Checking Hydraulic Fluid

[GreenGuy23]

I completed the service on my ZD323. All new Super UDT2 and filters.

The manual is really confusing. Basically it says to fill it and check the level. The drive it around and check the level again. Top off after drive around.

I took it for a spin around the yard and added some more. It's was right on the full mark. I parked it last night and checked it today. Now it reads ovdfilled. So which way is correct? Treat it like motor oil or treat it like transmission fluid?

It seems like I have asked a lot of questions about this. I am just afraid of breaking my super awesome mower.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Slightly overfilled will not kill it. Way over filled and I might would use a hose or suction device down the fill hole and remove some of it. The stuff is so clear that you may not have been able to see where it was on the fill stick and added a bit to much when you did the top off. It's one of the "bad" features of the SUDT by being so clear and measuring stick being a color that is hard to see the fluid.

 

[GreenGuy23]

Slightly overfilled will not kill it. Way over filled and I might would use a hose or suction device down the fill hole and remove some of it. The stuff is so clear that you may not have been able to see where it was on the fill stick and added a bit to much when you did the top off. It's one of the "bad" features of the SUDT by being so clear and measuring stick being a color that is hard to see the fluid.

It's overfilled but only if I let it sit overnight and check it cold. If I drive it around then check it the level is right below the full line. Which way is right? Check it cold or check it after I have driven it around? It's above the full mark cold. It is actually is over the full line to the point where it almost touches the round part of the stick. It stops just before that.

 

[carol palmer]

Simple method is remove the reservoir cap and dipstick (A). After wiping wit a clean cloth, check oil level on the dipstick. It should be between B & C on the dipstick

 

[GreenGuy23]

Thanks you. The manual is pretty confusing. I will drain some out. I made a stick from a piece of wooden dowell. It helps me to see the level better.

 

[oosik]

Don't feel like your alone there GreenGuy23. Many times I make a dipstick from a stick of wood. At least you can see the wet mark on the dry stick. Hydraulic fluid can be very difficult to see on the OEM dipstick.

 

[GreenGuy23]

I had to do something. There was no way to see it. I just can't seem to figure out when to check it. Do I check it after it has sit or after it's been driven around? After it sits overnight the level is over. If I drive it around the level is perfect. The manual seems to indicate the level after it's been driven around is correct.

 

[GreenGuy23]

I stopped by the dealer today to get a price quote on a mulching kit and asked.

Its supposed to be to the full line after it has sat overnight. So I need to drain a little off.

 

[oosik]

AH - sometimes its easier to slurp a little out with a rose gun. To drain a little off by loosening the drain plug is to invite - dropping the plug or not being able to get the plug back in time and draining off a whole bunch. Darn - I speak from experience on this one too..............

 

[GreenGuy23]

AH - sometimes its easier to slurp a little out with a rose gun. To drain a little off by loosening the drain plug is to invite - dropping the plug or not being able to get the plug back in time and draining off a whole bunch. Darn - I speak from experience on this one too..............

Haha. Yes. I have dropped the drain plug when trying to just drain a little out.

I spun the hydro filter off and dumped it out. Seems to be back on the level now. Alls well. I need to get a pump. It doesn't happen often but would be nice to have if it did.