hydrostatic drive quit

[ndrew2505]

i have a gardenway mower (mtd model number 13an693g118) and the drive has quit. i was cutting the grass one day going pretty much full speed and the deck was low enough to catch a root. the motor and blades still seem to run but the drive lever does nothing at all. i cant really afford to take it to a shop if i can help it but i really have no idea about hydrostatic drives so any help or info on a remedy would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NorthBama]

have you checked the drive belt

 

[mechanic mark]

Post your serial number.

 

[mechanic mark]

http://www.mtdproducts.com/equipmen...Code=62&modelNumber=13an693g118&serialNumber=

 

[ndrew2505]

ha it was the belt. the tension spring had pulled off the spot it mounts to on the blade stop arm. i got it fixed along with some other stuff that resulted from hitting the root. while trying to get everything apart to get it fixed i noticed the gear for the steering wheel is stripping out. i bought this thing used for 400$ and was hoping to get a full season at least before anything went wrong but ive already had a few other problems too. the deck was attached to the spindle mount with what looked like self tapping screws from the factory and the mount itself was made out of alum. not a great engineering idea.. i opened up the holes and ran 5/16 bolts through all 8 mounting holes. the blade stop arm(?) was broken when i got the mower and i ended up taking it to the shop i work at and had both arms welded back on. theres also still some vibration from the deck/blades that i still havent been able to identify the cause. it has a fairly new 17.5hp motor so it runs decent just needs a little work. any ideas why the trans seems to lose power after it runs for a while. after it cools it runs fine. the overheating doesnt seem to affect the blades and theres no difference in any sounds from the engine.

serial number on this model is 1C213B30101

 

[mechanic mark]

Your blades need to be replaced, out of balance causing vibration.