QuestionQUESTION: I have an STX38 Hydro. (with black deck) and I changed out the fluid today with 10W/30 motor oil (as told by John Deere). After starting the mower and moving the shift forward (as well as reverse) the lawn tractor did not move. I did not even hear the pump or any whining as I used to. Does the system need to be bled (and how) and/or did I use the correct fluid?
Thanks
Kevin
ANSWER: hi kevin
can you tell me what make of hydro transmissionis in this machine ie - tufftorq, hydrogear,
in my experience 20w/50 should be alright have used it in tufftorq and hydrogear units
yes if you have entraineed air in the system after oil change
try raising the rear end up off the ground approx 20 degrees and engage bypass on trans - start engine , set about 1/2 rev and move fwd / rev lever forward and let it run,for about 1 minute then move it to rev and let it run , do this 4 or 5 times , then dis-engage bypass rod and repeat the proceedure- , then lower back down to ground and recheck oil level
wheels should turn
just let me know trans make
cheers paul
hope it helps
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Paul
The hydro unit is a Tuff Torq K55, per operator’s manual, which had called out a 10W/30 Engine oil Class CD. This is what through me off – Class CD or better? It sounded like diesel oil…and thus why I called John Deere.
So you believe that 20W/50 would be a better choice? …
I went ahead and bled her out per instructions (early this morn)! Thanks!! And wow, it did not have much of an air pocket – oil level still in sight of fill tube… topped it off, installed batt, and it runs smoother/quieter. Yes, the wheels turn!!!
So can you fix marriage quarrels (after firing up a mower at 6:30am) too? …Just kid’n… Thanks again!
Kevin
Answerhi
good to hear its all go!
yes i do believe 20w/50 is a better choice we use a brand called total oil it has a synthetic base have also had 10w/40 total oil in these units too - no problems
no but if i could fix marrage quarrels i would charge 100 $ per hour
cheers paul
