Update: -
Spoke to Greg (brother-in-law) last night and he advise Hydraulic Fluid was put into the system in error when the hydraulic hose was replaced. Last Sunday, they drained as much of the oil out of the system that they could and filled it with 15W-40 (?), not 20W-50 as required, but he said the machine seemed to be going lot better in the short run they gave it. In fact, he now thinks the left side is showing better power than the right. They still need to get the correct oil, but I suggested they run it for a short time, then flush the system and refill with 20W-50 as recommended by manufacturer.
I'll be seeing both Greg and Jason this weekend and will talk about what they have done and give them the Parts Manual for the machine and Service manual for the pumps.
Would appear their Hydraulics Mechanic was not aware of this machine running 20W-50 in lieu of Hydraulic Fluid in the system.
This has just saved them around $1,000 in replacing a LSHT Wheel Motor, plus reducing further damage (and costs) associated with incorrect fluid being used in their HydroGear system.
Making sure the machine is serviced correctly, and that correct fluids are used for the system you have installed, is something everyone should be aware of.
If you don't have your Owners Manual, search and obtain one to give your machine it's best chance of survival and your pockets' best chance of saving money.
Hope this information helps someone else save time and money.
