Toro ZTR Hydro-gear drive junk?

As I posted here http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/posts/335849/ last night, my Toro 17-52 has blown a left side outer axle carrier bearing to bits. Hydro-gear 319-2400 (not the 310-2400 that I fat fingered last night) It was leaking oil right before I pulled it apart but still had a quart or better oil in it and the pump/motor still seemed to be operating normally without any unusual noises. Once I pulled it apart, the presence of silver oil is making me think that even with a couple new bearings and a good cleaning/flush, the damage to the hydro unit may have already begun.

It looks like this is now a discontinued model trans and new units are not available. Parts look to be readily available but since I have already done a full rebuild once already, (2008) my tolerance for having to do this again is pretty low since the mower only has 6-700 hours on it. Not really in love with the mower anyways.

May hafta look for a good deal on a better ZTR mower, something with a trans that can actually be serviced and has a real filter unlike my current piece 0 junk. For any of you in the know on hydros, what do you suppose my chances are of making the rest of the summer with this trans considering its recent diet of "silver" Mobil 1 15w-50? I put about 2 hours per week on it.

Any suggestions on what to look for or avoid in ZTR hydro drives? I am thinking I may look for a entry level commercial unit, I see a nice 2005 Hustler Mini Z with less than 400 hours on it for sale here locally, I may check into that.

 

Cant offer much re your rebuild issue.

Now on the the mini...I'd be leary of a 10 year old machine with only 400 hours unless the guy can produce an original sales receipt and some service records with stated hours on it.

It's too easy to swap hour meters, disconnect, etc.

 

Totally agree, I'd just want to see some proof. I guess I am not very trusting of the general public.

 

My farm yard is less than 2 acres and I think I could cut it with a entry ZT mower in 2 hours easy. And I dont cut my grass every week. 2-4 weeks maybe for me so if that were my mower I wouldnt even have that many hours on it!!

 

Hmm. I believe there are very good deals to be had buying used commercial grade ZTRs but with a what I see is what I get approach. Some things I'd be reviewing:
- Borescope the cylinders for scoring
- Bring a turkey baster to draw a sample from the bottom of the hydro tank. Look for metal shavings. Look for signs of contaminants and/or overheating.
- Test ride it, and it helps a lot if you know how to operate it well. I didn't when I bought mine but I guess that's par for the course.
- Inspect every inch. Loosen the belts and check the spindle bearings.
- Look for evidence of being parked outside or with wet grass on it.
- Check the casters and wheels for wear
- Drain some fuel out of the carb and look for bad stuff

I'm sure you have your own list by now.

David

 

Thanks! Some good ideas there. Yeah, I have worked as a mechanic most of my life so I am very comfortable buying used "stuff". Actually, my Toro is the only piece of equipment or vehicle that I have bought new. Unfortunately, back then I was not super familiar with hydros and with working lots of overtime at that time, and having a pocket full of OT money, and not enough time to do thorough research on those drives...I went by what a couple different dealers said "just make sure you get one with Hydro-Gear brand drives"...well, here we are. Shameful, I know It's obviously (now) not just about the brand, apparently Hydro-Gear makes some "price point" throw away crap too!

I actually just got back from talking to the neighbor who is a Hustler dealer and a lifelong family friend. He said the Mini Z was one of the most overbuilt machines that Hustler has made and other than giving it a proper mechanical going over like you would any other machine, there really wasn't anything to "watch out" for on that model in particular. He also mentioned that on any mowers they service regularly that have the sealed EZT type hydro units like mine, they drill and tap the "pan" for a drain bolt and then use a wire to use as a dipstick through the breather vent hole which also becomes a fill hole then too. He told me they often see oil that looks pretty nasty with metal shavings/flakes by 100 hrs of run time from new. Wish I had known or thought about this for mine! I may actually go ahead and install a drain plug while it is apart in case I keep this thing around for a while, then I can service it and keep an eye on things. Worse case scenario, if I sell it and the next guy wants to service the hydros, he can.

 

A quick update here. This machine ^ ^ ^ which turns out is actually a 2006 model, is safely in my garage now.
Planning on repairing the hydro on the Toro and then send 'er down the road