to not operate properly. Thank you for the great video.
Wow I had to google that town, long way from Texas. Random Wikipedia fact did you know Kaneohe was home of the Hawaiian royals and they had 30 royal fish ponds! Wow what it must have been like to fish in a royal fish pond! Well after all that I have to say I have no idea about you hydrogear. Everything I know about those transmissions is on that video. You can always just take it off and rebuild it. There are some other videos on that. Good luck!
Very good video. Excellent tips. 7:56 finger cuts happen, but that's why it's best to watch someone else first before learning one's own bloody lessons.
I am always cutting myself with flat head screw drivers you would figure I would get smarter as I age but nope lol. Thanks for the comments
@@MowerMike You're smart enough to avoid trying to make a name for yourself as a wood carver. One of my rules of life is this: Freedom is messy. I suppose I could also add that it's better to live free than it is to live "safe"
@@treebeardtheent2200 Haha excellent advice sir!
Mower Mike, Thank You for this video. I have a CC 54 ZT1. On the left side, the Brake Shaft keeps moving out. It as 2020 model. Any ideas
Nope never worked on a brake shaft. Good luck
Mower Mike, My Cub Cadet RTZ 50 has no filter or method of draining.. If I pull the bottom cover to replace the seals how can I replae the oil? Thank you for the video. It will be a great help.
Check out my channel have 3 videos on removing and draining a hydro with no filter.
Hi. I just subscribed and enjoy your videos. can the outer seal on the shaft operated by the lever be replaced without disassembly of the hydro unit? On a commercial Toro 60 inch mower.
I have never tried. But, if you can get a pick and pry it out and then use a socket to press it on you maybe able to get it to work. Just depends on if there is a snap ring there you can take off that will give you access to the seal. Let me know how it works out
Thanks a bunch!!
Glad you got her going again!
Can you show how to disengage these cub cadet tank hydro drives please? I can’t find diddly on the net and no serial number to access the Manuel, real PITA. I broke the tensioner spring but when I replaced it she only drives with the right hand side, just going in circles hoping that maybe the hydro is disengaged as I got this mower 2016 Tank L60 with broke spring. Thanks and nice videos I’m subscribed
Welcome aboard. My only suggestion is to make sure your belt is running the pulley ontop of each of the hydro drives.
Hi Mike, I followed the directions in this video on replacing the bottom cap and changing & bleeding the transmission. After doing so my left hydro no longer works. Any ideas? Great videos BTW.
It probably has air in the system. Make sure to bleed it. I have another video on changing hydro gear oil that goes into bleeding the system. It can take a few tries, that fluid goes very slow is really thick. Good luck
You put the charge pump on backwards it only works 1 way
Hi Mike. I have 2 mowers I have to work on. My 2014 Cub Cadet Z-Force L 48 has a weak left drive. I have not really looked hard at it, but I now it has a good oil supply. My other mower is a 1996 725 Grasshopper gas 3 cyl. Again the left drive is weak. It has 1510 hours on it. I recently purchased it from a man who let it set a long time. It has the drives that has the filters on it, and a supply tank for the oil. Do you have any idea why the left drives seem to go out and the rights are still strong? I am used to larger transmissions, as I just rebuilt the Allison 6 speed in my box truck. I wanted to say thanks for the info as where to get the parts. That saves a lot of time. Smiles!
Both trans are completely independent so there is no reason one would go bad over the other. It just means that either the belt is slipping on that one or it’s seals/internals are weak. But before you do anything check the handle, there should be an adjustment screw on each side that will allow you to push that handle further forward than the other. Showing that screw is a good idea for a video now that I think of it.
Hey Mike. I have a used exmark radius x. Ever since I've owned it, the steering levers have been super flimsy. I struggle to go in straight lines at higher speeds. It feels like there's little no to resistance on the levers. I also notice that my hydro fluid is below the full line. I've tried replacing the dampers and it didn't change anything. Do you think I would just have to replace the hydro fluid ? Or is there something else at play here ?
I would start by filling up the fluid. Then adjust the hydro speeds. I have a video on it
@@MowerMike okay awesome I'll look at your video after filling it
Hahaha that's cool. That company is from my hometown. I worked there for a while when I was younger and then I moved on to bigger things... lol
They make alottt of transmissions
Exelente video
Glad it helped
Out of curiosity, do you have to drain the fluid before swapping the seals? I just changed the fluids then found the leak coming from the charge pump cap. Just trying to figure out if I need to have fluid ready to go to fill after changing them. Thanks for documenting the fix.
All the fluid will come out when you swap those seals so may as well be ready
@@MowerMike I figured so based on the hydraulic diagram, but didn't see it draining out when you pulled it so wasn't sure. Appreciate the response.
On my comment that I had posted I was having an issue with a zero turn z4200 toro and what do you think the problem was ???? The belt was slipping on the left side pulley. We put an additional spring to tighten the belt and that Silver the problem ,but we went ahead and installed a new belt with a heavier spring and the mower runs and turn great.
Very cool, that is a relief when it can just be fixed by belt tension and not pulling the whole thing apart. Well done
Does the flat end on the charge pump cover go towards the inside or outside or does it matter?
No idea lol am sure it does
Good video! Do you know if the Hydro-gear 2200 series can be serviced? I am thinking abut purchasing a Cub Cadet ZT1 50 which comes with hydro-gear 2200. Thanks.
Check out my zero turn transmission playlist. Have all the videos you could ever want on that
Thanks
Glad to help
Mike - I have a 2006 husqvarna ez4217. My right side just went dead on me. Spins fine in forward and reverse on jack stands but no go under load. Has like a shuttering sound like it’s trying but it just won’t grab. Ever come across this, any ideas? I changed the fluid and it looked like coffee with a lot of creamer but I didn’t see and metal shavings anywhere. Im also able to turn the wheel even without the bypass lever engaged. Thanks
Hmmm not sure on that one. Good luck
Got the same problem with Cub Cadet ZT150. Pulled under shed after about four hours mowing all was well. Next day right axle wouldn't turn, took my truck and pulled to my shop after disengaging pumps, but right wheel is locked and dragging like a brake was on the right side. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated? Both sides have a few vines around axle, but left side functions fine with same or more debris around it. Going to lift up tomorrow and see if I can tell what's going on, have a bad leg so it's tough to get under it. Used to have small engine shop 40+ years ago, but not familiar with zero turn hydraulic drives. Thanks in advance to anyone for advice.
Hi Mike I have a question,, how do I know which one is bad if the hydro pump or the wheel motor ,I have a Dixie chopper that only it moves one wheel, any suggestions?? Thanks
Well I would say your bad side is the one that doesn’t move lol. There are two hydros each side runs one wheel independent
Do you have a video on fixing/adjusting reverse? My forward speed is great, reverse not so much. Slow, sluggish and will not go up slight grade anymore.
Check out my zeroturn playlist. I have one on adjusting the throttle.
Any advice on when they get jumpy? For example, when I am turning, it starts turning ok, then the tire will sometimes just stop...making it jerk. Thoughts? Thanks!
No idea good luck
My simplicity Courier has a leaking 1759444YP hydraulic drive. Is there some way to know if this is the same as a Hydro Gear ZD-AUBB-2A7B-3XPX ? Also, How do you replace the lost fluid ? Thanks. Great Vid !!
No idea but check out my videos on changing the hydro gear oil and you will see how to fill them. kzhead.info/channel/PLo4VDcnI4eog75ESAm7eClMTZ50vTwQEu.html
Hi Mike, I bought a used cub cadet zero turn zt1. I've been noticing that it sometimes whines and struggles to reverse to the right. Any idea what to check?? Thanks a lot for all the advice...
All I know about hydros is in that video. Good luck
Mine too! Let me know if ya figure it out!
Mower mike I have a Hustler fastrack zero turn mower it keeps steering to the left I was told it needs a new transmission this is my first zero turn I know little about it I live in Hartman Ar can you recommend a person or shop to have it checked out .
I suggest checking the speed adjuster on that side and see if you can increase the speed of that side first. No idea on a rebuild place. kzhead.info/sun/jMerp5SneJioY2w/bejne.html
I run heavy-duty, hi-lift blades. Lift is created by the kickup on the back of the blade. The megmo blades don't have much of a kick up. I've run X blades but stopped because my machine is a high end residential mower and you need a commercial machine to run them.
No idea what you are referring to but great advice (I think)
Hi Mike, I have a Wright ZTO mower with zt-3400 transmissions. It started making a loud whining noise and wont go forward but does go backward but whines the whole time. Fluid is where its suppose to be and there are no leaks. Will this fix you did in your video fix my problem do you know? Thank You
I have no idea if it will fix your issue. Only one way to find out though
Give me some advice, I changed the same thing only because it was draining oil, but when I refilled the oil, I no longer go through the pomp
I don’t follow your question. I suggest making sure you bleed the transmission very well. Check out my other zero turn hydro oil change video.
Mower Mike I have a question. I have a k66 tuff torque in a xt2 gx54 what can I use for hydrostatic? Oil substitute
I think just a 10w40 or 50 car oil will work. What ever weight I used in the video. Good luck
So I opened up my hydro gear 3100 on a 2011 z force S. Took the pump off, it was def leaking. But I was surprised when I didn’t find any pump seals to remove. Do some not have them?
Inside those there are not seals in the guts of it. There are some other videos online about rebuilding the unit. Good luck
Hey Mike, My wheel was working but it had problems only on the left side wheel and I purchased the upgrade charge pump cover and seals changed everything and now I cannot get the tire to move at all. I did notice on the gears in the charge pump has a dot stamped on them do these dots go up toward top of mower or downwards, I have read they can only go 1 way. Not sure what I have done wrong. Any thoughts on this Mike. Thanks a bunch
Not sure on the dot but keep trying to bleed the system to get the air out. If all the air isn’t out it doesn’t work.
MIke, I have the same Cub Cadet shown in this video which I bought used several years ago. I love the machine except for one problem: I get jerky response part of the time, especially on rough ground (more pronounced when first moving from cold start). Any thoughts on this? Love your videos.
Sounds like that drive belt is slipping. Check the tension on the spring that hooks to the pulley to make sure that belt is tight
@@MowerMike Mike, The spring is in tact and appears normal, however I will check further and get back with you. If v-belts bottom out in their pulleys, I know that this can cause slippage as well and I intend to check that too. Thank you.
@@k4ebyk4eby6 na it's the damper shocks on the levers. Replace both not just one.
@@JM-yx1lm I didn't know they existed, but sounds probable and I'll certainly check it out. Many thanks.
Thanks, J M. I replaced the damper shocks today and that fixed the problem- spot on!
Likely, you’ve been asked this before, but I haven’t seen that answer yet. What makes both transmissions weak after it rains on a Cub Cadet RZT 50? Once it dries out it’s much better. Is that a belt issue or something else? Thanks for all your videos 😁
My guess is a slippery belt.
This may be unrelated to the video, but I do have a 2009 Cub 48" ZForce. The problem I'm having is, the left lap bar seem to be lagging the right one. What I mean is, the left bar when pushed forward seems to be working against the right bar. It's as though it's acting as a brake from going straight, or esp, from going faster. If I use just the right, it goes fast and seem fine. How can I adjust this left bar to make it track like the right one?
Got ya covered, check out this video. Let me know if it helps. kzhead.info/sun/jMerp5SneJioY2w/bejne.html
Will these parts you mentioned fit my Hydro gear transmission? It’s a cub cadet Z-force 48 inch
As long as it is a hydro gear it probably will
Any ideas on how fix the hydro by pass the brass lever seem like it stuck in neutral is there way to adjust it without taking the hydro apart?
I would just try whacking it. Get something long and see if you can move it. Good luck
Does both hydro pumps should be the exact same on each side? I actually just bought a ferris from a private owner but I noticed one side is pulling faster than the other side. I did adjust it but the left side transmission is ZJ GMFE 3B5B 1PLX and the right side says KJ KMFE 3B5C 1PLX
Got me, all I know is to adjust the adjuster screw
Great !
Great!
Hi Mike, I came across your video, it was excellent. I have 2004 cub cadet m60 tank, when I use it for 45 minutes or so, my right side won’t hardly pull, do you think it could be those two little black seals that you changed using the screw driver and needle nose plyers? What are your thoughts?
All I know is it helped my mower. It is your call, it all depends on if you are willing to do the work to see if it helps or not. It isn’t the easiest task to do the seals and change the oil and you will get messy. But don’t know till ya try!
Looks like i will try this on my 15 year old Cub Cadet RZT50. About 4 years ago the left side was not pulling as strong as the right side. I switched to 20w50 full synthetic and that helped. It has slowed down to turtle mowing speed. It still mows ok but real slow. It whines when i'm turning it. Can not handle the hills like it use to. I did manage to get a 5 yr old Exmark Quest 50, and was watching video's for changing my hydro fluid and filters to full synthetic. Still gonna keep my RZT50. I'm assuming rzt50 has the 2200 hydrostat.
I suggest starting making sure that you pulley has good tension on it and that it has plenty of fluid on her. Good luck
Hi Mike have a huskarvana sweeper with hydrostatic transmission drive . Fitted new belt but doesn't seem to want to drive . Another thing that we noticed you couldn't push it without disengaging on off lever but now we can any suggestions.
Hi Victoria, let me first ask what is a Huskarvarna Sweeper? Is this like a parking lot sweeper
@@MowerMike it is a ride on sweeper used for big packing sheds in Australia gearbox is upside down on this. Peerless hydrostatic transmission
@@victoriabanaston9773 Interesting, To disengage a hydro trans there is usually a separate lever to put it in neutral. You may check it there is an adjustment on the actual drive handle to see if you can get it to push further forward. On a mower there is a screw you can shorten to let you push the handle further. Sorry I am probably not much help, I don’t even know what an Australia packing shed is lol.
@@MowerMike your funny Mike same as your videos . It's where you pack oranges potatoes grapes and all other fruit and vegetables in boxes . If you Google k1250d karcher sweeper you will understand more. But as you have stated most of these transmissions are throw away s .
@@victoriabanaston9773 hmm Google isn’t working on this one. All I bring up is sweepers, seems like they would mash up the grapes. Haha I am not much of an Australian agriculture guy though. Sounds like I may need to fly down and investigate. And no I never said these are throw aways, I still don’t know what this machine even is. All I can picture is one of those big sweepers on an ice hockey ring but pushing around oranges and taters???
Hey Mike I have a 2004 Mustang RZT Troy-Bilt zero turn and sometimes when I pull the metal parking brake back into drive the right side doesn't turn at all frontwards or backwards only the left side works and it goes and circles what should I do
Sounds like you need to check your brake linkages
Hey Mike, I replaced both charge pumps on the transaxles just like you did and I accidentally over tightened the screws and stripped the hole on the transaxle. How do I fix it?
You will need to get a tap set and a drill out the whole to the next size, tap it to put new threads in it and put a slightly larger bolt in. Don’t let it intimidate you it isn’t too difficult and it is easy to make that mistake since the cases are aluminum. Good luck
Actually hold off, I will put out a video over the weekend to show you how to do this. It is a very common issue, I did it myself lol
@@MowerMike Hi Mike, Did you post the video of how to fix the stripped out screw holes on the charging pump? I barely tightened mine and one of the screws stripped.
@@danloeb4059 Yep I did the same thing. Check out this video Stripped Bolt Thread Repair; How to Use a Tap and Die Set kzhead.info/sun/osmcosx6fqebgok/bejne.html
5-7-23, 2000 hours, upgraded both charge pimps, when purging air on right transaxle I was reengage the bypass arm and heard a small pop noise. Ever since right side starts to pull than stops. Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks in advance Jim
Wow that is alottt of hours. The pop is probably coming from the linkage somewhere between the handle and the throttle. I would take the wheel off and move the handle back and forth and see if you can find where it is popping. As far as stopping you may not have it bleed all the way, I would keep working on the bleeding procedure. Good luck
Transfer tubes can be easily removed using an easy out of the correct size. Mush less trouble than prying with a screwdriver.
I like it good idea!
I ordered some replacement oil for my zero-turn transmissions. I got some high zinc motor oil of the correct viscosity. But I noticed it is "NOT" synthetic that won't make a difference will it?
Nah you will be fine.
Hey Mike, I have a zt1 50 ultima cub cadet. Very low kms on it, but for some reason my right said won't engage. When I push forward it makes a almost grinding noise but not quite. Sounds like a hydraulic issue but I can't seem to figure it out for the life of me. Any recommendations?
Sure doesn’t sound good. I suggest making sure she has plenty of fluid in it, when they get low they start making noise
My zero turn cub cadet has the hydrostatic transmission that does not have filters on it it moves just fine for about an hour and then the left side pretty much quits working I was wondering if there's a way to change and flush the fluid on the sealed ones without filters
Stay tuned am working on that video right now.
Couldn't find the link to Amazon to get the new replacement parts upgraded parts
Click down in the video description, they are all there. Good luck
A little hook tool or dental pick would work great for getting the seal out.
Great idea!
I have E355z JD. Can't find a video for this one on the hydrostatic
Never worked on that big boy but it should be similar. I have a drive belt change video on a Deere zero turn, check that out to get the belt out of the way and then you can drain the hydro based on my hydro oil change videos
im wondering if this is a fix to my issue. When im cutting thicker grass it boggs down going forward but not in reverse. Same thing when I dont have the pto engaged and Im going uphill. I have a m48 tank from 03'.
Well I assume by M48 tank you are running a Cub Cadet zero turn, or is it the M48 main battle tank we used in Vietnam?? en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/M48_Patton So if you are running the Cub you may just have a belt that is slipping under load. Check out this video and check your tension and spring. kzhead.info/sun/hp2DitixmGWnpoU/bejne.html
on my gravely I have replaced that seal twice over last couple yrs. recently it started leaking again so before I mowed today, I added some oil to the reservoir as I have been doing until I get a chance to fix it again, however today as I was mowing, I guess it leaked out lot worse and one side locked up. any advice as to where to start or you think it's done too much damage. Thanks
I would fill it up with fluid and see if it will unlock and just try to run it
@MowerMike yeah tried that
Having problems with mine rightnow.. when i stopp and make a sharp turn my transmission slips and when i go straight, it doesnt catch back until about 2-3 seconds of going straight. Going to try these
Sounds like the belt maybe slipping, good luck
Hi Mike - I have a 2011, 5060 toro timecutter zero turn. Left side is fading. Non servicable. I got a lot of use out of this machine. Where would you start. It sucks that I can't check the fluid level - let alone add any if needed. I'll check the spring. Still has the original drive belt.
Just have to make sure the belt is tight and it is spinning. You can drop it off the machine and drain and replace the fluid there should Be a plug on top of the hydro gear. But if it were me and I knew the belt was tight and it was still spinning I would just buy a rebuilt unit. Just google the part number that is on the case and find a new one. They are not hard to remove and swap out. Side note check out my video on removing the Governor and see if you can adjust the speed faster on that one side before you do anything.
@@MowerMike Thanks for answering back Mike - didn't expect a response. They want ridiculous money for a new one - as for rebuilt - where would I go to find one? I can't find anything on ebay. I would love to swap it out if it was cost effective. The unit absolutely got used - probably more then most. Worth fixing
@@deanguando1335 Try going on KZhead there are quite a few videos on how to rebuild them. You maybe able to just buy a seal kit and fix it yourself. No harm in taking it apart if it is already broke.
@@MowerMike Your right Mike - I have nothing to lose. I have a few ideas. But I really appreciate you taking the time out to try and help.
@@deanguando1335 Anytime, I never figured anyone would watch me fix mowers but am honored y’all do. Am happy to provide whatever help I can. Let me know how it turns out. I am going to dive deeper into the hydros over the summer and do some more videos on them.
Mike, i have a 54” toro myride timecutter. 83 hrs…. Left side makes a whine, currently trying to let air out and see if it helps for tomorrow… any idea why it would whine? Let me add this, it goes in forward and reverse, sometimes slips… and is stiff.
Make sure she the hydros are full of fluid and make sure that belt it tight. Sounds like the belt maybe slipping
@@MowerMike im not mechanically inclined 😅 how do you tighten belts?
@@tylersamson3567 The spring is what keeps it tight make sure you have a good spring or add a second one like I did. You can grab the belt and feel how tight it is
@@tylersamson3567 watch the video, the spring loaded tensioner pulley is what keeps the belt tight
Hello. My hustler FASTRAK left drive started to get sketchy today... It feel like it's "sticking" at times.. And it doesnt want to glide back in forth easily like the other side. Any ideas??
Check that is is full of oil and the belt is tight first. Good luck
Can you show a video of rebuilding a Hydrostatic transmission
Some day, my Hydro skills are not quite up to that level. There are a couple of good ones out there though on the tube. Good luck
My dad has an early 2000s tank with Kawasaki 23 hp engine and it is leaking between the motor and pump on the left side. The hydraulic oil is just 20w50 engine oil. Have you ever worked on one of them?
It is similar to this one. If it is leaking along the main seal on the hydro you will probably have to take it off and take the cover apart and re silicon it.
So if one pump stops working, has a loud whining sound, etc. Is it too far gone, or can this still correct those symptoms?
I suggest making sure it has plenty of fluid. That is all I have got, good luck
Mower mike mike! what's up man! .. Hey that's the Tank! I have the grandfather of those (Lesco commercial plus or "m54" ztwo). You wouldn't happen to know the belt numbers for the 54 would you? or a place to find these belts without me having to take the beslts off, run miles up the road, play match maker and return back lol
Man I have no idea. With something that old I would just take them off and play match maker.
aaaahhhhhhhh , inspiration : )
Be careful with that I am a certified amateur mower mechanic.
Hey Mr. Mike....hey what causes a hydro to work great at first then after some use it starts getting noisy and eventually doesn't want to pull...it sorta jumps in a way
My only suggestion is to make sure it is full of fluid and bleed properly
You think I should change the pump parts n seal like you done
Instead of a screwdriver, insert a bolt with a nut on the end to pull out the pump seals. It looks like an O-ring pick would work as well.
Excellent idea, will try that next time for sure.
My enforcer wont go forward but goes backwards on the left hydro? hoping there is an easy fix or could it be internal? thanks
It sounds like the pump is working atleast. I am not sure everything I know about Hydros is in this video and my speed adjustment video.
I bought a used mzt61 with 3400 hydro gear transmissions. They are LOUD. It’s up near the fans from what I can tell. Both are noisy. The fluid is full. No issues with moving just noisy. Not sure if it’s ever been changed at 420 hours. I pray it’s only dirty fluid and the transmissions ain’t toasted.
Man they shouldn’t be loud, but as long as they are working that is the key part. I have heard mine start whining when if they get low on fluid
@@MowerMike good news, it was both idler pulleys screaming! All good to go now.
@@jremeee1599 Nice easy fix, well done
I'm watching at work and 5:55 I have a tool next to me that would get those out in 15 seconds. lol
I have no doubt, I am a complete amateur. It is scary how many people are watching me try to fix a transmission lol.
Does the RZT have a removable cover for the seals?
No idea
My left hand pump won't move forward or back. Do you think in your experience that one of the tricks you've shown here will address that?
No idea
Just an idea to remove the old seals you could take a screw and screw it in the seal and pull down to get a bite on the seal to remove it. Did this with replacing a oil sending screen in my truck and it worked great.
Ehe don’t think I want to do that would scratch up that pump. But I like the thinking
@@MowerMike Only screws into the metal on the seal not the pump. Just screw it in the get a bit on the metal on the seal in middle. No contact with the case.
My blades stop turning when I run into the grass . I ordered a new pto switch I’m not sure what’s going on . Can you help ??? Blades free of snags . The blades rotate but no strength now
I bet your belt is slipping check the tension sprint
I am thinking buying a toro timecutter 50 in and I just realized that the left seal is leaking and it lags just a little compared to the right side. Is this expensive to fix?? Or worth fixing?? Or do I have to replace that whole side??
There are lots of seals on a hydro. My vote is yes it is worth fixing
@@MowerMike thanks
Great video but watching you digging and poking with that screw driver instead of using the proper puller is nerve racking as you could damage the seat of the seal.
I agree I am a complete amateur at Hydro fixing haha
Auto transmission internal expanding snap ring pliers have serrated outsides for flat snap rings to expand outward. Just insert into plug bore and squeeze for a good grip on i.d. of plug bore and pull out. No screwdriver frustration or risk of damage to seal or bore. You're welcome!
Did u keep watching?
At 2:37 you belt seems to be riding the bottom of your pulley. Belts are designed to ride on the sides of the grove not on the bottom. Not only is there less surface area for the pulley to grab the belt it is riding on a spot that will turn the at a different speed.
As long as she gets a ride!
I've got a Toro with a weak side. Of course it's sealed but it loses power on the one side gradually as it runs, until about an hour or so in the left side has almost no power. Im leaning towards it being a little low and the hydraulic fluid becoming aerated and therefore losing power. I have no idea how to add fluid to it. Is there anything I can do besides getting another unit or ripping the thing apart?
Hey there. If you remove the unit it should have a drain plug on top of the unit where you can drain and refill the unit. (I think) I have a John Deere like that which I plan on doing a video like that on. Good luck! (AMSOIL makes a new hydro gear oil I hear works really good)
@@MowerMike thank you so much I couldn't find the plug anywhere! I have a ludicrous amount of hydraulic oil for these types of units because the only other one I've ever worked on was a bulldozer! That thing had brake packs with 10 gallons of oil in each D: and a drain plug with a 3/4 square socket lol It's weird just how similar they are though, minus being able to pick these lawnmower parts up and flip em!
@@keatoncampbell820 You got it, same concept as a hydro gear on a front end loader. Good luck
Mike, Can you buy just the charge tune seals or do you have to buy the whole seal kit? I noticed the seal kit package in your video listed each individual part number of the contents. Would you mind giving me the part number of the charge tune seals so I can look them up? Thanks
Hey good question. I can’t send a pic on here but if you leave your email I will send you the parts list on the bag. I am not sure how to tell which part is the charging seal just has a list of seals.
hey I have a 2012 John Deere z225 mower any won't go forward or backwards is it easy to fix
I have no idea. I do suggest you start with making sure your belt is working.
My hydro gears spin on their own and won't stop. I put the brakes on, but it keeps spinning and the pulley belts keep burning and ripping. Can you suggest any help?
Well that sure sounds dangerous. Check the linkage on top of the hydro that leads to the bars that you drive it with. Maybe it is binding and not letting that linkage push back and go into neutral. You can also put it on jacks remove the wheels and run it and play with that linkage by hand and see if you can get it to go into neutral. Good luck and be careful with that thing
I'm using a Hustler Raptor SD. After about an hour of continuous running, the right side starts to make a grinding noise and loses function. After sitting and cooling off for a while, the symptoms aren't present. Any ideas? Could it be the part in this video?
Everything I know about these things is in that video. Good luck