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Craftsman Mid Engine Rider: Hydrostatic Drive not working

8 years ago

My fathers Craftsman Hydrostatic Drive (Model 536.270301) barely moves. The engine and blades operate OK, but the tractor itself will only go forward and backward on level ground. It will not go up any incline. The speed control lever has to be held in place, or it will return to the neutral position.

Any ideas? I know nothing about these hydrostatic drives.

Thank you

kb

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Comments (8)

rustyj14
8 years ago
If your tractor has been operated on a hilly yard, or lawn, you might check the main drive belt, to see if it has come apart, jumped off the pulleys, or is worn considerably.
Kb2112
Original Author
8 years ago
The belt is fine. Its one of the first things I checked.
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exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
8 years ago
Fluid level in the trans? The "motion control" lever is mechanically linked to the trans, when it's fully operated in forward or reverse are you getting full motion at the trans? Look for loose or defective connections. The belt from the engine spins a pulley on the trans, is the pulley firmly attached to the shaft? There should be a fan on the trans for cooling, is it OK and are the cooling fins clear or debris? You might be able to rejuvinate it by replacing the trans fluid, over time, heat will degrade the fluid. Depending on vintage, you may have a drain at the bottom or you might have to pull the trans and turn it upside down and drain through the fill port. That will take anywhere from a few days to a week. After refilling with new fluid, follow the manual's instructions on purging the trans to get air out.

good luck,

Ev
Kb2112
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thank you. I will check next time I'm over there. What type and weight should the fluid be? How much?

The matching was manf in 2005, and hasn't seen service since, but hasn't seen allot of use.
Kb2112
Original Author
8 years ago
I pulled the tranny, drained it, refilled it, rechecked all the pulleys and belts, and it still wont go. Any other ideas?
rexlex
8 years ago
try chocking the front wheels, jacking the rear off the ground to enable rear wheels to both freewheel; run tractor at full speed and cycle tranny all the way from neutral to full ahead back to full reverse back to neutral. repeat this cycle 5-6 times to clear any entrapped air in tranny oil. Purging in this manner may help.
Kb2112
Original Author
8 years ago
I try it tomorrow. I tried to drive it around for a bit to purge it for about 10-15 min.
rexlex
8 years ago
Another thing to look at is the condition/age/stretching of your ground drive belt itself. If it has considerable operating hrs, it may be slipping under heavier loads....

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