Cub ZTR50 drive fluid change

finklea73 · Aug 2, 2008

I have had the ZTR50 for almost 2 years and I mow about 2.5 acres. the mower has about 60 hours on it and I have noticed that after mowing for an hour (or making lots of turns) the drive system gets really slugish and makes whining noises. I decided to change the hydro oil filters and of course dumped what seemed like a gallon or more oil from each drive. The only way I see to get oil back in the drives is through the small reservoir under the seat. It takes forever to fill the drives back up.

My question is: Is there a easier way to drain and refill the separate drives? I don't see any other way to get the fluid back into the drives except through the small reservoir.

JTKub · Aug 3, 2008

Yup. If there is no designated top fill bolt/cap/plug, you have to use the breather vent, or in your case, the expansion tank (same thing).

Joel

finklea73 · Aug 3, 2008

thanks for the response. I have put about 1.5 gallons of drive fluid in the reservoir (it is very slow draining into the drives) At what point should I try to move the mower under its own power? I'm guessing with the amount of fluid that came out that there is about 3 quarts per drive maybe? I can not find anywhere that stats exactly how much fluid each drive holds. Can the drive be hurt if it doesnt have sufficient fluid or will it just not move?

thanks again for the help

Edit: And just to clarify the mower is a Z-force 50 and the drives are Hydro Gear ZT 2800's

OldMachinist · Aug 3, 2008

I don't have any real answers for you but can tell you the service manual is available for the Hydro-Gear ZT2800 its part #BLN-52441. I did an internet search and found in several places but the cheapest was here.
HYDRO GEAR*BLN-52441*MANUAL, ZT2800 SERVICE &

Hope it helps.

finklea73 · Aug 4, 2008

Well after painfully filling the reservoir little by little, i finally filled the 2 drives. I cut my yard (and my son cut my neighbors yard) and it ran like it was brand new. It held close to 1.5 gallons of fluid.