Best hydro oil for parker transmissions exmark x-series?

[Jmoney7269]

Hello all, i have an exmark x-series Lazer z that has Parker transmissions. The pump motor is unitized on the wheel motor. The specs for these transmissions originally state mobil1 15w-50 then a year later exmark came out with their own fluid. Then a year later, Parker came out with their own fluid. On the 25hr and 250 hr change I used motul 300v 15w-50 and they have been smooth as can ask for. A builder nearby said that that's racing oil and shouldn't be used for long intervals. I ran this oil in my race bike, highly modified rc51 2003 and when I sold it, it had nearly 9000 miles of pure torture. (edit- MOD)

 

[dnewton3]

Honestly these ZTRs work just fine with a decent quality 15w-40 HDEO. There's nothing special about these systems; they are simple hydraulic pump/motor units. There's no need for seeking out some magic fluid here. Assuming you're running this in residential use, a HDEO with 3 or 4 year OCI would be just fine.

 

[gman2304]

I’ve used Mobil1 15w50 in my 1998 Tuff Torq hydro and it still runs quiet and smooth after 27 years.

 

[Opelman]

We ran 15-50 in the Grasshoppers at work. No issues except a huge cost savings vs manufacturer branded oil.

 

[gasman556]

I've used the deere transmission fluid, Amsoil hydrostatic fluid, and now am on HPL tractor fluid for my zero turn. I think it's got the tuff torq transmissions and I know it's got fresh Deere branded filters. I am hopeful I can get another uneventful 500 hrs out of this fluid/filter combo. The transmissions have always made noise when I push them hard (changing directions quickly, heavy load acceleration, etc), but have not had any issues on functionality or being anything but buttery smooth in operation. If you're able to get a deal with some of the rec's above, go for it. But I can say the stuff I've used worked well for me. I am always leery of how much a premium I put on a manufacturer's labeled fluid as I think it's more corporate profit vs actual science backed base stocks and additive packs in manufacturer products compared to aftermarket fluids (HPL, Amsoil, etc).

 

[Jmoney7269]

Honestly these ZTRs work just fine with a decent quality 15w-40 HDEO. There's nothing special about these systems; they are simple hydraulic pump/motor units. There's no need for seeking out some magic fluid here. Assuming you're running this in residential use, a HDEO with 3 or 4 year OCI would be just fine.

No it's on a $20k exmark Lazer z 72". I run the machine pretty hard. I was really thinking about putting some delvac1 15w-40 HD oil in it

 

[Pablo]

I contend you may not hear or feel a difference at first, but how the fluid holds up over time, makes a difference.

 

[ditchdiggin]

No it's on a $20k exmark Lazer z 72". I run the machine pretty hard. I was really thinking about putting some delvac1 15w-40 HD oil in it

Yeah and they only hold about 2 quarts per side. I have used either the Exmark fluid or the Amsoil hydrostatic zero turn fluid. Factory Exmark hydro filters at fluid change.

 

[Jmoney7269]

Yeah and they only hold about 2 quarts per side. I have used either the Exmark fluid or the Amsoil hydrostatic zero turn fluid. Factory Exmark hydro filters at fluid change.

I have worked on several of these machines as well and every single one of them comes in with burnt hydro fluid. Smells like overcooked popcorn in the microwave. I guess in the long run i made a good decision to run motul racing oil in them. I've got close to 250hrs on this change and the fluid still looks and smells brand new. If you've ever smelled 300v, it's a group5 Ester, it's neon yellow, and smells like bananas.

 

[spk2000]

I contend you may not hear or feel a difference at first, but how the fluid holds up over time, makes a difference.

Exactly, I used to go with Mobil 1 15W50 on my snapper garden tractor and my hills would overheat in the tuff torq k57. In 2-3 months it would stop climbing the hills and the Mobil 1 would turn clear and look like water. Switched to Amsoil and only a 50% change lasts at least 3 years. Way better in tough conditions.