Which oil should I use.... in a Z-Turn?

[KFC911]

Nope .... didn't do a search

In a Z-Turn that needs the "good stuff" lacking in modern oils ... sorta like a 911...

What do you guys use? I'm gonna gather specs and bug Lubey ... but what say ye?

Both motor and trannies (Kawi and HydroGear 3100)... Brand and weights ... thanks!

Are my HG Made in China dinky tranny filters I have on hand OK .... I don't like 'em, but skeered to deviate.

[cabmandone]

My Super Z with a Kohler Command calls for 10w30 (IIRC) I buy whatever is cheapest honestly. I figure for the hours I put on my machine and the service interval (change it every spring) why go crazy spending more on oil? I use 20w50 for the Hydros since that's what Hustler recommends.

[fintstone]

I use 10W30 Lawn Mower Oil from Walmart in my John Deere Commerical Z-Trak.

[KFC911]

All of 'em have the HG hydros... either 2800 or 3100. Not much difference between the two, but their low oil capacity and high temps make me think REALLY good syn makes sense for those .... and $$$ doesn't matter to me. I have a 5 qt. Castril 20W50 on hand and two dinky China filters ... (HG branded) ... never used 'em on my baby Scag.

Motor Earl ... I'm thinking 20W50 from Mobil/Amsoil (with added ZDDP, etc.) or the syn Kawi stuff the dealer sells...

I'll get specs and info later and compare.

Need something designed for Z-Turn (air) verses auto earls....

Earl isn't earl no mo'

Thanks!

[KFC911]

For my intended use ...

I could be TOTALLY over thinking this .

So what ?

[KFC911]

Bobistheoilguy.forum

I keed you not

Mebbe it's Kontak...

They nose stuff about these thingies... at least to me they do ...


https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/20w50-for-hydrogear-zt-3100s.331524/post-5516476

[peppy]

I used to run Lucas 15w-40 in my Dixie Chopper with Kohler engine. I switched this year to Rotella 15w-40 T6. I use the same oil in the Hydro tank.

[masraum]

My guess is that pretty much any modern oil in the appropriate viscosity will be more than adequate (although I do stick with name brands).
If you want to go Synthetic, then any name brand synthetic in the correct viscosity is likely to be overkill. So probably get the cheapest brand name synth in the right vis.

I have no thoughts/recommendations on the tranny.

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by cabmandone

My Super Z with a Kohler Command calls for 10w30 (IIRC) I buy whatever is cheapest honestly. I figure for the hours I put on my machine and the service interval (change it every spring) why go crazy spending more on oil? I use 20w50 for the Hydros since that's what Hustler recommends.

This is the same reason I would buy the best oil.

[Rusty Heap]

I LOVE my zero turn with the MyRide 3 shock supported suspension ride deck for my 5 acres.

really really saves the body abuse.




https://www.toro.com/en/myride

[berettafan]

IIRC Valvoline had the best Zinc added 20W50 back when i had my 2.4. Not easy to find but at the time it was the top choice of internet experts.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

This is the same reason I would buy the best oil.

I try not to overthink oil. As long the oil meets the required specification, I buy whatever is the cheapest. Generally that means I go to Rural King and buy their store brand oil. I do tend to buy a better brand of oil filter as I think filtration is more important than oil brand.

[Rusty Heap]

geezus its oil, dead dinosaur juice with flavorings, and in a lawn mower...........send your oil out for micron metal wear testing yet.......in a lawn mower?


paralysis by analysis.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Rusty Heap

geezus its oil, dead dinosaur juice with flavorings, and in a lawn mower...........send your oil out for micron metal wear testing yet.......in a lawn mower?


paralysis by analysis.

Yer in big trouble mister! I'm telling the guys in the 911 Tech section oil thread what you said. Yer callin down the thunder!!

[KFC911]

Mobil 1 20W50 V- Twin seems to have it.

I was tempted by the Toros .... just not apporopriate for that property ... but they are Niiiice

My buddy with a Hustler SuperZ discovered that the brand of earl doesn't matter nearly as much as having some.... or any .

He's an idjut .... smart and dumb .... $4K worth of dumb

Nick ... any personal experience with the Hustler Flex forks.... I still think they might work on this model ... but how MUCH do they help.... the Hustler dealer says they help more that seat suspensions, etc.

I might try 'em ... ' cause I can




Just because

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by peppy

I used to run Lucas 15w-40 in my Dixie Chopper with Kohler engine. I switched this year to Rotella 15w-40 T6. I use the same oil in the Hydro tank.

The Hydro hydro guys seem to suggest that 20W50 is better for the trannys ...

Bob's forum that I linked was informative ...

Thanks all!

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by masraum

My guess is that pretty much any modern oil in the appropriate viscosity will be more than adequate (although I do stick with name brands).
If you want to go Synthetic, then any name brand synthetic in the correct viscosity is likely to be overkill. So probably get the cheapest brand name synth in the right vis.

I have no thoughts/recommendations on the tranny.

That's what I thought too ...

According to my "new" dealer ... regular auto oils (new formulas over the last decade or so) ... are just "no bueno"... either in the motor or trannys these days.

Earl is cheap

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by KC911

Mobil 1 20W50 V- Twin seems to have it.

I was tempted by the Toros .... just not apporopriate for that property ... but they are Niiiice

My buddy with a Hustler SuperZ discovered that the brand of earl doesn't matter nearly as much as having some.... or any .

He's an idjut .... smart and dumb .... $4K worth of dumb

Nick ... any personal experience with the Hustler Flex forks.... I still think they might work on this model ... but how MUCH do they help.... the Hustler dealer says they help more that seat suspensions, etc.

I might try 'em ... ' cause I can




Just because

I have the flex forks on my machine and my dad had them on his machine. I'm honestly not sure just how much they really improve the ride. What tire pressure are you running on your mower? I think my Hustler runs 10 in the front and 8 in the rear but I could have that reversed. I think air pressure would probably help as much as the flex forks. I can put a caliper on the outer tube that holds the forks and measure the length of the tube. Those two measurements might help determine if what you've got is similar.

I disagree that the flex forks help more than the seats with shocks or springs. My mower has flex forks and adjustable suspension seat (standard style not like pictured above). At full speed I can still bounce myself pretty good.

My next mower, if the Hustler ever decides to go, will probably be a Ferris with full suspension. Everyone I talk to about them says they're the smoothest ride going for a mower.

[KFC911]

Thanks Nick! I just got my newest Scag yesterday .... haven't used it yet.

Does Elephant Racing do flex-fork mods ?

[cabmandone]

Maybe we should start "Mods For Mowers" or something like that. I mean, if people pay out the nose to modify a golf cart, why not a mower?