[Toro 44]

Thank you for bringing the Wright forum back.

I have a 61" 31hp ZK with 450+ hours and I'm very happy with it. Thank you for designing a great product.

Is there a solution for preventing the throttle cable from vibrating down from the full throttle position?

Is it normal to have a squeal/howl come from the clutch? I had the clutch replaced once for this. There is no functional problem with the machine. It just makes a little noise occasionally when in low to mid throttle no load situations.

Is it normal to have a little seepage on the hydro pump seals where the shaft comes out for the cooling fan? I don't see any fluid, just where some dust is sticking to the pump because of a little oil residue.

Again, thanks for building a great product. Can't wait to get back in the saddle this spring.

P.S. If anyone is concerned about fuel consumption on the 61" 31hp ZK I use about 1.5 gph in average conditions.

 

[WrightCommercial]

Toro 44

There are two things to address the throttle down situation. First make sure that the throttle cable is not using the same attachment as the choke cable. When they are in the same bracket the angle of the throttle cable in relation to the throttle lever on the throttle plate is to flat, when put in the lower bracket it follows the lever throught its range and holds it better at full throttle. If this change was already done or the unit came that way the other option is the throttle cable. We switched to a cable that the tension on the throttle cable lever up top can be adjusted. It has the same part number and looks similar but instead of the lever being riveted it is bolted to the throttle cable body where it attaches to the dash. For the clutch noise, some clutches will make noise the odd thing is it happening on two different clutches. Has the idler system been checked, it's possible that the pulley or the bearings in the arm may have a problem and will only make noise when the engine is in a certain RPM range. For the hydro seepage, we haven't had reports of this but that is dependant on how often the units are looked over. We will contact Hydro Gear for their input, once we have a response we will forward the information.

Best Regards
Wright Mfg. Service Dept.

 

[Toro 44]

Thanks for the response. Very helpful.

I will check the throttle control assembly at both ends tomorrow.

The clutch noise is definitely the clutch. I have run the engine with all belts removed so it's just the engine and the clutch. When the clutch is engaged (blades turned ON but obviously not spinning because the belt is not there) the noise stops instantly. The rep from Wright who helped me get the clutch replaced the first time said that his demo unit which was almost brand new made the same noise. As stated before, there is no functional problem, just noise. The noise does get more pronounced and occurs over a broader rpm range with more hours put on the unit. With my current clutch, it is just starting to happen.

I'm looking forward to hearing what Hydro-gear says about the pumps. I do clean the cooler often.

By the way these are all component issues that have little to do with Wright. I appreciate your help in spite of this fact. For anyone reading this please be assured that the ZK is a very well put together machine.

Thanks again for the reply.

 

[WrightCommercial]

Toro 44,

Glad to help, if its on the mower we will do what we can to help. One thing that comes to mind about the clutch is the torque on the mounting bolt. If it isn't torqued properly it will cause bearing failure, it would be a good idea to have this checked. The bolt has loctite on it so it is best to remove it and reinstall, it should be 50 to 55 ft/lbs. If it is overtightened it is to much clamping force and if it is undertorqed it will cause clamp loss. Both of the senarios can cause bearing failure (usually the upper bearing) in the clutch. Hydro Gear responded and said unless there has been something wrapped around the shaft (string/wire) the likely culprit would be the seal in the charge cover. If still within 2 years of the purchase date they said the repair is warrantable and the part number needed for the repair is 2510071.

Best Regards
Wright Mfg. Service Dept.

 

[Toro 44]

Wow thanks for the specific info.

I checked and I have both strikes against me with the throttle cable. I have the older riveted style and the choke and throttle cables are sharing the same clip. I can rearrange the clip. But I think I should get the updated throttle cable assembly. How should I go about doing that?

The only people who touched the clutch retaining bolt are Wright manufacturing (when the machine was made) and the authorized dealer who installed the replacement clutch. And if the noise is from an improperly torqued bolt causing a bearing failure, I think the damage is done because the noise is back.

The seepage definitely would be from the charge pump seal. I agree with that. The charge pumps are right below the fans if I am not mistaken. And I that is where the caking dust is collecting on the oil residue. On the other hand, I should use some degreaser and see if it comes back. It could be spillage from changing the hydro filters last time.

I have an issue with having an authorized dealer. The dealer I bought the machine from actually is not a dealer. I didn't find out until I approached him about the clutch issue before. I called Ken Loder and he hooked me up with Steve (can't remember the last name). The got my machine registered for the waranty since my "dealer" obviously didn't do that in the first place. They also took my machine to a dealer who they work with since none of the Wright dealers in my are were willing to provide warranty service on a machine they didn't sell. Without the help of Ken and Steve, I am unable to find a dealer nearby who is willing to provide warranty service. What should I do?

BTW I am willing to try to check the clutch retaining bolt tourque on my own if that would not affect my warranty.

Thanks again!

 

[WrightCommercial]

Toro44,

We would like to talk to get more detail on the clutch noise, when you can please call us so we can help with a solution to this issue, (301)-360-9810.

Best Regards
Wright Mfg. Service Dept.

 

[Toro 44]

I left a message for you at that number. It was after hours. I look forward to speaking to you.

Thanks again!

I have to just rave about Wright's customer service. You guys rock!

 

[Toro 44]

Just an update for anyone reading this thread. Wright is in touch with me and things are getting worked out well. Wright's customer service is top notch in my book.