Transmission Oil

motime

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I bought my first zero turn last spring. While looking at the owner's manual, I read about the transmission oil and the cold marking on the reservoir. I have never seen it at the cold level. I talked with the dealer where I bought it and he said as long as I see it in there after it heats up, I'm good. Went there to buy oil and just happened to mention it to the person behind the counter. He said, go ahead and add oil when cold to the cold marking and that it didn't need to be purged. Not what the manual says. Plus, looking at the cap on the reservoir, it says do not top off. A little confusing. Any comments appreciated. Thanks in advance
 

StarTech

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Basically the manual is saying don't overfill. Most tanks I have seen the cold mark is at the very bottom or very close to it. So when you check it cold you should barely see any oil. This would all the air in the hydro(s) is purged.

And the dealer is right too as the oil will expand when heated.
 

Markdd60

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Yes, On my BB ZT Elite.... the cold mark is maybe 1/4", have seen the reservoir at roughly 3/4 full depending on temperature while mowing.
 

motime

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Basically the manual is saying don't overfill. Most tanks I have seen the cold mark is at the very bottom or very close to it. So when you check it cold you should barely see any oil. This would all the air in the hydro(s) is purged.

And the dealer is right too as the oil will expand when heated.
Thanks StarTech
 

Seannydeez

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I know this is a dumb question but I’m going to ask it anyways. I have a scag liberty a that’s about 6 years old. I’ve never changed the fluid in the transaxles because I didn’t know it was a thing to be honest. When I took my mower out this spring I noticed the hydraulic overflow was bone dry and the left control was slow to return to the neutral position. Will the fluid get low naturally from “burning off” for lack of a better term? There is no sign of a leak and the floor of my shed where it’s always parked is dry and there are no fluid stains. I’ll be changing the fluid in a a day or two when the filters arrive, but wasn’t sure if I should be expecting a leak somewhere or if the fluid being that low is normal after 6 years of not changing it.
 

Tiger Small Engine

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I know this is a dumb question but I’m going to ask it anyways. I have a scag liberty a that’s about 6 years old. I’ve never changed the fluid in the transaxles because I didn’t know it was a thing to be honest. When I took my mower out this spring I noticed the hydraulic overflow was bone dry and the left control was slow to return to the neutral position. Will the fluid get low naturally from “burning off” for lack of a better term? There is no sign of a leak and the floor of my shed where it’s always parked is dry and there are no fluid stains. I’ll be changing the fluid in a a day or two when the filters arrive, but wasn’t sure if I should be expecting a leak somewhere or if the fluid being that low is normal after 6 years of not changing it.
Typically hydro oil and filters need to be changed from 300-500 hours depending on brand, etc. Top off the oil and should be fine as long as no air was introduced. Being a bit low on oil in reservoir tank is not uncommon.
 
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