Oil Choice for ZT-2800s ???

R

RayMcD

Well-Known Member
Gentlemen, my machine has just over 50 hours and I want to get this behind me. I've read many threads about this subject. As of now I'm leaning toward Mobil 1 15W-50. What say ye?
 
I'll be doing mine around 50 hours as well.

According to Scag techs, if you use full synthetic, do it early, & NEVER switch back to regular.
 
This is copied from page 9 of the Hydro-Gear service manual
Fluids
The fluids used in Hydro-Gear products have been carefully selected, and only equivalent, or better products should be substituted.
Typically, an engine oil with a minimum rating of 9.0 cSt (55 SUS) at 230° F (110° C) and an API clas- sification of SL is recommended. A 20W50 engine oil has been selected for use by the factory and is recommended for normal operating procedures.

Mobil 1 15W50 is considered a synthetic racing oil. It has a published ZDDP (zinc) level of 1300 and Phosphorus level of 1200. A Kv 100C rating of 18. So it meets and exceeds Hydo-Gear’s requirements.
 
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7394 said:
I'll be doing mine around 50 hours as well.

According to Scag techs, if you use full synthetic, do it early, & NEVER switch back to regular.
Click to expand...
LA I'm all in for synthetic oil products. So what is your preference for Hydro oil?
 
MParr said:
This is copied from page 9 of the Hydro-Gear service manual
Fluids
The fluids used in Hydro-Gear products have been carefully selected, and only equivalent, or better products should be substituted.
Typically, an engine oil with a minimum rating of 9.0 cSt (55 SUS) at 230° F (110° C) and an API clas- sification of SL is recommended. A 20W50 engine oil has been selected for use by the factory and is recommended for normal operating procedures.

Mobil 1 15W50 is considered a synthetic racing oil. It has a published ZDDP (zinc) level of 1300 and Phosphorus level of 1200. A Kv 100C rating of 18. So it meets and exceeds Hydo-Gear’s requirements.
Click to expand...
I've done way to much reading on the stats you provided and I'm still not sure what a minimum rating on 9.0 cSt or a Kv100C rating of 18 is telling me.
 
Kv100 is the kinetic viscosity a 100 degrees Centigrade or 212 degrees Fahrenheit (boiling point). 9 is pretty thin. So, 18 is twice as thick at boiling point.
Mobil 1 15W50 exceeds the minimum requirement.
Valvoline VR-1 20W50 exceeds the requirement.
Lucas Oil Hot Rod and Classic Car 20W50 exceeds the requirement.
Hydro-Gear transaxle oil meets or exceeds the requirement. But, it’s pretty pricey.
OEM transaxle oil meets or exceeds the requirement. There again, they are pricey.
 
MParr said:
Kv100 is the kinetic viscosity a 100 degrees Centigrade or 212 degrees Fahrenheit (boiling point). 9 is pretty thin. So, 18 is twice as thick at boiling point.
Mobil 1 15W50 exceeds the minimum requirement.
Valvoline VR-1 20W50 exceeds the requirement.
Lucas Oil Hot Rod and Classic Car 20W50 exceeds the requirement.
Hydro-Gear transaxle oil meets or exceeds the requirement. But, it’s pretty pricey.
OEM transaxle oil meets or exceeds the requirement. There again, they are pricey.
Click to expand...
Thank you, good info, r
 
RayMcD said:
LA I'm all in for synthetic oil products. So what is your preference for Hydro oil?
Click to expand...
It won't be Full Synthetic Ray. But it will exceed OE specs. And I plan to change more often than required listed changes.
 
MParr said:
Mobil 1 15W50 exceeds the minimum requirement.
Click to expand...
A quick search shows that to be like $20. a qt..o_O

I'm leaning towards the VR1. But I have time, I only have 13.5 hours on my mower now.
 
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