Hydro-static mower oil

[BIGNASTY]

Doing the maint on the M-ZT 52, Z Turn mower I checked fluid levels. The Hydro oil fill under the seat of the M-ZT 52 had a line on the oil tank that said "FULL WHEN COLD" it was good to go but was looking on cap of the tank it said "20w 50 oil? (I'm assuming its hydrostatic because it says Hydrostatic & Commercial on a sticker on the drives)

OK WHAT KIND looking in the owners manual it came up with this???

Transmissions on the consumer zero turns and tractors are maintenance free. Consumer zero turns and tractors do not require regular fluid change unless regular service is notated in the owners manual

Swedish Riders 16 (H), RIder 155, and Rider 175 use 10w-30 non-synthetic engine oil. Rider 175 AWD and Rider 155 AWD use 10w-40 non-synthetic engine oil. NOTE: Fluid change for the Swedish Riders needs to be performed by an authorized Husqvarna Service dealer due to the complexities of the drive system.

Below are the common models that require drive fluid changes as part of the listed maintenance schedule.

EZ, MZ, and earlier ZTH commercial zero turn mowers use 20w-50 non-synthetic engine oil. The fluid capacities are listed in the owner manual.

iZ, LZ, BZ mowers use 15w-50 synthetic engine oil, capacities are listed in the owners manual.

If you are experiencing fluid loss or loss of drive, the mower needs to be taken to an authoirzed service dealer for evaluation and repair.

4th paragraph shows the MZ 20w-50 NON-Synthetic MOTOR OIL?? if this is true ITS LIKE WATER CLEAR which made me think BS that ain't normal motor oil.

I dont have any leaks and the level was Good but I would like to have a quart on hand JUST BECAUSE. With the mower shop in town closed WELL HERE I AM trying to stay OCCUPIED & prepared

BIG

 

[Dan_69GTX]

When looking at zero turns last year I noticed the same thing. The oil required is different for different brands. I was looking at commercial mowers. Most required 20-50 hydro fluid - not motor oil.

I ended up with this:
https://www.amsoil.com/p/20w-50-syn...9.1294648017.1585235872-1449208885.1585235872

 

[Dan_69GTX]

From the Hustler service manual:
NOTE: The reservoir will require approximately 3.0 U.S.
gallons (11.35 liter) of SAE 20W50 motor oil, 15W50 synthetic
oil, or 20W50 synthetic oil when replacing the oil after an oil
and filter change. Do not overfill the reservoir.

The dealer recommended the synthetic non motor oil.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I think I'm going to wait until the Husqvarna dealer (Keeners) opens and get the product he recommends. He's another Commiefornian Escapee of 8 years ago from about 10 miles from where we lived in Commiefornia. The oil in it now is so clear I first thought it was empty but is right on

 

[EDankievitch]

I’m rebuilding a old Case 446 and my manual says the same thing use 20-40 wt oil. Do not use hydro fluid. But after reading the online threads they say motor oil is what they want in the case system. Not sure about your unit. They never make it simple do they...

 

[JR]

20w50 engine oil is common for hydros on zero turn mowers. That is exactly what is specd on my Scag Turf Tiger, verified by my FSM. I've exclusively used Schaeffers 7000. 1900 hrs and going strong.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I not disputing your claim but I've never seen motor oil Gin Clear

 

[dieselshadow]

All the Z’s I’ve owned have used motor oil in the hydros, even all the commercial walk behind mowers.

I’m not saying that they all do, but all the ones I’ve owned did. It’s not unusual.

 

[jhenderson]

My Hustler is so old they recommend 10-40 motor oil + lubrizol additive to prevent foaming. When I first got the machine the local dealer told me 20-50. It was awful. Especially when the temps were under 75. My advice is to follow the owners manual.

 

[TMyers]

My iz4818 Husqvarna has a Mobil 1 factory sticker on the hydro tank.

 

[mwilson]

Watching this thread, I had considered a fluid change on my MZT-52.
5 years old, about 100 hours as I recall..

 

[JR]

Some manufacturers don't care which one you use as long as you are within the correct Ambient temperature range for the oil. I've worked on some Cat loaders and skid steers spec both, Cat Hydo and DEO (diesel engine oil) in their hydraulic systems. In that example, the engine oil doesn't cover quite the temperature range as the synthetic Cat Hydo but it is an option.

I'd source an actual service manual if it doesn't spell it out in the owners. I was able to download one for my Scag some years back for free. It's a legitimate FSM complete with parts and wiring schematics and part numbers. Even though I initially downloaded it on the computer I used my Adobe account so I can pull it up on my phone if I need to look at something while I'm servicing it.

 

[BIGNASTY]

As soon as this virus crap is over OR I see him in town the Husqvarna Dealer will tell me what it is I should use. I didn't think there would be that many different types & uses

 

[jghflys]

My dad's old Cub Cadet and my son in law's zero turn both specified 20W-50 motor oil. I did a lot of research on oil sites and used this
Castrol 03139 Actevo 20W-50 Part Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Oil

 

[BIGNASTY]

Talked with the Husqvarna dealer in town today. He said that the clear oil is FACTORY fill. I asked if I could get some & he said that HE CANT GET IT when it comes time to service they use 20w 50 motor oil NON SYNTHETIC on my model. He said that it could be mixed but he would suggest draining the factory fill & refill with the 20w 50 non synthetic motor oil

 

[mwilson]

I wonder if it might be this????

Not recommending, just wondering....Appearance is "Bright and Clear"..

I'll have to ask my Mobil Rep...it might be Overseas only...

https://www.mobil.com/en-AE/Passenger-Vehicle-Lube/pds/AF-XX-Mobil-Super-1000-X4-20W50

 

[JR]

In other words, Husky/Ariens/Cub Cadet/MTD, etc. etc. really don't care what is used. Whatever was used for FF was the deal of the day. Run what ya brung

 

[BIGNASTY]

In other words, Husky/Ariens/Cub Cadet/MTD, etc. etc. really don't care what is used. Whatever was used for FF was the deal of the day. Run what ya brung

I don't suppose that the oil Mike linked to is cheap by anyones standards IF IT's USED as the FF. But YES it seems that the only difference is synthetic OR non-synthetic

 

[JR]

I think you would have to find a distributor with some old stock, if it was ever available in the states. It's an API SL which has been defunct since 2005. There are some motorcycle oils still available with older API specs that are wet clutch specific, typically an API SJ or SG, but that oil in the link states for passenger vehicle use so I would be very surprised if it is available here. Also notice the origin is the United Arab Emirates, I know in Australia 20w50 has long been a common engine oil for vehicles due to the extreme climate. I imagine it's very similar in the big sand box.

BIG I know you have been using some of Schaeffer oils stuff lately, if your guy says go ahead and run engine oil you may give your rep a shot to compare prices. I can get the Schaeffers for just slightly less than a Mobil or a Castrol 20w50 from my local auto parts store.

 

[Mark31]

It would not surprise me if a manufacturer used different brands of hydraulic motors on different models, so different specs. The high dollar mowers are (hopefully) going to get better wheels motors than residential ones. My Husqvarna PZ60 says full synthetic 20-50 motor oil. The dealer sold me ALCO 20-50 full synthetic hydro-fluid. Go figure! Make sure you bleed it out right and, if it doesn't feel right, do it again. Foaming and air pockets ain't healthy for 'em. I got to go get on mine for 3 hours now before it rains. Time's a wasting!