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I own a landpride zt-60 almost four years old and about 300 hours of use.

The other day my son came and told me the mower won't go forward.

I jumped on the mower to try it myself and immediately heard a whining sound from under the seat.

My conclusion, the left hydro pump has failed. I do not see any fluid leaking from anywhere, however,

the oil in the left tank was a dark black color. I stuck a magnet in the tank and pulled it out with metal shavings.

Can anyone tell me what this black color is from. bad seal or burnt bearing??

Can I also expect the right side drive pump to fail at any time soon.

thanks for any help.

Well I don't know where there from but anytime you pull metal shavings that can't be good.

I think its rebuild time; I think I have seen good places (internet) who sell these parts..
Wise indeed was the magnet test, but sad results...

WELCOME to these Forums....
Heat will "Burn" hydro oils... Even a good synthetic, if you heat it often enough and Hot enough will burn...
at 300 hrs you should have had at least one hydraulic fluid & filter change, each side holds 2 gallons of 20W50 (synthetic) engine oil.
Metal shavings had to come from something that generated a bit of heat... A rebuild is possible But there will be a Lot of damage inside, You may be better considering replacing the complete drive... :smile:KennyV

KennyV said:

WELCOME to these Forums....
Heat will "Burn" hydro oils... Even a good synthetic, if you heat it often enough and Hot enough will burn...
at 300 hrs you should have had at least one hydraulic fluid & filter change, each side holds 2 gallons of 20W50 (synthetic) engine oil.
Metal shavings had to come from something that generated a bit of heat... A rebuild is possible But there will be a Lot of damage inside, You may be better considering replacing the complete drive... :smile:KennyV

Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. I changed the fluid and filters @100 hrs. dealer and manual recommended regular 10w-30 motor oil. I do think heat, as KennyV suggested, is a major factor in this failure. Landpride does not use a fan to help keep temps down as some other ztr companies do. I have watched a half a dozen rebuild videos on youtube, and I am somewhat mechanicly able, just not familiar with hydros. I think that I can rebuild the pumps.

What would have caused the oil to turn black? I am only guessing that the oil was extremely hot and burned?? I have found the manufacturer on line(white drive products), and have no idea of their reputation. Their around $400 for pump and a little more for the drive motor. Dealer wants $1500 to replace.
I am not sure, but I believe Landpride is now using Hydro-Gear pumps. Wondering how hard it would be to retro fit a newer model pump to my mower.

If I go the repair route, I have seen rebuild kits online for less than $50. With my time and patience my major expense.

If you feel your up to it... rebuild. that's what I would do.
Keep everything clean & when you go back together... USE synthetic motor oil. :smile:KennyV