Exmark Radius-E Hydro Oil Change Question

[AdamE]

Hey all.

I changed the hydro oil on my Radius-E at 70 hrs. using a Hydro-Gear kit yesterday. I didn't use the pump or fitting and filled through the reservoir.

After all was finished and purged, the oil level in the reservoir was at the Full/Cold line. I didn't drive it at all. Today, I checked and the reservoir was empty and there are no leaks.

I added more and bubbles were coming up. All told, I added maybe 5 oz. before the bubbles stopped and was at the Full/Cold line.

I drove it for a couple minutes and all seemed fine. No noise and it operated normally.

My question is, should I jack it up again and do another purge or should I just be happy and mow?

Thanks.

 

[bertsmobile1]

I it is driving oil will flow and they will self purge over time
The reason why purging has to be done is the displacement of every piston is tiny and if there is any resistance to motion then the air in the end of the cylinder just compresses & decompresses as the cylinder block rotates which is why you have to purge with the wheels off the ground.
It will not hurt to purge again but usually when the oil stays at the same level the air is gone .

 

[Aquadisiac]

I have a 2017 Radius S, 48" mower. When I changed the oil and filters on my Hydros, I filled it up through the reservoirs as well. Only my oil level wouldn't go down even after letting it sit over the weekend. I ran it like the manual stated with the drive wheels off of the ground. I even mowed my front yard and it was making funny noises. I brought it back in and jacked it back up and located the "vent" bolts/screws and loosened them each one at a time and my fluid levels quickly came around and then I topped off the reservoir again and again. Then I operated it with the rear tires off of the ground. Finally, it worked or operated just fine. It has been fine ever since. I only mow our yard and my sister's yard. No Commercial mowing with it.

 

[Bob372]

As enthusiasts of small engines and outdoor equipment, many of us prioritize performance. However, does using high-octane, non-ethanol fuel in racing contradict our commitment to sustainability? What are the broader implications for the environment and our community if we choose performance over eco-friendliness?

Huh?

If it makes stuff run better or go faster, use it!!!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

 

[Aquadisiac]

I have a 2017 Radius S, 48" mower. When I changed the oil and filters on my Hydros, I filled it up through the reservoirs as well. Only my oil level wouldn't go down even after letting it sit over the weekend. I ran it like the manual stated with the drive wheels off of the ground. I even mowed my front yard and it was making funny noises. I brought it back in and jacked it back up and located the "vent" bolts/screws and loosened them each one at a time and my fluid levels quickly came around and then I topped off the reservoir again and again. Then I operated it with the rear tires off of the ground. Finally, it worked or operated just fine. It has been fine ever since. I only mow our yard and my sister's yard. No Commercial mowing with it.

I have the exact same mower. I also only mow my yard. I changed the oil and filters on my hydros about two years ago. I had the same issue until I found the "vent" plugs too. I haven't had any issues with mine since. My mower now has 402 hours on it. I am glad that you figured it out! Happy mowing!!

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hey all.

I changed the hydro oil on my Radius-E at 70 hrs. using a Hydro-Gear kit yesterday. I didn't use the pump or fitting and filled through the reservoir.

After all was finished and purged, the oil level in the reservoir was at the Full/Cold line. I didn't drive it at all. Today, I checked and the reservoir was empty and there are no leaks.

I added more and bubbles were coming up. All told, I added maybe 5 oz. before the bubbles stopped and was at the Full/Cold line.

I drove it for a couple minutes and all seemed fine. No noise and it operated normally.

My question is, should I jack it up again and do another purge or should I just be happy and mow?

Thanks.

Hello A.,

There are times when additional purging is needed on some systems. Air pockets get trapped easily in liquid/hydraulic applications. The heavier the oil/liquid viscosity the higher the chance of air bubbles and air pockets forming.

Has for the hacks on You Tube, they rush through the process because it is a video and they want to score "likes" and get subscribers.