Servicing an MTD 820 transaxle

16 years ago

Still having a problem with the shift linkage sticking and not wanting to go into gear that easily. When I do get it into gear by tapping (or hitting) the shift lever it works just fine , leading me to believe there really isn't much wrong with the trans axle itself , its the shifting mechanism.

This is an older tractor we bought second hand a couple of years ago and runs just fine , has a tiller and grass catcher to boot.

Probably should open it up and see what's inside and if I can see what's wrong. The only problems being:

I don't have a service manual detailing how to remove and disassemble the thing.(ie you undo the wrong bolt, a spring and bearing fly out that you can never find ,and they are a special order from the manufacturer costing about as much as a replacement transaxle would).

Do have a parts manual that has an exploded view of the transaxle though.

I don't have much (actually never done it before in my life) experience and my tool kit consists of a crescent wrench,ball peen hammer and a set of screwdrivers :D. (exageration of course)

Wondering if it's a wise thing to open it up with my VERY limited experience , leave it alone and hope for the best or bite the bullet and spring for a new mower.

Any suggestions or directions to helpful web sites would be appreciated.

Service department you say?? With labour rates what they are that's downright scary.

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Comments (6)

canguy
16 years ago
Your choices are limited. If you let it go until it fails, repair or a new transaxle could exceed the cost of a new tractor. Why not go to Sears or Canadian Tire and pick out a 3/8 socket set, some needle nose pliers and screwdrivers? Remove the transmission, taking pictures as you go, you do have a digital camera? Clean the unit thoroughly and lay it on a large clean work table.Remove the big pulley and the bolts and carefully lift off the top of the case,don't worry it will not start throwing parts in all directions. Take more pictures then lift out the shafts and thoroughly clean everything with solvent and shop rags, it will be full of grease. You likely have a bent or worn shift fork. Good luck.
dooley
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks - maybe I'll give it a go. Got nothing to lose.

One more question before I start tearing things apart..roughly how do I go about it? (ie remove seat , metal work , gas tank or jack it up and undo "J" bolts holding it onto frame..just some general instructions)..just so I can make sure I have the necessary space and tools on hand before I start.
Do have a digital camera and exploded parts view and it came in handy when I tore down the mower deck to paint and rebuild it so know where you're coming from there.
Thanks
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canguy
16 years ago
Set it securely on jack stands and drop the trans out after removing the belt and shift knob.
dooley
Original Author
16 years ago
"Set it securely on jack stands and drop the trans out after removing the belt and shift knob"

That easy huh?? (yea - right..know from experience it won't be.Probably a whole slew of odds and ends in the way that have to be removed too :D).

But thanks , thats what I needed to know.
bill_kapaun
16 years ago
Is the transaxle a Peerless 820, or the tractor an MTD 820?
If the former, do you have the service manual? I can point you to a link for one if you don't. (pdf)
dooley
Original Author
16 years ago
Tractor is an MTD 820.

Txs

Servicing an MTD 820 transaxle

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Servicing an MTD 820 transaxle

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canguy

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