Hydro gear power issue
 

Cub cadet z Force
Got it from the PO and it moved around well, though didn't track straight. Right side was a little slower. But overall it zoomed around pretty well.

Changed hydrogear filters and oil - 15w40 engine oil as recommended (actually 20w50 but couldn't find it) by hydrogear. "Old fluid" actually looked great. Possibly changed in the last year.
Followed bleeding procedure:
- fill reservoir, remove vent plug on side of hydrogear near top. Replaced plug once fluid started coming out.
- started engine, wheels off ground, bypass valve open, slowly press controls forward and back 5-8 times. Repeat with bypass valve closed. Wheels spun fine. Wouldn't move with wheels on ground. Repeated the bleed procedure, Many times.

Realized with wheels off the ground the back end is higher and thus air is getting trapped at the back top of hydrogears. So raised the front higher than the rear, repeated bleed procedure. Better, in the way that it now moves somewhat on the ground.

Am I missing something here? I did noticed with the left control that if I push it about 80% of the way forward (wheels on ground) it moves/can feel the pressure of the wheel trying to move. Once I go past that certain point it basically gives up.

Don't know the exact machine you are working on but. Zero turns I
have worked on, although much older. All had adjustments for the handle
pressure separately. Making it possible get the 2 handles engaging
pressure at the same moment.

Ken