HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT
1.Stop engine and remove key.
2.The hydrostatic transaxle belt tension is adjusted through a spring loaded idler pulley.
3.The tension can be adjusted by loosening the (2) hex nuts on the end of the spring support bolt and turning them until the spring length is 3- 7/16” (Shown at right). Tighten the jam nuts together.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE (MOTION DRIVE) BELT REPLACEMENT
1.Stop engine and remove key.
2.Relieve the belt tension on the drive belt (See Belt Adjustment section) and drop the belt from the electric clutch deck pulley at the rear of the unit.
3.Remove the electric clutch
4.Relieve the spring tension on the motion drive belt by loosening the (2) hex jam nuts on the end of the spring support bolt.
5.Remove the old belt.
6.Install the new belt being sure the belt is properly routed and positioned in all sheave grooves.
7.Adjust tension on the belt by adjusting the length of the spring on the idler (See Belt Adjustment section).
8.Reinstall the electric clutch
WARNING 
HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS CAN PENETRATE SKIN CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY AND GANGRENE.
INJECTED FLUID MUST BE SURGICALLY REMOVED WITHIN A FEW HOURS BY A DOC- TOR FAMILIAR WITH THIS TYPE OF INJURY.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY FROM
PRESSURE LEAKS:
●USE CARDBOARD AND NOT HANDS TO SEARCH FOR LEAKS.
●RELIEVE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE BEFORE WORKING ON SYSTEM.
●CHECK HYDRAULIC HOSES, LINES, AND CONNECTIONS FOR TIGHTNESS AND GOOD CONDITION BEFORE APPLYING SYSTEM PRESSURE.
START-UP MAINTENANCE
Bush Hog recommends the use of SAE 20W50 motor oil in the hydrostatic reservoir.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The hydrostatic transaxle units normally do not require regular fluid changes. The system filter should
HYDROSTATIC BELT DIAGRAM
Spring Loaded | Spring Support Bolt | |
Adjustment | ||
Idler | ||
|
Spring Length
Clutch
Bracket 
be changed after the first 50 hours of
FLUID VOLUME AND LEVEL
Certain situations may require additional fluid to be added or even replaced. Refer to the Figure below for the proper fill port location. 79 fl. oz. is the correct amount of fluid to add to an empty transaxle.
The level of fluid in the transaxle may be checked by removing the plastic breather tube and inserting a clean, straight metal rod down through the fill port until it bottoms out. Remove the rod and the oil should extend approximately
IMPORTANT
Do Not Overfill
If you overfill the transaxle while the unit is “cold”, it may overflow as it reaches normal operating temperatures. The oil level should not be above the manufacturer’s suggestions out- lined in this manual. This will allow the space needed for the oil to expand as it warms up.
Recheck the fluid level once the unit has been oper- ated for approximately one minute.
FLUID CHANGE
In the event of oil contamination or degradation, oil addition or change may alleviate certain perfor- mance problems. It is essential that the unit exterior be free of debris prior to fluid maintenance.
Remove the oil drain plug from the bottom of the unit to facilitate oil change. When reinstalling oil drain plug torque the plug to 180 - 240 in. lbs.
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