Quick Tip! If you are having issue removing the the input shaft and the bearing, you may have loosened the 3 center section bolts too soon. If so, tighten them down and it should be easy to remove. A few people commented with this issue and tightening down the center section solved the problem. Sorry for not showing that in the video properly. Hope this helps anyone having this issue.

Hey, just FYI: when I installed the center section, I had a hard time keeping everything in place and from falling out. So, I laid the housing on its side (top) and had no trouble installing the center section on the first try! Hope this helps others.

Not a bad video which is a complement coming from me. I wish more people would take the time to prep. and edit before they post their garbage. 90% of what I watch is a waste of time. You're in the other 10%. Concise, to the point, not too wordy and you don't repeat yourself a dozen times. I will watch another video of yours.

What an excellent video and exceedingly informative comment section! Thank you Tractor guy and thank you commenters. You all pulled together better than the rest of the entire internet combined!!!!!

This video with the repair manual helped alot. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I bought an rzt 50 used and had to rebuild both sides. This video saved me alot of money.

Great details in the video! I have a rzt42 with the same problem. Every shop I had called said those transmissions were "non serviceable" and that I would basically have to replace both transmissions. Hopefully this winter I can tear mine down and rebuild it!

Great video! The audio and lighting was superb , better than most lawncare and do-it-yourself repair videos. Thank you!

Finally! A no-nonsense video of what causes the problem and how to fix it. Reading the repair manual alone is a bit cloudy, but your tutorial made it perfectly clear. Can't thank you enough for the clear audio/video quality that was provided. Heckuva job!

Great video. Thanks for the detail descriptions of the dis and reassembly. I need to change the oil in my transaxles on my Gravely ZT. I'm going to give it a shot by just changing the oil before I go complete disassembly. I will definitely be adding this video to my library. Take care Darbley.

Thank you so much! I bought a Cub Cadet RZT 50 for $250 and the right side would get weaker and weaker as I drove it. After the tear down I seen it was the center section, so I ordered a new one along with a seal kit. Your video helped so much during the rebuild, you went into so much more detail than any other video Ive seen. Im not shure if I could have completed the rebuild on my own in a day without it! Once again thank you so much!

Just got done replacing both left and right side center sections on my Husqvarna RZ5426. My finger was too big to hold the bypass valve in place when installing the center section so I just used a zip tie to keep it in place. Worked like a charm.

Great video! I don't need to do this, but I found it very interesting and good to know if needed in the future.

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzfaq.infoUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.

Enjoyed the video. I talked with Ken at Hydro Gear and downloaded the manual but couldnt order parts through them. Dealer recommended for that. Ken very helpful guy .

Excellent presentation. Clear, informative, detailed notes, mostly best practices, etc. Thank you for doing this.

Great video, I used it to rebuild my RTZ50 zeroturn. Im no macanic. But I got it done with zero problems. Right to the point video with no BS.

You have done a superb job an explanation. You eliminated any questions

Very well made step by step rebuild. I’m about purchase a zero turn with this transmission. You got a subscribe from Bone Stock.

One of the best Video's I've seen on these transmissions so far... Thanks...

Great job! Thanks for spending the time to put this video together. It was a great help!

I followed video last summer worked great till now I dint change the motor or piston with springs so this time I would like to would you have the part no for those thanks

Just finished mine and referred to your video multiple times. Thank you!!!

Great video, I have a 2006 Z Force 60 that won’t move forward on the left drive, I will be servicing it this week and if that does not fix the problem I will be utilizing your video to rebuild it on Thursday. Thank you!

I have had my 60" z force for 15 years and I changed the trans fluid every year no problems .I put three spring on it .great mower

Great video! About to my left side! P.o.s! Struggled all last summer trying to mow with 1 transmission working all the time. Other one worked until it warmed up and would get weak! Thanks again for a great video!

great video about time to rebuild mine had my 50 inch rzt since 2010 left side getting weak and slow

Thanks for getting back to me so I found all the parts is that all I need to get power restored

Excellent how-to video. It is a good argument for going with a ZTR with at least with HydroGear 2800 residential transmissions which have an oil filter which should provide better longevity though I have seen several videos on repairing them also. That being said, I've been looking at ZTR mowers and called HydroGear for a transaxle recommendation thinking a ZT-2800 would be adequate for my needs. They indicate their residential transmissions, including the ZT-2800, are really only intended for 1 acre or so. I have 3.5 acres with a slope so they recommended I get a mower with one of their commercial grade transaxles which start with the ZT-3100. The ZT-3100 is basically the same as a ZT-2800 but has contains cut steel gears (as opposed to powered metal in the residential models) along with having a shock valve to relieve stress under quick starts and a charge pump to provide supplemental oil to the main pump. I think the big box stores and some dealers inaccurately recommend models with the ZT-2800s for larger lots when they probably shouldn't. Anyway, HydroGear has an excellent KZfaq video detailing the differences between a ZT-2800 and ZT-3100 but even it lacks in providing a lot size/slope guide on which transaxle would be best for a given lot. Again, excellent video and hope this info helps other viewers of your video.

I'm going to do mine shortly so THANKS for the video!!!! Also these hyro's seem to be on so many different Brands that it "might" be a great way to start a biz offering to rebuild these. If proficient at it how much time would you say it takes to rebuild? THANKS!!!!! Most people would not attempt doing a rebuild.

Thankyou for taking the time to make this great DIY vid. 🤘🤘🤘💪💪

I know yard tools use the crappiest oil they can buy for manufacture. Could these transmission problems be avoided by using synthetic oil? My JD LX176 1994 still runs great after 30 years of mowing and snow removal.

This video made it so easy to repair my RZT50, I rebuilt both of my transaxles while siting on the toilet.

it's wonderful video, and good instruction, the Piston pump was amazing, do you know which one is the leading company for this Piston pump?

Thanks for the video. It helped a lot and you did a very professional job.

Thanks for the video I need to change the brake shaft seal on mine this video helped to know how to prepare

What an great video!!! Excellent job! One question I have the same transaxle and mine has a lot of play on the shaft that connects to the tire you didn’t go into that what is inside that shaft and how can I get it back to having no play? Thank you

Wow! Thank you for posting this video. It takes the mystery out of tearing down one of these transaxles. Do you think that there is the possibility of drilling in a drain plug, threading it in, in and perhaps changing your own oil in the transaxle from time to time? It looks like to me that the pump housing had lubrication inadequacies and being able to change out contaminated oil would help.

When removing grooves, toss that piece of wood and get a thick piece of glass. The glass will be much flatter than a possibly warped piece of plywood. Talking from years of experience.

I have a 2016 RZT which they state the transmissions don't require service which I am doubtful of but are my transmissions like this one you are working on! I could look it up but thought you might know off the top of your head! Wish you lived close to me as I would hire you to do my work when the time comes! Great video!

Losing power from right hydro, why do grooves hurt the center piece? I checked my check valves, they are tight, I do have metal shaving in the filter. Thanks

Awesome, well edited and very informative video !! I hope this isn't the issue I have, but if it is I know how to fix it. Thanks !

Awesome video, great job. Thanks!

Thanks for the great how to video. Should save me some money.

Excellent video. Well done. Any chance you could do a scag hydro next.? That would be great

When putting in the center section take everything off the input shaft use it to hold center section in place but to put in center section put motor shaft and the little bread then put piston on top to hold the little bread it a whole lot easier

Very best video so far.

Really nice work, thank you!!

Forgot to mention that after I drive for a few minutes and get under and move hose around it leaks and I hear a hissing sound so I'm wondering if it's also losing pressure there as well witch is causing lack of power it wants to move but very slowly on that side

Sound like the issue I'm having. The mower doesn't want to turn hard left sometimes but it kinda feels like a traction problem. Next time I mow I'll have to watch the tire. If I really work the sticks it'll start going and it's almost like I have to get the right side moving to help the left side

perfect job

Excellent presentation..!!! I’m having trouble getting my center section out.. you skipped past that part. Everything is disconnected but it seems like it’s jammed in there.. worried if I just try to pry it out that cheap metal will break and parts will go flying everywhere..

Great informative video. I would add that the review black should "cure" long enough to create a gasket and not be gooey. I've seen way too many cases of installing before and then cussing because they leak. Anyway, great job

really good informative video thanx

I suggest a thick piece of glass or a very flat piece of granite counter top matl for lapping.

Have not had any luck with mine I tried this and it worked great for about 45 minutes then it started losing power again back to where I started I went ahead and ordered the whole transaxel

Thanks for the great video, what oil did you use ?

Great video. Glad I found it. I have a Hydro Gear 312-2400L with axle issues, any suggestions?

I had a home depot cub cadet. Very deep in the manual it stated that the life expectancy Was 185 hours. I sold it soon after. Box stores dumb down the standard product to make more money. Never buy major equipment from a big box store.

Excellent video! Got a new subscriber here

Video is perfect I got it all back to gather in your opinion what causing middle section to do that mine look examine yours also might be dumb question put I'm assuming the fill hole is screwed shut during purge process

I have a broken cradle bearing and the manual is saying its only available with a new case, but I found the cradle bearings sold separately. Have you ever replaced those? Not sure if they just rest there in the case or if they are adhered in some kind of way.

Excellent video. Thanks!

Great Video ! I have the same unit in my Ariens Ikon 52 . I dropped them at 75 hours and filled with Valvoline full synthetic 20w50 , and again at 150 hours . Is that over kill or am i thinking right as far as longer life of units ?

So when it comes to getting the pulley off. If you don't have an impact wrench, look underneath the fan at the shaft. It has two flat sides so it can be grabbed with a wrench. I put a crescent wrench on it and set the wrench against the floor and broke that nut loose with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet. No problem at all on both of the transmissions in my mower. I just figured I'd let you know. It makes life a lot easier for people without air tools.

Use granite tile for a sanding block, its diamond ground smooth. or take it to a machine shop if it has gouges from metal, or get a new part.

Wow, what a great video. My right side hydro gear just barfed. From the countless search returns of "non-repairable" (buy a new unit) to this is great. The new units are worth as much as a used mower! Thanks for an extremely helpful video. I know where to go to get the parts I need and how to go about fixing an "unrepairable" unit. You made my day! Subscribed. :-)

Well done...

Great video! For the EZT trans...Why hasn't someone installed 1/8" NPT drain plugs in the bottom of the trans case (pump end) to drain the oil for servicing. Also find or make a hose to screw into the trans fill hole and drill a hole above the trans thru the engine mount plate for fill access. Drain the oil out the newly installed trans case bottom drain and refill with a know amount of fresh oil for servicing. ?????

Good job sir.

Awesome job. Thank you

Thank you Darbley.

Would it be possible to sand down that Center section back to smooth (ie. Similar to turning a brake rotor and assuming the grooves aren't too deep)? It's probably better just to get the new part since you've gotten that far in the tear-down, but if it could save $ for some people I figured it be good to know.

at the end of the Video you adjusted the neutral position. Was the engine running to check if the wheel would spin forward or backwards ? ( to get Neutral at the correct spot )

Posted a previous question which you answered so I have another and need help if possible. So I have the rzt 54 with the Kohler courage 26 and the change oil light came on but when I pull the dipstick out while it’s running it’ll blow oil everywhere. What broke or needs to be fixed

Sorry if I missed it but do you sand down Both Motors i searched and watched and am still unsure thanks for a great video

Grease the bypass puck to make it stay. Take the motor output gear off its shaft, assemble the motor on the shaft and slide it into place. Hold it. Then slide the center section over that. As for the trunnion/swashplate, you just need strong hands and care.

Hey friend, the same thing happened to my machine and I am the same as yo urs where you live, it is possible that you can fix it

Great video

I recently purchased a Cub Cadet Ultima 54 inch deck with a 24 horse Kohler. I think it has this transmission. I don't have time or want to do any work on the transmission. I mow about a hour and a half a week with this mower. I am not hard on it and never will be. Currently it has 2.8 hours on it. How long do you think this will last and are these transmissions junk? If so I may get a extended warranty. Thanks for the video.

I rebuilt my gear using your video 6 months ago. It had groves in the center section. After installing a new center section it worked great until now starting to slow down and is back where it was before. I opened it back up and the pump and motor look perfect. The center section has rotation marks on the pump and motor side but no groves. The pump side rotation marks don't look even. One side is a little thinner. Also, there are some marks going from halfway center to the outside. None of the marks I can feel with my fingernail. One time when I was reversing direction real fast I heard a knock. Thinking it was the pump slamming on the center section. Do you think a new center section is what I need? I just wish I could feel the marks. They are all smooth.

I'm being given a 10 year old RZT50, and I think the left side is weak. This video may help me out immensely! I've heard there are other adjustments that could be made before a rebuild or replace, that might solve the issue, do you know if that's correct? Thank you! 👍

I followed this procedure perfectly and it worked well for a couple of months and then the problem of slipping was back again. Hydra gear makes junk.

I have a problem with a raptor Hustler a 52 in 2015 about 20 minutes it don't want to haul it pulled no more and it's been leaking oil so I might need a little help from you thank you Cajun land Church Point Louisiana

So I have one last question does it matter with the centerpiece and let's say the pump motor and the motor itself if the slits are lined up or does it move on its own after it's all set in there and place

How do you properly diagnose this problem? I just want to be sure. I bought a Cub Cadet zero turn that is weak on the left side, but at times there is a burnt rubber smell. I don't have much experience with zero turns. Nice video!

Hi do you really put 1,75 to fill the transaxle?? or it´s what the manual says and you just fill it to the top, because on mine i cant put 1,75, doesnt fit that quantity. Thankyou for the video.

Hello and thank you for the video. I would like to suggest that if you're going to be this far into this unit you should also go ahead and pull that hub off so that you can replace the output shaft seal. If it's not leaking yet, it will be soon, so it is worth replacing. Another suggestion is do not ever tap on the back of your socket with a hammer. It's a bad habbit habit that will eventually damage your sockets. It is better to use an old extension. I have a dedicated 4in extension that is used only for this purpose. The side that receives the blows from the hammer is mushroomed and mis-shaped, which is what will happen to your sockets.

I was given a Gravely 2448 XL. The mower wont move on the right side. It looks like fluid is leaking from the bottom of the Transaxle. Doe this sound like a replace or repair? Any tips on how to troubleshoot the issue? Thanks for any assistance.

Well done.

Great video,,very helpfull

Hey DarbleyTheTractorGuy is this the 17AI2ACK056?

Sweet tap dancing christ thank god for youtube and thank god for you sir. Worked on many mowers but this is my first zero turn. These hydro motors are uncharted territory for me and you sir just made my muhfuken day!

Great video!

FYI.....the small bypass puck can be retained in place by the use of a small dab of grease.....means you dont need to keep your fingers in an awkward place......been working on these for over 20 years

Nice job

i have a ariens ezr 1750. 2200 trans .i lifted the front end to a angle greater than 45% to service blades i left the mower hanging over night .the next day it had low power wheels barley turn but wont move under load . any suggestion !

I have a one wheel wonder i1050 with what looks like the same transmission aside from a different style parking brake. From what I can tell, all the control linkages are good but I get no rotation out of the left wheel when I go forward, reverse or turn. When I disengage the bypass, the wheel spins freely, when it is engaged, it does not. Actually feels identical to the right side which is working properly. I bought the mower for cheap and I think I know why. Is there anything else you suggest before I complete this same repair? Thanks.

What all did you have to buy, just the center section and seals? Thanks for the video.

Great Video, thanks a lot. Is there any reason why you could not get the centre section machined instead of buying a new one?

Did you have the ingine running when you adjust the linkage to neutral?