Z-Force LX60 Hydrostatic Oil Change

AlfaAndy · #1 07-19-2025, 08:14 AM

Greetings everyone. I own a Z-Force LX60 zero-turn mower with about 500 hours on the clock. As a retired automotive technician I perform all of my own servicing. I use the supplied Operator's Manual as a guide for maintenance intervals. One item not listed in the guide is the service interval for the Hydrostatic Transmission oil. The manual states that the "...pumps / transaxles are sealed and maintenance free." It goes on to state that if the reservoir needs to be topped-up to use a "quality 20W-50 motor oil." It seems to me they (Cub Cadet) are stating that the Hydrostatic Transmission oil is, what some manufactures call, "Lifetime oil." In the automotive world we scoff at this statement. Having worked in new car dealerships and then as a shop foreman at an indy shop, I have first hand knowledge of both sides of this ridiculous belief in lifetime fluid (for automatic transmissions, for example), 15,000 mile engine oil change intervals, etc. When the auto trans would fail at 100k miles, we would say, "yup, the oil lasted the lifetime of the transmission" The fact of the matter is, if you would have changed the fluid (and filter in some models) regularly, it probably would have lasted 2x or 3x longer.
So, my question to the collective here, is there a thread on this forum that details how to change the hydrostatic transmission oil and lists the correct oil and the amount required, tools required, etc. for my Z-Force LX60? TIA

ironman · #2 07-19-2025, 09:38 AM

You need to look at the tags on your transaxles for the Hydro Gear model number (something like ZT2200),
then go here to download your service manual. Scroll down to transaxles.
It should answer all your questions.
https://www.hydro-gear.com/service-repair-manuals/

And there is a service kit available (p/n HG72750)
https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Gear-72.../dp/B01N9P2LD9

AlfaAndy · #3 07-19-2025, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironman

You need to look at the tags on your transaxles for the Hydro Gear model number (something like ZT2200),
then go here to download your service manual. Scroll down to transaxles.
It should answer all your questions.
https://www.hydro-gear.com/service-repair-manuals/

And there is a service kit available (p/n HG72750)
https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Gear-72.../dp/B01N9P2LD9

@ironman, you are THE MAN. This is exactly what I was looking for. I do have a few questions. In the Hydro-Gear instructions, it begins with "apply the bypass valve." Does this mean to pull OUT the little rod wires on each side in the back? Pulling OUT the rod wires disengages the drive, and allows the mower to be pushed, as you know. Then, in the purging procedure it states, "with the bypass valve open" and then again, "with the bypass valve closed." UGH, I hate when service manuals change how they describe something. So, I have to ask again. When draining the fluid, pull the rod wires OUT? When purging the air, begin with the rod wires OUT and then push the rod wires IN before going to step 4? Thanks again for your help!

AlfaAndy · #4 07-23-2025, 11:12 AM

The link that @ironman supplied for the HydroGear service kit 72750 on Amazon costs $99.99
I found a similar kit from Power Performance (on Amazon) for 69.95 that has the same components, but a different brand. Has anyone used this kit?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...BZCS3PN1&psc=1

I also found a tune-up from Hoodell that is crazy inexpensive. I think that I'll give it a try.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/view.html?ref_=nav_cart

CubDieselFan · #5 07-23-2025, 03:18 PM

I would stick to OEM. Not that much more money and they know what friction modifiers that they want to use. Just my .02, for what it is worth.

When I have tried to save money by going a little cheaper, it has seldom been a good choice.

AlfaAndy · #6 08-06-2025, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubDieselFan

I would stick to OEM. Not that much more money and they know what friction modifiers that they want to use. Just my .02, for what it is worth.

When I have tried to save money by going a little cheaper, it has seldom been a good choice.

Well, as it turned out, the less expensive transaxle and filter option from Amazon was damaged in shipment and returned to sender, and the replacement was to be weeks away. I canceled that order and ordered the original Hydro-Gear oil and filter kit # 72750. It comes in a beautifully packed box with 5qts of fluid, two filters, a pump, and a fitting to use to "guide" the oil into the housing. There are detailed instructions on and inside the box. There are also links to Hydro-Gear vids and more instructions for filling and air purging. It all worked great except, the black plastic fitting used to add the fluid just didn't work. I'd pump fluid in, and it would just come out of the breather port. In the end, I simply put the hose in the housing and pumped until it began to run out. I then followed the rest of the directions and all was well. Now, it feels noticeably smoother.