Differences in zero turn transmissions

Jimmy Joe · May 18, 2013

When looking at zero turn mowers they talk about the transmissions in numbers like 2800, 3100 or 3200. My question is do all the manufacturers use transmissions built by the same company, which I would doubt but not sure, or does the number indicate a size or build standard or something else? Sounds like a weird question, I have never stopped and asked a dealer what the numbers really mean, just thought I would throw it out to you guys to set me straight.

the old grind · May 18, 2013

Hydro 'transmissions' are pump/motor packages, sometimes separate and sometimes integrated. A small homeowner mower may have a one pump & two motor system vs one of each. It seems the integrated ones are becoming more common in all sizes, either by maker or vendor choice. Number series can delineate size range and/or configuration, and makers can mix & match through their product lines/sizes.

IMO they're all good. Choosing among 'em can be less fussy than say gear vs HST with a tractor & a guy might really only need to be aware of the occasional odd-ball with a bad rep earned over time. It might be the least detail to worry about when shopping if it's the other features/details of a particular machine that'd make you happy or not, so they're like opinions .. everybody has one & no one has to be 'wrong'. :2cents:

DmansPadge · May 18, 2013

The ones you are seeing... 2800, 3100, etc. are all made by Hydro-Gear. These are what most manufacturers are using... there are other brands though. The 3100 and up are considered commercial grade.

Jimmy Joe · May 19, 2013

Thanks guys. so the 3100 or larger would be the more heavy duty ones, good to know. I've been considering a zero turn to save some mowing time. I'll keep watching craigs list for a deal.

djdicetn · May 22, 2013

Jimmy Joe said:
Thanks guys. so the 3100 or larger would be the more heavy duty ones, good to know. I've been considering a zero turn to save some mowing time. I'll keep watching craigs list for a deal.

Yeah, as eluded to the Hydrogear integrated units are pretty well dominating all but the flagship series ZTR's for all manufacturesr(which you can still get the separate pump/wheel motors on). The ZT-2800 is the smallest "serviceable"(can change oil & filter) and the EZT is the dominant "Residential" tranny and is sealed(wouldn't recommend it for large area mowing or longevity). My Gravely Pro-Turn 100XDZ has the ZT-3400, which even though there are the ZT-3100(and this year the ZT-3200) "comercial grades" I consider the ZT-3400 & ZT-5400 as the truly full-blown Commercial grade trannies. Hope this additional info helps!!

Zork · Jul 11, 2024

Jimmy Joe said:
Thanks guys. so the 3100 or larger would be the more heavy duty ones, good to know. I've been considering a zero turn to save some mowing time. I'll keep watching craigs list for a deal.

I know it's an old thread, but I've been shopping for my first zero turn. The transmissions do make a difference and in my research I'm finding the $2700 Murray Cruz uses the same EZT2200 transmission as the $3500/$4500 Cub/Badboy. To me, this means the Murray could be overbuilt or the Cub/Badboy and others using the EZT2200 could be underbuilt. Also, the 2200 is the mid level residential grade and thought to be non serviceable, but there are internal replacement parts available., Unlike a unit with a drain plug, the 2200 requires removal and inverting to change the oil- unless it has a digit indicating otherwise.

stevem5215 · Jul 11, 2024

The transmission does matter. The bigger ones have more torque capability which means there's more in reserve for loads and stress on them. For example on my homeowner Simplicity ZT I have a ZT-2800 and on the bigger Citation XL it has the ZT-3400. But when you drive them the bigger one has noticeably more power and response to the controls. It does make a difference. I would choose transmission first. Bigger is better. In tractors the motto is always "buy one bigger than you think you'll need" that means transmissions and engines even in ZTR's.

Also, don't forget that a bigger transmission also means faster. Faster means driving faster over bumps too. Full suspension is nice on a ZTR. One of mine has that and the other only has front suspension which is useless. If no suspension available on your model selection consider a suspension seat of some type to take the edge off the bumpy terrain. Your body will thank you.