Exmark Zero Turn transmission oil type

Finally got a look and it has Hydrogear ZT2800 transmissions. I noticed each still has a factory installed spin on filter. What would be a suitable alternative filter ? And what is the correct way to refill with oil ?
 
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Finally got a look and it has Hydrogear ZT2800 transmissions. I noticed each still has a factory installed spin on filter. What would be a suitable alternative filter ? And what is the correct way to refill with oil ?
Hydro gear filters pull top plug fill to top top off tanks run and purge air top off tanks.
This be a good replacement oil at WM.
20250508_152559.webp
 
Hydro gear filters pull top plug fill to top top off tanks run and purge air top off tanks.
This be a good replacement oil at WM.
View attachment 278780
Would Napa SB 20w50 be ok ? My local Napa has it on sale for $17.50 plus tax for 5qts until the end of the month. And is there a replacement filter that doesn't cost a small fortune ? Would a automotive engine oil filter work ?
 
Would Napa SB 20w50 be ok ? My local Napa has it on sale for $17.50 plus tax for 5qts until the end of the month. And is there a replacement filter that doesn't cost a small fortune ? Would a automotive engine oil filter work ?
Yes I bet ok it's either the Napa replacement number or oem many same identical filter i agree. I still look at get the VR1 at Walmart for hardly more
 
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I have a expansion tank.


Good, that makes it easier. You refill through the expansion tanks. There's a video on the Hydro-gear website that shows this. There's also a video on how to purge the air out of the hydros when you're done.
 
Would Napa SB 20w50 be ok ? My local Napa has it on sale for $17.50 plus tax for 5qts until the end of the month. And is there a replacement filter that doesn't cost a small fortune ? Would a automotive engine oil filter work ?
An automotive engine filter WILL NOT WORK. It's a hydraulic filter, not an engine oil filter. Don't ask me to explain, you can do the research yourself.
Yes, any 20W50 will work. You can also use Mobil 1 15W50.
 
Don't overthink the hydro oils for these units. Just about any multi-grade 40 or 50 grade will work.

The advantage to using a PAO syn is that they will flow better when the unit is cold (first being used). That makes it seem more responsive and easier to steer.

You can even use a generic 15w-40 diesel oil, but it's going to feel "stiff" to steer for several minutes until the lube warms up.
 
Don't overthink the hydro oils for these units. Just about any multi-grade 40 or 50 grade will work.

The advantage to using a PAO syn is that they will flow better when the unit is cold (first being used). That makes it seem more responsive and easier to steer.

You can even use a generic 15w-40 diesel oil, but it's going to feel "stiff" to steer for several minutes until the lube warms up.
I tend to let my equipment warm up for a minute or two before moving or applying a load.
 
There's all kinds of service info on the youtoobs for the ZT2800 and plenty of service kits available by mail order. I might be a bit weary of Amazon filters. I'd rather order from Jacks Small Engines or other reputable sources. Like said above, Stens makes a good replacement filter for these.

Make sure you can crack the fill / level check plugs before you spin the filters off. I know years ago on my 2010 model year Cub Z-force that had ZT2800 drives, those fill plugs were disturbingly tight from the factory.
 
After the fluid/filter change, do the air purge procedure for your model (if there is one). My preious Exmark required jacking up the rear back wheels off the ground and operating the forward/reverse steering to purge the air out.

Hydro systems are very sensitive to dirt, so be careful to keep everything spotless during the change. Also, the Exmark fluid is green - probably what is in your system. It's a synthetic made by a small company in Minnesota (or used to be) and Exmark "claims" it is better than M1 (of course). If the ZT2800 manufacturer recommends M1, well, you know the answer. With the price and sensitivity of these units, I would think twice about cheapening out, but that is just me.
 
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