Craftman Mower with Hydro Static Transmission

17 years ago

I have a five year old 15.5 Kohler and 42" deck. Model number 917.271022

I am hearing a straining coming from the transmission when going up hills. At one point today the lawn tractor would not go up a hill that it has gone up many times before.

Are the Hydro Static Transmissions servicable? Is there a fluid level I should check? If so, how do I check it?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Doug

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Comments (5)

baymee
17 years ago
I had a similar problem with my Wheelhorse, which has an oil reservoir under the seat. It would be OK for flats but not for hills. I kept increasing the viscosity of the oil until 90W wouldn't do it anymore and I spent the $850 for a new hydro. It was 20 years old.

Make sure a fan is turning, the unit is not covered by grass or dirt, the engine rpm's are high enough, the oil level is high enough or the belt is tight enough. Otherwise, the unit is now junk.
carter143
17 years ago
I have the exact same tractor and am having the exact same problem. A local lawn & garden place first said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. But we told them to keep driving it up and down the hill until it slowed down. They finally got it to do that and then told us that we needed a new transmission.
What did you end up doing with your tractor?
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argosy
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I have craftsman riding mower Model gtv 16 HP Serial @
917-257721. Need information and adjusting clutch and belt if info is available or repair manual on same.

Thanks,

Argosy
bill_kapaun
16 years ago
The owners manual is available from Sears for PN 146582
tekumcman
16 years ago
Doug,

Typically, what CAUSES THIS is a breakdown of the hydro
oil over time, due MOSTLY TO, overheating of the oil. As
you use the tractor, dirt/debris will build-up on top of
the trans, and sometimes the cooling fan can lose blades
or blades damaged in some way....ALL OF THIS...causes the
oil to get very hot. To replace this transmissions is VERY
EXPENSIVE....usually in the $500-600 range. This trans is
probably a Hydro-Gear or Spicer/Dana unit. I would consult
the owner's manual for servicing of these units. You can
empty the fluid/oil out and replace it, which might very
well....SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM. Also inspect the cooling fan
for any damage, and clean off the top of the unit thoroughly
BEFORE you attempt to remove a drain plug. Keep
ALL DIRT away from the drain hole to prevent contamination.
After you've replaced the oil, there's a "purging" procedure
you'll need to do to remove all air that can get
inside during this oil replacing process. The owner's
manual will also tell you the PROPER OIL to use when doing
this. WRONG OIL.....A REAL NO NO !!!

T-Man

Craftman Mower with Hydro Static Transmission

Comments (5)

baymee

carter143

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argosy

bill_kapaun

tekumcman

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