JD Turf-Gard 10W40 oil and newbie zero-turn question

[CMV]

I picked up an older ZTrack front mower and that is what it specs for the hydraulic oil. Not Hy-Gard, not 303, not something I'd typically use for hydraulic oil. So just plain old 10W40 oil in there? I'm changing hyd oil & filter. Mower has about 2k hrs on it - straight plain dino oil, synthetic, "high mileage"....? what should I use there? I've only put about 5 hrs on it, but no signs of leaks or issues there. 2004 or 2005 ZTRACK F687 with 60" 7-Iron deck. Surprised how well it runs & cuts, but does need a little TLC

Second, is a basic operation question since i've never had a zero turn before. How should the mower track on flat, even ground with both "sticks" pushed all the way forward? I would *assume* that should make it go perfectly straight. I've asked several others and have gotten both answers - "it will always pull a little to one side" and "That isn't right, it should go perfectly straight with both sticks pushed fully forward". On mine, the left seems to slightly overpower the right and it only tracks straight on level ground by letting off the left stick just a tad. Not sure how it should be.

 

[BigBlue1]

Use what the manufacturer specs for fluids. They have a reason for what they list. Not all hydraulic systems need 'standard' hydraulic fluid. My new Bad Boy Rogue requires 20W-50 motor oil for the hydro systems.

Some zero-turn mowers have adjustments for fixing the issue you describe. Either by limiting stops (such as a bolt) that restrict the movement of each stick (so you'd shorten the travel distance of the side that is moving a wheel too fast) or by controlling the pump speed/output if you have a two pump system. I don't think I can feasibly mow at the 13 mph top speed of my Rogue so I doubt I'll face an issue like yours, but my mower has both types of adjustments.

Rob