In Aus they run to around $ 2000 so we have a couple of shops that repair them
Apparently this does not happen in the USA where replacement parts are cheaper
There is a drop in pump/motor unit to replace the worn out parts
It is a simple repair, just tedious to do with lots of essential careful cleaning thus a big labour charge.
Best left till the end of the season when you have time
For right now pull the transmission out ( take photos of the linkages ) remove the filing cap and slip the magnet out then tip upside down and drain the oil.
Replace with 20W50 or heavier , I have used 40w75 Harley oil on one mower for a pensioner and it is still running 5 years latter, but gets worse every year .
You can not do any more damage so you have nothing to loose
Then between now & winter you can do the repair research