Oil Choice for ZT-2800s ???

[RayMcD]

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?

 

[7394]

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.

 

[MParr]

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.

 

[RayMcD]

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.

LA I'm all in for synthetic oil products. So what is your preference for Hydro oil?

 

[RayMcD]

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.

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.

 

[MParr]

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.

 

[RayMcD]

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.

Thank you, good info, r

 

[7394]

LA I'm all in for synthetic oil products. So what is your preference for Hydro oil?

It won't be Full Synthetic Ray. But it will exceed OE specs. And I plan to change more often than required listed changes.

 

[7394]

Mobil 1 15W50 exceeds the minimum requirement.

A quick search shows that to be like $20. a qt..

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

 

[MParr]

A quick search shows that to be like $20. a qt..

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

You can get it for at least half that price. Try NAPA and Walmart.