Hustler Z hydro question

[LCPullman]

I was wondering I've run into a couple times this last fall where one of the hydros on my Hustler Z 25hp 60" starts to lose response. It happened after hours of work on slopes. I think it was the hydro which was pointing downhill. After going to flat ground, I think the response would fairly quickly even out again. I was wondering if this could have to do with old oil or if you think there is an internal problem. We bought it last fall with about 460 hours and probably didn't put more than 20 hrs on it last fall. I don't believe the oil has been changed since new, so its about time to do so.

[mowerconsultant]

I would first change the hydro oil and hydro filter, make sure there are no oil leaks and that all fittings are tight and not sucking air.
Also check the hydro reservoir for proper oil level and once hot to make sure its not foaming up (sign of air getting sucked in at a lose fitting).
If it still isn't right then a dealer should do a test on the hydro system with the proper test procedure and gauges.

Pj

[djagusch]

I was wondering I've run into a couple times this last fall where one of the hydros on my Hustler Z 25hp 60" starts to lose response. It happened after hours of work on slopes. I think it was the hydro which was pointing downhill. After going to flat ground, I think the response would fairly quickly even out again. I was wondering if this could have to do with old oil or if you think there is an internal problem. We bought it last fall with about 460 hours and probably didn't put more than 20 hrs on it last fall. I don't believe the oil has been changed since new, so its about time to do so.

It is the hydro's getting hot. The down hill hydro works harder than the top hydro on a slope because of trying to keep the front from sliding down. The lower hydro will feel sluggish also since it has more weight on it.

If you have a lot of slope work do bit of it and do some flats for a while then come back to the slope if you can.

Most mfg's will have this same issue if you are hours on a slope. If your not careful you can burn up the seals in the hydro.

[FCS Services]

My hydros - sometimes when i switch direction quickly i get a "chatter"... it concerns me...

[mowerconsultant]

My hydros - sometimes when i switch direction quickly i get a "chatter"... it concerns me...

Do you notice a difference in power from side to side?
I would rule out loose wheel nuts, parking brake hardware etc.. before I assume there is a hydro problem.
If all that checks out then I would have a dealer do a hydro test on the system.

Pj