QuestionI have a 2001 18 hp 42 in cut Huskee(MTD) riding mower with the hydro transmission. I can cut my lawn and after a while my mower will not move, it will start jerking a little and then not move anymore. I can let it sit for about an hour and it will move again. Talked to mower mechanic and he said hyrdo fluid may be low and when it gets hot, it bubbles causing it to not move. I have checked the fluid and it seems ok. My father in law has MTD mower of the same year and does the same thing, is there a common problem with these tannys? Help would be appreciated......
Answerhi bryan
sounds like the oil has dropped its additive pack and foaming and getting air entrained int it
when it does this jerking does the unit start making a noise because it does sound like cavitation
i am sure that draining and refilling the hydro transmission oil will fix this
provided you use the correct type and quantity of oil and purge the hydro of air before using
purging is done when you raise the rear end of tractor up into the air at an angle of about 20 -25 degrees - run the motor @ 1/2 throttle with hydro bypass engaged and stroke the fwd / rev lever back wards and forwards 5 or 6 times at about 30 sec intervals
disengage the bypass and repeat above process
recheck and top oil to level required or as shown on dip stick
put back down ground unit should work well
everything being equal ie belts and pulleys and adjustments all correct
ps let me know what make and model transmission is and i will do my best to get oil qty & type & levels if need
cheers paul
