Z121s is sluggish to turn when pulling back on the steering arms

Quadna

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  • / Z121s is sluggish to turn when pulling back on the steering arms
My 5-year old Z121s has been been acting up when I pull back on an arm to make a tight turn. The left one will be very sluggish and after a few seconds will start reversing that wheel but the right one will not do much of anything - basically unresponsive. The hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir is good and the fluid doesn’t look bad, but the manual doesn’t say when I should have the fluid flushed or replaced. The mower only has 65 hours on it (yeah I know, small yard for a 48” deck) so seems soon to have to have the hydraulic system serviced. Any ideas?
 

Rivets

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  • / Z121s is sluggish to turn when pulling back on the steering arms
Start by checking the condition of the belts, as well as make sure that the belt tensioner s are not sticking, preventing them from putting enough tension on the belt.
 

Quadna

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  • / Z121s is sluggish to turn when pulling back on the steering arms
Sounds like a good idea. Thanks Rivets - I’ll do that first.
 

mddickson74

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  • / Z121s is sluggish to turn when pulling back on the steering arms
My 5-year old Z121s has been been acting up when I pull back on an arm to make a tight turn. The left one will be very sluggish and after a few seconds will start reversing that wheel but the right one will not do much of anything - basically unresponsive. The hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir is good and the fluid doesn’t look bad, but the manual doesn’t say when I should have the fluid flushed or replaced. The mower only has 65 hours on it (yeah I know, small yard for a 48” deck) so seems soon to have to have the hydraulic system serviced. Any ideas?
Wow, that is low hours for 5 years but then I am cutting 2 acres.

I would check and adjust the MOTION CONTROL LEVERS first.

Did you replace the hydraulic hoses every 2 years.
 

lugbolt

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  • / Z121s is sluggish to turn when pulling back on the steering arms
check the tow levers make sure they're both ALL the way in.
 
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