Thanks for the responses.
GC - What part of the "Wild and Wonderful" do you call home? Charles Town here!
I had never seen the "disposable" comment but I understand it! Not a pleasant thought though. I don't know why even though there is no drian plug that a person couldn't use a vacuum pump or suction device to remove a good portion of the present fluid BUT then replace it with WHAT? 20W50 engine oil it seems!
There's quite an interesting read regarding the "hydo-gear" in it's service manual. I don't know that I'd consider it "disposable" but it may NOT be the most easily serviced component that a person tackles. Requires only hand tools and every bolt is sized and torque values for everything is included.
There's fill levels discussed and it doesn't mention suctioning for service but it does mention a "purging process" to remove air. I'm going to look further into this but I might give it a go. It appears there may be a drain plug on the left case half forward of the axle shafts. If there's a drain plug then service would consist of drain refill and "purge"! Maybe it's not a "throw away"!!
http://www.hydro-gear.com/Main/docs/...s/310-0510.pdf