Export thread

Hello,
I recently purchased a used 17 HP Craftsman LT 1000 with hydrostatic transmission. When mowing I noticed the mower occasionally slips out of gear for about a second and then reengages. It only does this on a downgrade (downhill) and very slight downgrades will cause it. The rest of the time the mower runs strong on a flat surface and uphill. The transmission isn't making any grinding noises or unusual sounds. I checked the drive belt and it looked ok but I sprayed it with belt dressing anyway with no improvement. I was wondering if anyone had this issue before or knew of a fix? Any help would be appreciated. Model #917 271661
Thanks!

Traacer said:

Hello, I recently purchased a used 17 HP Craftsman LT 1000 with hydrostatic transmission. When mowing I noticed the mower occasionally slips out of gear for about a second and then reengages. It only does this on a downgrade (downhill). The rest of the time the mower runs strong on a flat surface and uphill. The transmission isn't making any grinding noises or unusual sounds. I checked the drive belt and it looked ok but I sprayed it with belt dressing anyway with no improvement. I was wondering if anyone had this issue before or knew of a fix? Any help would be appreciated. Model #917 271661 Thanks!

Click to expand...

Most mowers with a hydro tranny will do this. They just are not built to hold the mower going down hill. If you go down the same hill in reverse it will keep its speed. Why you ask? I have no clue but everyone I have had has done it.

Thanks I didn't know this. It really seems odd though doing this on really slight downgrades.

Carscw said:

Most mowers with a hydro tranny will do this. They just are not built to hold the mower going down hill. If you go down the same hill in reverse it will keep its speed. Why you ask? I have no clue but everyone I have had has done it.

Click to expand...

It is doing this on very slight downgrades, not steep hills. I can't help but think this is not normal, but this is my first hydro. Thanks for the help.

Traacer said:

It is doing this on very slight downgrades, not steep hills. I can't help but think this is not normal, but this is my first hydro. Thanks for the help.

Click to expand...

Should not do it on slight downgrades.

Try this. Start the engine release the brake and let the tranns sit in neutral for a couple mins. I know it helps when they stop pulling up hill.

Carscw said:

Should not do it on slight downgrades.

Try this. Start the engine release the brake and let the tranns sit in neutral for a couple mins. I know it helps when they stop pulling up hill.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll try that.

Carscw said:

Should not do it on slight downgrades.

Try this. Start the engine release the brake and let the tranns sit in neutral for a couple mins. I know it helps when they stop pulling up hill.

Click to expand...

Didn't improve the issue.

Incase anyone else has this issue, I followed the purge procedure for the tranny in the owners manual and it solved the problem.