I have the assumption that the shock absorber attaches to the main linkage, but after looking -I didn't see one in the LT Husqvarna I had looked up. Some LTs do however, though I've not ever had to replace one- so i don't know if it would be a Hydrogear part or? I can't say that it would explain the noise either. I have seen worn input pulleys/ fans make that noise. Maybe a clip is off the top of the shaft?

The valving in these units are small, hence the difficult operation with heavier lubricants. I don't understand why Wally stocks 20 five qt. containers of 20W50, it doesn't go into anything we operate today. Most hydraulic oils (like Dex-Merc) are 10 weight, really all you need.

Machiem, I'm very politely going to ask you to go back and read all the other threads I posted on this Hydrostat from the beginning. Reason I ask that is cause I don't want to repeat everything I put in them. For crying out loud, I ain't no typist, I'm a one fingered hunter & pecker. Having said that, this GT has linkage hooked to the foot pedal to move the forward/reverse lever toward neutral when you step on it. The further down you push the pedal, the closer it moves the "shift lever toward neutral. Push it ALL the way down and it is in neutral......but at that point is when it seems like the brakes go away. Now that I have "practiced" a little driving....... aw, what the heck. Now that I have been using it yesterday and today pulling cart loads of dirt, I can say that it DOES HAVE good dynamic braking when you step on the pedal just a little, or move the trans selector toward neutral (but not into neutral). However poor my description of the brakes was when I started THIS thread yesterday, I am a lot more satisfied with the machine today. But....and that's a big but.......I DO NOT HAVE a working parking brake. If you set the parking brake on any incline, the machine starts creeping (engine on or off). So I guess my big question for today is: How do I get a parking brake to function on this machine?

Two year old tractor, but how many hours on the clock. 50 hrs per annum average nationwide. Yours could actually have an internal wear problem, but we come right back to the same conclusion....."but realy? Its only 2 years old. I would have thought the parts would have held up at least that long." Now, have you tried purging air by the OEM guidelines in the owner's manual? How to drain it. Remove transaxle assembly from chassis. Remove the vent hose from the transmission. Place transaxle assembly upside down over a suitable catch container. Allow to drain for a day or two. Good luck.