Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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tremblay
Joined: Jun 6, 2005
Points: 1
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Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Original Message Jun 6, 2005 4:48 pm |
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I have a Craftsman 19hp Twin Turbo lawn tractor with hydrostatic transmission. Recently, the tractor does not go up hills or at any incline like it used to. When the tractor first starts, it seems to be OK. Then, as it heats up, a high pitched whine emanates from the tractor when I attempt to go uphill. I changed the front motion drive belt, but this had no effect. Sears will charge me $96 just to look at it, and if it is the transaxle, it would probably be better if I bought a new tractor?? Looking for advice...it is a sealed unit, but is it missing some fluid? Thanks for any help.
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CraftsmanOwner
Joined: Apr 29, 2012
Points: 3
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Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Reply #27 Apr 29, 2012 12:38 pm |
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I have same problem thats been coming on for a a couple of mowing seasons-the whine especially on hills and seems to be loosing some power on hills also (have to move the gear lever forward more now to get the same speed out of the transaxle as I used to). Then recently started getting another noise (it was the fan on top of trans. hitting the support bar sometimes particularly when pulling a loaded trailer). I did have the Sears tech come out who discovered all the above and gave and showed me in my manual and online the p/n for a new one $1000. or rebuilt $650. He was a great guy full of good info worth every bit of the $96. In the meantime I think I've found another hydro transaxle -used- and am gonna try to install myself bar any real brain puzzlers. The Sears guy said not difficult to replace-disconnect brake and two bolts holds it in place. He said the front bearing was going out allowing the tranny to move upward thus the fan blades hitting the support bar. He showed me the movement of the tranny. But I may also try the other guy's suggestion on here -the drill a hole in top of tranny and ad gear oil first. I' m open to any and all suggestions any may want to send my way. I have loved this hydrostaitic mower for the past 12 years with very little problems with it until the gear lever spring last year and now the showstopper transaxle. I have very steep hills and about two acres to mow. The new models at Sears this year don't reccomend hydro for hills since they dont "pump" the oil to the gears thus good for flat only they say unlike they did when I bought mine in '01. But I think 11-12 years out of my mower is pretty damn good-that's why I hate to give it up for a bright red (yuk) 6 speed with a no mow reverse safety feature and less heavy duty deck and not twin V engine( louder). Send me all the help you fellas wanna tell me 'cause I intend to fix 'er up at this point.
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FrankMA
Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587
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Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Reply #28 Apr 29, 2012 5:55 pm |
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You're lucky to have gotten 12 years out of that tranny based on your conditions and use. It is most likely an entry level Tuff Torq or Hydro Gear transaxel without any means to change the transaxel fluid (a so-called sealed unit). Using a lawn tractor to mow on hilly terrain or pull heavy loads is the kiss of death for those light duty transaxels. You may want to consider a used Garden Tractor (GT) as a replacement based on the much heavier duty (ground engaging) transaxel that is typically found on this type of tractor. Everything else on a GT is also much heavier duty and will last much longer than it would on an LT (Lawn Tractor). You got your moneys worth out that LT and it earned it's keep but you may want to consider either a new LT (and hope for another 12 years) or spend a few extra bucks and get a GT that is more up to the task. "They don't make 'em like they used to" definitely applies to the tractor world (and other OPE as well) these days. Any tractor less than $2K is considered a disposable product with a limited shelf life, especially under the conditions you described. It would suck to replace the tranny and then have all kinds of other items start to fail and you end up spending more time (and money) fixing it than actually using it. Just something to consider...
This message was modified Apr 29, 2012 by FrankMA
Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
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CraftsmanOwner
Joined: Apr 29, 2012
Points: 3
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Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Reply #30 May 2, 2012 7:09 pm |
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Yes, my LTX1000 is a hydro transaxle sealed so my understanding is that it cannot be rebuilt. I have used it 12 years on 1-1/2 acres of mostly hills and most fairly steep -usually takes about 2-1/2 to 3 hrs to mow all at same time. It has had wheel weights and chains on it the whole 12 years . I've kept the oil changed and lubed every year. The hydro tranny is wonderful for hills to adjust the speed according to the condition-up,reverse and turns on the hills. I can't say enough good about this mower. That said I've taken the chance and purchased a used tranny from Florida (no hills) and should receive it soon. i hope that it all works out but still would like all the thoughts anyone may have on my upcoming project. Thanks !
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FrankMA
Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587
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Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Reply #32 May 3, 2012 7:10 am |
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I would definitely change out the dino oil and replace it with the same viscosity synthetic oil which has a much higher temperature tolerance. The Tuff Torq K46 transaxel calls for 1.9 litres of 10W30.
Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
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AKDean
Joined: May 21, 2012
Points: 2
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Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Reply #33 May 21, 2012 5:42 pm |
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I bought a craftsman 42" hydrostatic riding lawn tractor Model#917.256570 I think it is between 2003 and 2005 model. It runs for a bit then slows down and then won't seem to engage at all. It seems to be the transmission. I wrote and was told this transmission is absolete. I read the posts about drilling a hole in the transmission and putting lube oil in. Where exactly do you drill this hole? If I pdf a picture or drawing, can someone point out where I should drill? I don't want to damage the unit if I can't replace it. Do you know if there are pictures, or a utube video of someone doing this? Thanks Aaron
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AKDean
Joined: May 21, 2012
Points: 2
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Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor tranny problem?
Reply #35 May 23, 2012 7:57 am |
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Thank you for the reply and schematic site. I just looked at the transmission and it says a 310-0650. Is that the same as the 319-0650? ...or will it work the same?
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