Dixie VTC oil change

[gorrell]

I changed hydro filters in my flatlander and s'burb'n turb'n yesterday and switched the fluid to the VTC fluid. It's hard to describe how much difference it makes. Not a hint of jerkiness that was sometimes apparent before. The fluid is $25/gl. and it takes about 1.5 gl for the changeover. Possibly the best $35-40 I've spent lately. I seriously doubt if changing the valving in the pumps would make an appreciable difference and this is profoundly cheaper. Lynn

[TLS]

Does anybody know what it is? Is it a different viscosity, different heat range? What is it with this mystery snake oil that makes it work? Any thoughts?

[Eric ELM]

I know one thing, it is slick. When I unscrewed the hydro filters on the new diesel, I could barely turn them. I couldn't grip hard enough, even though before the oil started coming down the side of the filter, they turned easy. I had to use a rag go finish taking them off.

From what I have read, it will make the hydros run much cooler, double the life of your hydro system, and it does make the hydro system so smoooooooooooth. It is a blend of oil and an additive is my guess, but it seems to be good stuff. From what I have read, it will work in any hydro system that uses motor oil. I would be interested in finding out, but I don't have any other brand to try it on. The JD uses more of a hydraulic oil type oil. I have been using the JD Hyguard in it, not sure on the spelling.

If anyone tries this VTC oil in another brand mower, let us know how it works. I will ask my dealer at the open house today if he has put any in the Exmarks that he also sells. I'm going to run an Exmark today. :)
Eric

[Stonewall]

Any ideas on if it would be alright on pumps with 1600 hours on them? I've heard some say the putting synthetic oil in an engine with lots of hours on it may cause problems and I was wondering if this might do the same thing.

[John DiMartino]

I just got my filters tonight,I got my hydro system apart ,draining now.According to the mechanic-the VTC oil is not compatible with the Shaeffers thats in there,so it all has to be drained completely.I took off the tank and drained it-its been leaking out the left side filter fitting since it was new-so I'll fix that tomorrow-anyway-the VTC oil is $35 a gallon here-WOW,anyway 2 gallons of VTC oil,and 2 filters-107 bucks-ouch!!!-but hopefully it will work better,thanks for all the tips,will report how smooth it is tomorrow.

[Eric ELM]

Take the centering springs off too. You don't need them with that oil in there. It will be so easy and smoooooth. :) Good luck, make sure you don't have any air in the lines.

Eric

[John DiMartino]

Centering springs have been off since the week i got it.I used the vent line,and a regulator set at 3 psi to hjelp drain the fluid,the mechanic told me how to do it,Ill ust the same thing to push the new fluid thru the pumps,filters tomorrow before i fire it up.I brought the tank to the dealer after i got it out- ithink the filter mount is cracked or the fitting is cracked-it was leaking pretty good. got 3 days left on warranty-nothing like last minute.

[Evan528]

Eric, did you try the exmark? How did you like it. IM sure the dampeners take a little getting used to after eing used tot he velvet touch. Im used to the dampeners and felt weird using a chopper that had bars that glided so easily.

[Eric ELM]

The diesel had the good seat on it, but it sure did seem like I was doing a work out on the levers. I didn't like where they have the PTO button either. Seems like it would be easy to bump with your legs. I have one ordered for the year of 2025, I figure by then my Chopper will be wore out and I'll give it a try. ;)
I just figured that out, I'll be 92 then, I better cancel that order, because I'll probably be ready to quit by then. :)

BTW, I even took a picture of one and it would be my second choice. :)

[Plowzer]

I would like the VTC oil alsoin my s'burbn. I wonder what the different valves are for? I'd hate to mess something up if it isn't broke! It is very inticing tho :D What is the best way to change the fuid?

[Fine Lines Lawn]

Having the DC factory doing the complete conversion on 2 machines today @ $180.00 each. Great price and great investment.

[Fine Lines Lawn]

LOL @ Eric

[Richard Martin]

I wonder what the different valves are for?

Sometimes the valves will hang up making the mower act like it has a bad wheel motor. The new valves are made for higher pressures and do not stick.

[Evan528]

Eric, Thats one of the many avantages of my toro over the exmark! The key and the pto switch on located on the top of the left fuel tank! I have used the lazer and I also really didnt like the placement of the pto switch! How about a new toro in 2025?

[Evan528]

Eric, Thats one of the many avantages of my toro over the exmark! The key and the pto switch on located on the top of the left fuel tank! I have used the lazer and I also really didnt like the placement of the pto switch! How about a new toro in 2025? ;)

[John DiMartino]

I finished the swap today-Im not happy with it at all,I need to go back to the stock fluid or change the valves,it jerks if you try to change speeds,at one speed its fine,but try to slow down,or speed up,and it cant do it gradually-it jumps up or down a few mph at a time.With the engine off,the levers glide so smoothly now,its amazing how slick this stuff is.-if i couldve got this done for 250-Id of done it-it is a lot of work to do it right,the tank must be removed,and all the old oil drained.it took me about 2 hrs to do it,not counting drain,and time letting it sit to bleed.I used 2 gallons of VTC oil-and i still need a little more-I didnt spill a drop-maybe the 2000's hold more oil? or you's didnt remove the tank and completely drain your oil.I let the wheel motors drain over night,and flushed out the cooler and all lines,used 4 cans of parts cleaner.there was some metal in the bottom of the hydro tank,not a lot,but some.I mgoing to order valves tomorrow-hope i dont have to drain the oil again.

[Richard Martin]

John DiMartino wrote:

,I need to go back to the stock fluid or change the valves,it jerks if you try to change speeds,at one speed its fine,but try to slow down,or speed up,and it cant do it gradually-it jumps up or down a few mph at a time

See my post above.

[John DiMartino]

I seen it,Richard,thank you-I knew it was to good to be true.I forgot in my last post,I also sucked all the oil out of the T-box,and put in the VTC oil, like the dealer said to-maybe this is why i need a 3 rd gallon of oil.either way-this oil makes the levers glide so smooth,until i start it.

[Ricky]

Lynn, are you saying that you didn't change the valves, just the oil?

[John DiMartino]

Talked to dealer today-they are ordering valves-I have no idea what they will cost-i know i need them though.I know the mechanic real well,he knows my mechanical capability are at least as good as his own,even so he gave me warning about removing the little check balls in the pumps,he says if you drop them ,they will fall into the pump circuit,then the whole pump has to be removed and dissassembled.This is why they recommend only changing the oil,unless you have a problem.At this point,I am wondering if this was worth doing,Ive got 142 bucks into it,(had to buy another gallon of oil)and a few hrs time,so far,I dont know what the valves will cost,the valves should be here next week.

[TLBumpus]

I have a 1998 surb turb that was very stiff and jerky especially when cold. I installed a valve kit ant VTC oil this winter and am amazed at the difference. Even cold it is smooth and more controlable.If your dc is not smooth i recommend this update.

[Plowzer]

If you a a s'burbn turbn' DC, i think its around $431 for a conversion kit. The other DC's aren't as pricey, prolly half that much. Hope it works out for ya'. I too am contemplating having this done. Let us know if it was worth the effort.

[gorrell]

Ricky, yes I just changed the oil and not the valves. The serviceman at Outdoor Equipment in St. Louis said it made the most difference, so that's what I tried and am very satisfied, especially since it was was less expensive.....Lynn

[Eric ELM]

My 2001 Chopper that was built in June 2000 has VTC, but they came out with another change kit to make them even smoother and another change in the VTC oil since then. Since my dealer didn't have all the test equipment to completely check out a Yanmar, I took it to the factory yesterday to have the motor checked out and it had a bad injector in it, a drippy one. They also put in the newest kit and new oil and I can see a noticable difference in the way it handles with the kit and newer oil. I only put the oil in the old Chopper with the T box system and it is smooth, but the diesels have separate bigger pumps and it wasn't as smooth as the old Chopper, but it is now. :)

I feel it depends on which unit you have, what will help it the most.

I was mowing some green grass down yonder yesterday, and it sure smelled good. ;)

[Davis TLC]

Converting my 2000 DC XW2500 to VTC was the best money I invested lately. It made a big difference in how the mower handles. It handled well before, but the VTC is lots smoother. Conversion cost me a little over $200.00. I am impressed with the ease of operating the mower now, it was easy before, but now it is very easy to operate with one hand. Just have to get used to how easy the controls operate now. My next mower will definitely be a DC with the VTC as well.