Timecutter 480Z axle break

[bjmiii]

Hello forum members,

I own a timecutter 480. My son was mowing and the back right wheel fell off.

Upon inspection, the break was inside the hub by approx 1/4". I searched sites and have been told it is common and a poor design. I called my Toro dealer and they quoted me up to $1200. That's not happening, I'd rather buy a goat.

My questions are; has anyone repaired this type of issue, is it repairable by a homeowner and am I seriously looking at spending that kind of money?

Thanks for your time.

Bud

 

[BlazNT]

Part number 115-5039 $283.00
The part I circled in red is what you remove to replace part. It uses 20w50 motor oil. You can get a repair manual from http://www.hydro-gear.com/service-and-repair-manuals/ scroll down to ZT-2100, ZT-2200 (EZT) and click on it. You need to be very very clean. Not one speck of dirt can enter the hydro.

 

[Carscw]

Go on eBay and get a axle conversion kit. Comes with a one inch axle and new gears. For under $100
Took me a hour to do.
Has lasted years.

 

[Carscw]

Sorry it has gone up in price.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/171452700475

 

[bjmiii]

BlazNT,

Thanks. It looks like I need more. ex., 45, 46, and 47 at least. The axle itself snapped.

Carscw,

Thanks also. I'm hoping I get same results. Not looking forward to doing it but so long as it's doable. I was in the landscape field for about 6 yrs in various aspects of maintenance. I'm hoping the upkeep on those machines help.

 

[bjmiii]

BlazNT and Carscw,
I've recieved parts. Thanks for information from both of you. I've watched a few videos on the replacement of the parts. One question I have is, do I need to replace the hub attachment itself for my model number? Also, the sealant for the transmission itself, should I just grab a tube from my local Toro dealer?

Thanks again.
bjmiii

 

[Carscw]

BlazNT and Carscw,
I've recieved parts. Thanks for information from both of you. I've watched a few videos on the replacement of the parts. One question I have is, do I need to replace the hub attachment itself for my model number? Also, the sealant for the transmission itself, should I just grab a tube from my local Toro dealer?

Thanks again.
bjmiii

The kit I got came with a new hub. But I got the 1 inch upgrade kit.
I used red gasket maker.

 

[bjmiii]

The kit I got came with a new hub. But I got the 1 inch upgrade kit.
I used red gasket maker.

Thanks for the feed back men. It was absolutely heinous! I didn't have any problems removing hydro static drive. No problems with removing cover or cleaning it. Subbed out parts with little difficulty. The biggest issue I had was making sure that Hydro Gear sent the extra parts on purpose. They did! I was able to get it all back together with no issues either.

I am now onto the purging part. Probably the most difficult I imagine. Now that it is all back together I am having a hard time with getting access to the oil fill hole. It's hard to reach and very little "height " to reach in with the Allen wrench. Does anyone have any ideas to help with this part? I am sure I am going t have to access this thing at least twice. So I'll take any feed back you have. Toro was not thinking of the homeowner without a scissor jack to get better access.

Thanks again.

 

[BlazNT]

First I filled it before I but it back on the mower knowing how hard it is to get to the fill port. Next I used a 1/4" socket with 1/4" hex to loosen. Once broken loose remove by hand. Top oil off with squeeze bottle with flexible tube on end. This is the hardest part. I only had a Zoom oilier. It only holds 2 oz at most. Remember this oil is 50 weight. I would find something bigger. Took 5 minutes to top off.

Purging the air is easy compared to filling it with oil. Jack rear end up till tires are off ground. Pull bypass rods to allow free roll. Turn on engine. Set throttle to full. Move levers to full forward then full reverse at least 10 times. Then put bypass rods back in drive position and move levers to forward then reverse 10 times. Check and fill oil. Let jack down and test. If it is not working repeat until it works.

 

[7394]

Excellent info & schematic. :thumbsup: