Hydraulic System

Totally confused;

My local Hustler dealer says I should not use an oil with Zinc additive but recommends a synthetic in the hydraulic transmission.

(Both of the oils, mentioned above, have Zinc)

The various oil manufactures technical advisors say that this older Hydro Gear system and I should use a mineral oil eg 20w/50

Hustler Service Manual is apalingly non specific;

"The mower ships from the factory with SAE 20W50 oil in the
system. Use SAE 20W50 oil, 15W50 synthetic oil, or 20W50
synthetic oil when changing the system oil and filter. Hustler®
Full Synthetic 20W50 Hydrostatic Transmission Oil is
recommended.
Fluid level should be 1" (25.4 mm) from top of reservoir.
Figure 4-4
NOTE: The reservoir will require approximately 3.0 U.S. gallons
(11.35 liter) of SAE 20W50 oil, 15W50 synthetic oil, or
20W50 synthetic oil when replacing the oil after an oil and filter
change"

Hydro Gear are even worse.


What is your advice??

:devilish:
 
Hello Skippy,

Oh No! Not the "evil Zinc" .... Just another scare from an uninformed individual who has been misled by rumors that Zinc is some kind of "destructive" additive in oil. The dealer of all places should know better, but people are quick to believe bogus rumors instead of reading the actual legitimate published data on the subject.

Zinc (ZDDP) is what helps oil endure stress and heat.

It is mainly critical for the amount of Zinc in gas engines with catalytic convertors or diesel engines with DPF systems. Zinc actually contaminates these devices.

Inside a hydraulic drive unit, it is actually beneficial to have it.

Go online and check out the "Bob the Oil Guy" website.
 
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