616z - How to Drain and Replace Transaxle Oil?

[Big Red 616z 1]

Hello, I'm new to the site.

 

I have been browsing online for the last six months looking up details on the Wheel Horse 616z, I am not home atm but I believe my model number is Y1-16OE01 which is the 1989 model. Had it for a couple years and it is probably the best mower I have ever owned.

 

I downloaded all the service manuals for the 616z I could find from 1989-1992.

 

From what I gather reading the service manual I would need to remove it, flip the transaxles over and dump the old oil from the top. The service manual also mentions a drain on the top of the units but it doesn't list where this is, im guessing it is the ports for the reservoir tanks.

 

Having it serviced by a shop is out of the question as I have no way to transport it so I want to do this myself.

 

Now the transaxles work perfectly fine, this mower hasn't been treated poorly, but the oil in it is old, black and needs to be replaced. I also know that the Eaton 700 series transaxle isn't meant to be user serviceable, your just supposed to add when its low, but just like anything else it will eventually fail unless you change the oil.

 

I do know that they tend to overheat and go bad with time and I attribute that to a breakdown of lubrication, trying to move it with the brake on, and attempting to use these to pull things. I also know parts are hard to come by and I refuse to wait for it to fail and be forced to source a used one. I have been extremely careful with this thing for that reason and I know it doesn't need anything besides fresh oil.

 

I have looked up other zero-turn mowers with a similar setup and I know that once I do replace the oil I will have to work all the air out so I'm prepared for that.

 

I'm just wondering if there is a better way to drain them from the sides or bottom, without having to remove the transaxle from the tractor. If I do have to remove it then I have no problem with that.

 

So I'm hoping others with the 616z can enlighten me with their knowledge.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,096]

Don't know anything about them but the ipl shows a valve cover and under that a filter. Wonder if that would drain the oil?

Here is what I see item 38

https://www.partstree.com/models/74021-616-z-toro-zero-turn-mower-sn-039000001-039999999-1993/transmission-assembly-eaton-model-781-016-20/

 

Garry

[Big Red 616z 1]

Now I did see that as well, and I'm considering checking that out. It just didn't seem like that would be the right way to drain it, I assume it would be messy. I guess i outta check out those filters too. They are an OEM Warranty Repair Part, Toro 88-2210, but of course they are discontinued. Im wondering if i can find an aftermarket replacement or if I can clean them and reuse them and I can always make new gaskets.

Edited July 11, 2020 by Big Red 616z
Added part information.