Simplicity Cobalt 30HP 61" ZT

[Sequoiasoon]

30 days warranty

Yeah the K46 in the Craftsman isn't going to last forever and I've also seen cases on online forums where new fluid didn't work. Now, that Craftsman has served me well for 12 years and 155 hours (190 total) so if that happens it owes me nothing.

The K46 in my JD LTR166 I thought was dead, it was bad. This is the 2nd or 3rd time since owning it for past 11 years I had to swap fluid. Hard to get to but I used the oil extractor and got all out I could. I replaced with SuperTech 20W-50 and a little run and it seems to be OK again. I didn't install my deck yet because while it's accessible I'm going to extract the ST and replace with 5W-50 High Performance Lubricants Hydrostatic transmission fluid. Hopefully that will work better and last longer then the Mobil 1 15W-50 it had.

HPL also has a 20W-50 Hydrostatic fluid if you want for future.

 

[fantastic]

With the 30 day warranty I would go with whatever hydro fluid the dealer recommends. After the warranty install any brand you want.

They put I brand new synthetic 20w-50 which is correct so no need to change it anytime soon.

 

[jeepman3071]

Nice mower!

 

[fantastic]

Nice mower!

Ive been eyeballing a window of opportunity to come around to zero turns and an older unit like this seemed to be a an interesting gamble and at $3k it isn't going to hurt too bad if it doesn't. I don't know how much would go into replacing a pump or something but certainly don't want to replace the engine anytime soon as that could be more expensive repair. Then I'd need to do it myself to make it worth the save.

 

[fantastic]

The K46 in my JD LTR166 I thought was dead, it was bad. This is the 2nd or 3rd time since owning it for past 11 years I had to swap fluid. Hard to get to but I used the oil extractor and got all out I could. I replaced with SuperTech 20W-50 and a little run and it seems to be OK again. I didn't install my deck yet because while it's accessible I'm going to extract the ST and replace with 5W-50 High Performance Lubricants Hydrostatic transmission fluid. Hopefully that will work better and last longer then the Mobil 1 15W-50 it had.

HPL also has a 20W-50 Hydrostatic fluid if you want for future.

I tried removing my wheels one time and I was out there swinging a hammer.

I tried all the torch and water tricks. Wheels are cemented on with rust etc. No way I'd be interested in replacing fluid as I think the unit would need to be removed. That alone would probably get me charged another $300 and parts cost replacement.

Sounds like your unit had a few hours on it but no meter?

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I tried removing my wheels one time and I was out there swinging a hammer.

I tried all the torch and water tricks. Wheels are cemented on with rust etc. No way I'd be interested in replacing fluid as I think the unit would need to be removed. That alone would probably get me charged another $300 and parts cost replacement.

Sounds like your unit had a few hours on it but no meter?

No meter. I bought it from neighbor behind me. She didn't approve of his girlfriend so the house and everything else got sold. Mine is around 25 years old based on when they were made. It probably has 5-600 hours total based on the hours/season I've used it and I know he did about the same.

If you watch a couple video's and know where your fill plug is, hardest part (after getting to it) is the snap ring on the fan. The rest lifts up accordingly. I have a Harbor Freight extractor and using the thin hose I got almost all the fluid about, about 2 quarts. Tranny has 2 sides so you need to extract both, video's show better. Refill, run it to prime/bleed it and reassemble.

I'll try to get a better picture when I swap out fluid, maybe next week. Travel plans to VA on Friday and back Sunday.

 

[oldcodger]

Drill and tap drain plugs to make things easier. Several You Tube videos on doing it. That is what I did to mine.

 

[fantastic]

Guy dropped it off and I went to mow the grass at 7pm.

This thing is stupidly large for my yard but as long as I watch everything it worked. Obviously the wide open area in my yard just chewed up the grass with that 61" deck. I noticed a lot less passes that's for sure!

Here's some pics...
I noticed the Donaldson branded air filter housing. I've mentioned on here that I think they make some of the best air filters!!!

And the rear end comparison to my Husqvarna built Craftsman. Crazy!!!

Pic of the yard after mowing. Yes, it did scalp the grass in a few spots but that's because I need some dirt to level out the yard. They're recommending Mobil or Castrol hydraulic fluid.

Mobil 1™ 15W-50 oil OR
Castrol Syntec™ 5W-50 oil