Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Folks I am in need of help in the form of information---I have a Stanley(Murray) Model 525607x692B ---52 inch rider.   While mowing today it hung in the forward drive.  Cut  two acres of grass just going forward.  Can,t see anything wrong with the linkage but my foot operated lever will not go to neutral or reverse. Called Engine Southwest, the parts source in this area and they tell me the hydrastat comes in  2 pieces---the differential  ($215.00)  and the Pump-($310.00) It could hardly be the pump for it runs too well in forward.  I suspect it to be the differential  My question---can anyone tell me if I could install my present pump on the new differential or does it take special know how? Would appreciate any help----Your friend--Will

hi Will...

your stanley steamer is somewhat scarce around these parts.however all is not lost,

i beleive that your shift control has gone a stray.

happens once in a while to the hydro units.

a man of you many talents should be able to disconnect the lever at the point it attaches to the lever on the tranny.

if you can block the tractor so the rear wheels are off the ground and it is stable then see if you can move the lever to the neutral or reverse position.

please give me a bit more detail on the linkage and i will help all i can.

also be very carefull with your self.

im not sure that i want you doing this yourself...i beleive you have the smarts but you may not be healed out enough and i would never forgive myself if i was somehow involved in your hurting yourself.

no disrespect intended.

anyone around that we could relay instructions to ...kinda put you in charge and make sure its done right.

let us know whats up and ill keep in touch.

if necessary i will try and get an online service manual from work and e-mail it to you.

later chris 

Chris--Man I appreciate someone like you-----I do have to watch myself very carfully but I have a Electric hoist in my shop and I am going to take the rear wheels off (I will get my son to come do the heavy work).  with them off I  can raise it up where I can see things easily.  I can then do as you said,  disconnect the linkage from my foot petal control and can see what moves, etc.    It acts like something is jammed and not releasing.  When running the mower ,the only way I can slow it down is with my foot clutch.  When I clutch it I notice my foot pedal will release nearly to the neutral position.  Hopefully , sometimes tomorrow I can get my son to come help and can find out something.  The parts man at the parts distributor stated the pump is mounted separately to the differential.  I, like you, still more or less think it is linkage.   ---your friend-Will

Will - it sounds like the linkage could be jammed up, but on some hydro units there are opposing springs to return the foot pedal to neutral - maybe one popped off or broke? When you say the pedal returns to neutral when using the clutch, I possibly suspect that a spring has "sprung". If so, this might be a very simple repair. Even though you have the electric hoist, definitely place something under the tractor to hold it up "just in case", like a pair of cinder blocks. And definitely take it easy - we want ya around!! Good luck & let us know how you make out...

A note to ALL - Always have a backup method of supporting ANY vehicle, whether it be a small lawn tractor or a truck!

Marty

Marty---Thanks  for the info on the linkage.   I do suspect it has to do with that.  Also, thanks for the concern---I do get reckless at times and I will use a extra safety device.---Will

FOLKS---Just wanted to tell you I got my hydrastat fixed this morning with the help of my wife to do the heavy work. .  I hoisted the rear end of the mower, removed the rear wheels so I could see the unit well.  Could not believe what I found---the arm that the rod from my foot pedal connects to was the problem.  The bolt that secures it to the shaft that goes into the transmission was about to fall off.  The  1/4 inch bolt had loosened enough that it had jumped the tract that keeps it in between the return spring.  One of you told me to look for such so I wanted to tell all I appreciate and it took my wife and I about 30 minutes to repair it.   Thank you all and may the God of the universe watch over you, your family, now and always.---Will

Good deal Will, glad it wasn't the other problem!

Oh yea, I think wives should always do the heavy work.

(ducking for cover)

Will,

I figure God ia already watching over us by allowing you to regain your health and participate here, allowing me to learn more

GREAT JOB to you Will & the Mrs!!  

Be well & thanks for the update - glad you're up & running again (both personally & OPE wise...)!!

Marty

It's great we're all here to help each other.  It's always a good day when a project can be done for less than anticipated. 

Will... happy outcomes are great !  ...even when we didn't want the problem to begin with !  

Dave...