I recently acquired a Snapper ZT14880KH mower that had been sitting outside over the winter and am wanting to change out the hydraulic oil. I have searched the forum (with my limited skills) and cannot find any explanation of this procedure. The manual does not show this, only how to change the filter??? Can someone enlighten me as to the correct way to change the hydraulic oil in this machine?
Need to confirm that model number Not showing up in any of my parts diagrams. Found a ZT18440KH. The best number will be on the tag and should consist of 7 digits and maybe followed with a dash and 2 numbers.
AFA the mower company is concerned the transmission is a sealed unit and not part of the mower proper
So the instruction for maintaining the transmission will come from the transmission maker & not the mower maker
Some where on the transmission will be a sticker with the makers name a bar code & the model & serial numbers
AFA the mower company is concerned the transmission is a sealed unit and not part of the mower proper
So the instruction for maintaining the transmission will come from the transmission maker & not the mower maker
Some where on the transmission will be a sticker with the makers name a bar code & the model & serial numbers
This not a sealed unit.
But the OP can only change the filter and whatever oil that is in the reserve tank. In order to change the oil the pumps it require disassembling them and using an oil extractor then of course several o-rings have to be replaced. Each pump holds about 3/4-1 qt of oil. Plus it is real tricky to even do this as the pump pistons and springs will not stay in place; unless, the pumps are removed and turned upside down during the reassembly. I did find way to keep the pistons in place on the last job but it is a hat trick to do it.
It is not advisable for for an inexperience tech to do this. Beside the spring and check ball can be lost during this time. Note: If the check ball is plastic it will need to be replaced too.
For all practical purposed the hydraulic drive service consist of removing the oil filter catching all the oil out of the oil tank , replace the oil filter and refill the tank. Run to purge air from the filter and top off tank.
If it turns a milky color than you have your work cut out for you. otherwise no big issue.
#9
bkeller500
Thats probably your best approach. In effect flush it out several times. If you remove the filter, you are going to get most of the old fluid out. With the filter out, adding more fresh fluid may flush it out further, or pop on the new filter and refill with fresh fluid and run for a few minutes and do it all over again. It may require several refills so it could get a little pricey but it's better to pay now or than to pay more later.... You may be able to look up the manufacturers manuals on-line and see what it tells you or you could call them and explain your situation and see what they recommend. I'm sure they have a CSR that can advise you.
"If it turns a milky color than you have your work cut out for you. otherwise no big issue."
Well it is milky! Wondering if slightly cracking the hoses on the wheel motors would help "flush" out the system? Of course making sure that there is new fluid in the tank to go into the system???? Would that not "force" new fluid from the tank thru the pump and wheel motors? Any thoughts on this?
Well......It looks like it worked! I removed the oil tank, cleaned it out, installed a new filter, opened the hoses on the wheel motors, let the system drain, ran it for a very short time, re-connected the hoses and ran the tank return hose into a catch can. I wanted to be sure that any remaining water-fouled oil did not go back into the tank. After purging the air from the system and going through 8 quarts of oil, now only clean oil is being dumped back into the catch can. I'm going to go through a few more quarts just to be on the safe side. Lots of oil used but a lot cheaper than new pumps or motors!
Try draining a bit of oil from the bottom ot the tank and let it sit for a day. Water if present will sink to bottom. Change Filter. Don't over think this. It is unlikely that there is much if any water in the oil unless done on purpose.
There was quite a bit of water in the wheel motors as the mower had been run some before I got it. When I removed the hoses from the wheel motors the oil was a very light brown. Also the oil coming out was the same color light brown. It's all good now!
