Have a Cub Cadet SLTX 1054 that after using about 15 -20 mins the transmision starts slipping (or slowing down) I have changed the drive belt and the tension seems OK. Pulled the plug on top and fluid is at the proper level but black. Machine has about 300 hrs on it. Should I draw out the fluid and put in new or is the hydro toast ??
Put the mower on a reasonable slope & turn off the engine
Take off the parking brake
If the hydro is in reasonable condition the mower should not move .
Give it a push
1) mower stops the instant you stop pushing = hydro is fine
2) mower rolls a little & stops = hydro is reasonable
3) mower rolls slowly down the hill = hydro is on the way out, an oil change might give you another few years
4) mower rolls so fast you can not catch it = hydro has gone & needs a rebuild or replacement
FWIW I have a tilting trailer
The actual slope is a touch over 30 deg
And the above is how I asses mowers coming in for service
If your oil is black then it needs to be replaced as the black you can see is particulates and these will erode the valve plate & cylinder block
Down side is the tranny has to come out and get tipped upside down to drain the old oil out
Trannies are the one place where you will get value for money by using a synthetic oil
When the hydro is badly worn then going up to a heavier oil CAN ( not will ) make up for the wear and give you a few more good years of service, it just depends upon how bad the wear is .
