Scag Turf Tiger: How to Check and Change the Hydraulic Oil
The Turf Tiger’s hydraulic system provides fantastic power, even under heavy loads. With 60% more displacement than other commercial mowers, the Turf Tiger is the definition of heavy duty. However, heavy duty equipment requires heavy duty maintenance.
To ensure the smooth and consistent operation of this system, it is recommended that you check the hydraulic oil after the first 10 hours of operation and every 200 hours after that.
Additionally, you are encouraged to change the oil every 500 hours of operation or at least once every year. If the oil is a black or milky color with a rancid odor, it should be changed. This is an indication of the oil possibly overheating.
Read your owner’s manual for safety procedures and details regarding your warranty and your specific model.
Checking Hydraulic Oil
- Step 1: Find the hydraulic oil reservoir cap. Clean any dirt that is on or around the cap.
- Step 2: Look at the level of the oil. It must be filled to at least 3 inches from the top of the filling neck. Use a tape measure if you can’t visually check the oil level. Add 20W50 motor oil if needed and be sure to not overfill.
- Step 3: Wipe down the fill cap again and place it back on the reservoir.
Changing Hydraulic Oil
- Step 1: Be sure that you have the mower parked on a level surface and that the engine is turned off.
- Step 2: Find a container that is appropriate for holding hydraulic oil. Place the container under the hydraulic oil filter.
- Step 3: Remove the cap from the reservoir as well as the drain plug that is on the bottom of the fitting on the filter base.
- Step 4: Drain all of the fluid into your container and dispose of it properly.
- Step 5: Replace the drain plug onto the fitting and make sure it’s properly seated and installed.
It is recommended that at this stage, you take the time to change the hydraulic oil filter before refilling the reservoir. Remove and dispose of the oil filter. Fill the new filter with clean oil and tighten it by hand to install it. Put the speed control lever in neutral and run the engine at idle for five minutes.
- Step 6: Once the engine is off again, fill the reservoir up to 3-1/4 inches from the top of the filling neck with 20W50 motor oil.
- Step 7: Replace the cap and start the engine again. Drive forward and backward for a few minutes. Shut the engine off and check the oil level again. Add more if necessary.
Remember that maintaining a consistent schedule of maintenance and inspection can greatly lengthen your equipment’s overall life.
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