Gravely/Ariens Owner Check-In --- Read This First!

[EverettFumbler]

Hello everybody, been here a wk already and tardy to the signin at Gravely. Have a ZTHD48 with 756 hrs over 14 yrs purchased new locally. Have already replied. to the Lawn World newbe section but keep getting emails that I need to do so here. Thanks to the members that have helped me so far. This website is a true chest of pearls, learn something with every visit, just find it hard to nav

 

[EverettFumbler]

Want to let MParr in on update. Now I know why there is a Winter. I've been cleaning off 14 yrs of grime and found plague on the metal plate topside of the area between the two fans on top of the hydrogears. It clearly states the units are 3100 and below says commercial. I forgot to tell you that at 320 hrs. I noted a leak, small by my call but observed to be persistent over next couple of wks. so into the pros & told charge part leak and would require both hydogear units to be replaced. A chunk of change there and I had a nonleaker again but had to add oil for a while after first 2-3 days the level in the reservoir held steady to this day. Not told to have oil change at 75 hrs as I was told on purchase. Never observed any difference in sound or performance whatsoever. This plan to change the fluid myself this time is because she's coming up on the 400 hrs since the repair. The link you so intuitively provided was very informative, seems I had the wrong idea that a drain plug should be on the lowest part of unit. I was trying to hex wrench a check plug. Think I have it straight now thanks to you. I have in past removed shroud outer only. Have spent today removing shroud outer and cyl # 2 inner shroud, no mud dobber nests but tons of grime coating everything. Is there a problem with engine cleaner and large chunks of grime falling down on the clutch and belts. I have a way to go before even starting on the Hydro gears. Using a product I used as a teen called Gunk. MY grass is growing despite our drought. Can I lean on you for some advice? There was no grime on the fins either side. Thank you so much. Everett