Hustler FasTrac hydraulic units

[jamesmcdonald]

I have read several posts which indicate that the Hustler Fastrac integrated pump and wheel motors now have the following characterics: 1) the fluid can be changed and each unit has a filter, and 2) the units have an extra pump to circulate the fluid to let the units run cooler. Are these statements true and if so, which models and years have the new features?

[mowerconsultant]

We started installing the newer style IZT's over a year ago, in all FasTraks.
E-mail me the serial # you may have in question and I can check it for you.

Pj

[shivelyt]

Both IZT's were replaced in my Fastrak after about 50 hours. The new ones do come with a filter kit and magnetic plug to catch the small stuff. I just replaced the filters and have had no problems since the change. If you replace your own filters, be very careful not to overtighten them as they will break easily. I think the torque specs are 45 inch pounds. They are made VERY cheap. I found out the hard way. [$27.00 per kit]
I also replaced the 20w50 motor oil with 15w50 Mobil 1. I checked the temp before and after the change and it dropped about 10 to15 degrees in each unit.
Hustler was very impressive with their customer service and warranted the new units for a full 2 years. Thanks to Hustler.

[coolhand]

How did you know your IZTs were failing, was it an obvious situation or just less responsive? I have a Fastrak that does not have the serviceable units and this low time failure talk has me concerned. Sounds like the sealed units were not the way to go.

[mowerconsultant]

The low time failure was due to the filters plugging up on the newer style IZT, this was because Hydro Gear installed incorrect filters.
New filters installed by the dealers took care of the problem.

Pj

[shivelyt]

The original units were not serviceable. They would stop completely and made loud groaning sounds. I had to stop and let them cool off. After 5 minutes or so they would work again for a while. At one point, one of them even foamed bad enough that oil came out the vent. My property is rolling terrain but is not steep.Since the new style units have been installed, I've had no problems.

[reky]

I was wondering what the fluid capacity of the izt unit is? I too want to put Mobil1 into the fastrak drive units and I was wondering how much I need to buy? I also wondered if doing that would void my warranty? Thanks

[shivelyt]

The manual says 2 to 2.46 quarts. After my units were replaced, Hustler sent me a new owners manual and a dip stick to check the proper level. I can't answer you about the warranty, but I am running it in mine under warranty.

[hustlerflier]

My 20/52 Fastrac has the new IZT's and the new filters. I have been checking the temperature on them (with infared thermometer) since the first day I ran it. In 95 degree temps, normal use, some hills and lots of trees, the units run about 130 degrees. I can't believe they are this cool, but I've checked several times with two different thermometers. At this temp they should last quite a while.

[fscot4283]

The low time failure was due to the filters plugging up on the newer style IZT, this was because Hydro Gear installed incorrect filters.
New filters installed by the dealers took care of the problem.

Pj

If the filters are plugging they are picking up solids. If the mesh size was increased doesn't this mean the solids are being circulated? Doesn't circulating solids=accelerated wear especially for hydro units?

[mowerconsultant]

The filters would not pass the oil.
Although, there were some units where some plastic was found in the cases, and it was plugging up the filters also.
This was due to a manufacturing process.
It has been a while since we have had any problems there.

Pj

[shivelyt]

That's my guess. I traded mine after the third unit went bad. Fortunately, Hustlers warranty was still covering them.

[snsisk]

How can I determine if my units are serviceable? How can I obtain the service manual for the units if they can be serviced?

[mowerconsultant]

How can I determine if my units are serviceable? How can I obtain the service manual for the units if they can be serviced?

Anything built in the last 2 or 3 years has the serviceable IZT's, you can e-mail me your serial # and I can let you know for sure.
Your owners manual explains and shows the procedure for the filter change on page 18.
Hope this helps.

Pj