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sltx 1054 drives slower aan slower on slopes
#1
K
kingjames1
K
kingjames1
Almost five year old cub, 356 hours.
Cut grass only with this machine.
Recently our cub started slowing down as you cut the grass on a slope. (This came on suddenly.) If you let the mower sit for an hour it'll go again but slow down on slopes after a short time to just barely moving. I put on a new belt and idler spring hoping it was just slipping. It didn't fix it. I checked the brake and it seems to be free. Please don't tell me the tranny is going after just 4 seasons of cutting. Thanks.
Cut grass only with this machine.
Recently our cub started slowing down as you cut the grass on a slope. (This came on suddenly.) If you let the mower sit for an hour it'll go again but slow down on slopes after a short time to just barely moving. I put on a new belt and idler spring hoping it was just slipping. It didn't fix it. I checked the brake and it seems to be free. Please don't tell me the tranny is going after just 4 seasons of cutting. Thanks.
#2
L
logan01
L
logan01
If it's a hydrostatic tranny and has a reservoir, check the fluid level. Regardless, I'd change the fluid/oil (tranny).Almost five year old cub, 356 hours.
Cut grass only with this machine.
Recently our cub started slowing down as you cut the grass on a slope. (This came on suddenly.) If you let the mower sit for an hour it'll go again but slow down on slopes after a short time to just barely moving. I put on a new belt and idler spring hoping it was just slipping. It didn't fix it. I checked the brake and it seems to be free. Please don't tell me the tranny is going after just 4 seasons of cutting. Thanks.
#3
K
kingjames1
K
kingjames1
It's a hydro-stat but the manual says it's sealed. The Professional manual tells you how to change the oil but I'm not sure I want to tackle that. It's just hard to believe the tranny would go out after 4 summers of just cutting grass. I had a John Deere we cut grass with and plowed snow ... in the snow belt. I have some pretty impressive pictures of that. I beat that tractor up plowing snow. That tranny lasted 7 years and people said that Deere didn't come with a heavy duty tranny. I wonder if this Cub tranny has a bad history. Thanks for your suggestion.
#4
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
It really sounds like low oil.
After sitting a while all of the oil is in the reseviour feeding the pump.
As soon as you start moving it gets distributed all over the place, level feeding the pump gets low & pump starts pumping air & you go nowhere.
Only other thing could be a bypass valve stuck slightly open but that will usually be a constant loss of power.
However it is a cheap test so open the bypass & do an air purge if you have the instructions for that.
Final and most obscure problem could be a sheared key in the drive pulley but I am not sure if your mower has one.
When the key is sheared the mower will respond to light loads but the pulley will spin free on the shaft when the load gets heavier.
After sitting a while all of the oil is in the reseviour feeding the pump.
As soon as you start moving it gets distributed all over the place, level feeding the pump gets low & pump starts pumping air & you go nowhere.
Only other thing could be a bypass valve stuck slightly open but that will usually be a constant loss of power.
However it is a cheap test so open the bypass & do an air purge if you have the instructions for that.
Final and most obscure problem could be a sheared key in the drive pulley but I am not sure if your mower has one.
When the key is sheared the mower will respond to light loads but the pulley will spin free on the shaft when the load gets heavier.
#6
Boobala
Boobala
Don't know if this RECALL affects you but you may want to check it out ..... Boobala
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors Recalled by Hydro-Gear Due to Crash Hazard | CPSC.gov
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors Recalled by Hydro-Gear Due to Crash Hazard | CPSC.gov
#7
Ric
If its a sealed unit it's probably not going to have a reservoir. I'd almost bet if your going to try and change the fluid you'll end up pulling the whole unit out. I think I'd take the thing to the shop and let the professionals take care of the problem.
Ric
It really sounds like low oil.
After sitting a while all of the oil is in the reseviour feeding the pump.
As soon as you start moving it gets distributed all over the place, level feeding the pump gets low & pump starts pumping air & you go nowhere.
Only other thing could be a bypass valve stuck slightly open but that will usually be a constant loss of power.
However it is a cheap test so open the bypass & do an air purge if you have the instructions for that.
Final and most obscure problem could be a sheared key in the drive pulley but I am not sure if your mower has one.
When the key is sheared the mower will respond to light loads but the pulley will spin free on the shaft when the load gets heavier.
If its a sealed unit it's probably not going to have a reservoir. I'd almost bet if your going to try and change the fluid you'll end up pulling the whole unit out. I think I'd take the thing to the shop and let the professionals take care of the problem.
#8
L
logan01
Yeah, I changed my old JD sealed unit. Removed it all. Removed the vent plug, rolled it over and let it drain for an hour or so. Refilled through the vent with the recommended amount. Refilling took a while however there was a significant improvement on slopes and in reverse. It had been used and abused before I got it. Believe after my L120 the tranny got upgraded (K66) to one having a drain plug and reservoir. It's now used for my rough cut stuff.
If OP decides to do this, make sure the cooling fan is in good condition.
L
logan01
If its a sealed unit it's probably not going to have a reservoir. I'd almost bet if your going to try and change the fluid you'll end up pulling the whole unit out. I think I'd take the thing to the shop and let the professionals take care of the problem.
Yeah, I changed my old JD sealed unit. Removed it all. Removed the vent plug, rolled it over and let it drain for an hour or so. Refilled through the vent with the recommended amount. Refilling took a while however there was a significant improvement on slopes and in reverse. It had been used and abused before I got it. Believe after my L120 the tranny got upgraded (K66) to one having a drain plug and reservoir. It's now used for my rough cut stuff.
If OP decides to do this, make sure the cooling fan is in good condition.
#9
K
kingjames1
Yeah, I checked. Mine's a 2010. The recall is for 2011. Thanks.
K
kingjames1
Don't know if this RECALL affects you but you may want to check it out ..... Boobala
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors Recalled by Hydro-Gear Due to Crash Hazard | CPSC.gov
Yeah, I checked. Mine's a 2010. The recall is for 2011. Thanks.
#10
B
bertsmobile1
Sealed unsealed or supplied in a plain brown paper bag the pump still has to have a reseviour it pumps from otherwise it is pumping air.
Not all of them are external with a fill cap.
Only politicians believe "if you can not see it it does not exist"
B
bertsmobile1
If its a sealed unit it's probably not going to have a reservoir. I'd almost bet if your going to try and change the fluid you'll end up pulling the whole unit out. I think I'd take the thing to the shop and let the professionals take care of the problem.
Sealed unsealed or supplied in a plain brown paper bag the pump still has to have a reseviour it pumps from otherwise it is pumping air.
Not all of them are external with a fill cap.
Only politicians believe "if you can not see it it does not exist"
#11
K
kingjames1
This is what the Professional manual shows:
K
kingjames1
If its a sealed unit it's probably not going to have a reservoir. I'd almost bet if your going to try and change the fluid you'll end up pulling the whole unit out. I think I'd take the thing to the shop and let the professionals take care of the problem.
This is what the Professional manual shows:
#12
Ric
OK is there fluid in the tank when it's cold ? Should be like and inch.
Ric
OK is there fluid in the tank when it's cold ? Should be like and inch.
#13
K
kingjames1
It's about an inch from the top. hmmmmmm?
K
kingjames1
OK is there fluid in the tank when it's cold ? Should be like and inch.
It's about an inch from the top. hmmmmmm?
#14
K
kingjames1
Just took it for another ride. Didn't last 15 minutes. Had to get off and pull it up the slope. What it did do is feel like it was trying to engage but couldn't.
K
kingjames1
It's about an inch from the top. hmmmmmm?
Just took it for another ride. Didn't last 15 minutes. Had to get off and pull it up the slope. What it did do is feel like it was trying to engage but couldn't.
#15
L
logan01
L
logan01
Just looked at your pic. Yours is easy. Change the fluid and filter? and see what happens.
#16
K
kingjames1
Put 2 quarts in still not full. Do you know how many quarts it takes? I'm going to pick some up tomorrow.
The oil is black and had a hint of burnt smell to it.
K
kingjames1
Just looked at your pic. Yours is easy. Change the fluid and filter? and see what happens.
Put 2 quarts in still not full. Do you know how many quarts it takes? I'm going to pick some up tomorrow.
The oil is black and had a hint of burnt smell to it.
#17
L
logan01
If you'll find which model tranny it is you can find the capacity. Or if you post it I'll look it up (try) for you. For sure when changing the oil you will need to purge the air from the system or the oil will not move properly to operate the tranny. If that screen shot is from a downloaded manual, see if it gives the capacity, internal/external filter, and how to change the fluid. Not to upset you however keep in mind the tranny might be fried. I'd still do the fluid change and see what happens.
L
logan01
Put 2 quarts in still not full. Do you know how many quarts it takes? I'm going to pick some up tomorrow.
The oil is black and had a hint of burnt smell to it.
If you'll find which model tranny it is you can find the capacity. Or if you post it I'll look it up (try) for you. For sure when changing the oil you will need to purge the air from the system or the oil will not move properly to operate the tranny. If that screen shot is from a downloaded manual, see if it gives the capacity, internal/external filter, and how to change the fluid. Not to upset you however keep in mind the tranny might be fried. I'd still do the fluid change and see what happens.
#18
K
kingjames1
I'm already upset. A little over 4 years old. Like to know what could cause that. My wife mows about 2 acres; that's it. She doesn't beat on nothing. We were told this Cub could handle 3-5 acres. If that doesn't fix it that will be the first and last Cub I buy.
One site said 2 quarts another said 2.5 quarts. I'll get one more and purge it. We'll see what happens.
K
kingjames1
If you'll find which model tranny it is you can find the capacity. Or if you post it I'll look it up (try) for you. For sure when changing the oil you will need to purge the air from the system or the oil will not move properly to operate the tranny. If that screen shot is from a downloaded manual, see if it gives the capacity, internal/external filter, and how to change the fluid. Not to upset you however keep in mind the tranny might be fried. I'd still do the fluid change and see what happens.
I'm already upset. A little over 4 years old. Like to know what could cause that. My wife mows about 2 acres; that's it. She doesn't beat on nothing. We were told this Cub could handle 3-5 acres. If that doesn't fix it that will be the first and last Cub I buy.
One site said 2 quarts another said 2.5 quarts. I'll get one more and purge it. We'll see what happens.
#19
L
logan01
I'm assuming the added 2 quarts was due to you draining the old oil? Surely. Most reservoirs will have a cold fill line and a hot line. Depending on the view you have the cold line can be a little difficult to see but it will likely be between the bottom and the middle of the reservoir. I understand your frustration. I learned he hard way on my beater JD that the tranny (hydro types) is the "heart" of the mower. I got it used, it got slower and slower, almost worthless when I began researching. Heat is its bitter enemy. Mine was a royal pain due to it being a "sealed" tranny. The fluid change helped however the damage had been done by the previous owner's neglect / abuse. Hopefully yours is still good. If you get it squared away and the manual doesn't provide a service schedule for the tranny, I'd say every 2 mowing seasons would be good. My ZT has the first change at 70 hours and then every 400 hours afterward. I'm into my 3rd mowing season and just tripped 80 hours. That would equal 10 - 11 years roughly for 400 hours! that ain't happening for sure. I'm doing mine every 2 years. Cheap insurance. Big heat difference when mowing early spring with a high in the mid 60s as compared to near 100 in the summer.
L
logan01
I'm already upset. A little over 4 years old. Like to know what could cause that. My wife mows about 2 acres; that's it. She doesn't beat on nothing. We were told this Cub could handle 3-5 acres. If that doesn't fix it that will be the first and last Cub I buy.
One site said 2 quarts another said 2.5 quarts. I'll get one more and purge it. We'll see what happens.
I'm assuming the added 2 quarts was due to you draining the old oil? Surely. Most reservoirs will have a cold fill line and a hot line. Depending on the view you have the cold line can be a little difficult to see but it will likely be between the bottom and the middle of the reservoir. I understand your frustration. I learned he hard way on my beater JD that the tranny (hydro types) is the "heart" of the mower. I got it used, it got slower and slower, almost worthless when I began researching. Heat is its bitter enemy. Mine was a royal pain due to it being a "sealed" tranny. The fluid change helped however the damage had been done by the previous owner's neglect / abuse. Hopefully yours is still good. If you get it squared away and the manual doesn't provide a service schedule for the tranny, I'd say every 2 mowing seasons would be good. My ZT has the first change at 70 hours and then every 400 hours afterward. I'm into my 3rd mowing season and just tripped 80 hours. That would equal 10 - 11 years roughly for 400 hours! that ain't happening for sure. I'm doing mine every 2 years. Cheap insurance. Big heat difference when mowing early spring with a high in the mid 60s as compared to near 100 in the summer.
#20
L
logan01
L
logan01
Downloaded the manual after viewing your .pdf. That allowed me find the tranny manual. It appears as your manual states that the fluid will need to be siphoned out as best you can. No friggin' drain plug. Here's the tranny .pdf. One thought. Have you checked the bypass valve that the you manipulate so that it can free wheel? I'd work it in and out 2-3 times. You never know. http://www.hydro-gear.com/main/docs/service-repair-manuals/310-0510.pdf For future reference. On the next mower purchase (hopefully no time soon) try to get one with a drain plug, fill plug and outside filter (s). After I went through the same crap you're going through and learning how important good quality fluid is to a hyro-type tranny, that was my number one priority when I purchased my new one 3 years ago.
#21
K
kingjames1
Thanks. Next mower gets changed after 2 seasons regardless if the owners manual says, "Not serviceable." Even if I have to pull the tranny off like I did with this one. But I'll be looking for one with a drain plug for my next mower, maybe sooner than later.
My son lives in Oklahoma. 100 degree days on end plus monster tornadoes, huge hail, black widows, brown recluses, fire ants, etc. (He lives on Tornado Blvd.) Give me 9 feet of snow every year (our average). 100 degrees is rare up here.
I'll get back once I get more oil and try it out. Thanks again.
K
kingjames1
Downloaded the manual after viewing your .pdf. That allowed me find the tranny manual. It appears as your manual states that the fluid will need to be siphoned out as best you can. No friggin' drain plug. Here's the tranny .pdf. One thought. Have you checked the bypass valve that the you manipulate so that it can free wheel? I'd work it in and out 2-3 times. You never know. http://www.hydro-gear.com/main/docs/service-repair-manuals/310-0510.pdf For future reference. On the next mower purchase (hopefully no time soon) try to get one with a drain plug, fill plug and outside filter (s). After I went through the same crap you're going through and learning how important good quality fluid is to a hyro-type tranny, that was my number one priority when I purchased my new one 3 years ago.
Thanks. Next mower gets changed after 2 seasons regardless if the owners manual says, "Not serviceable." Even if I have to pull the tranny off like I did with this one. But I'll be looking for one with a drain plug for my next mower, maybe sooner than later.
My son lives in Oklahoma. 100 degree days on end plus monster tornadoes, huge hail, black widows, brown recluses, fire ants, etc. (He lives on Tornado Blvd.) Give me 9 feet of snow every year (our average). 100 degrees is rare up here.
I'll get back once I get more oil and try it out. Thanks again.
#22
Ric
You may have a chore to find a serviceable unit in a lawn Tractor. Even the EZT Transmissions are not serviceable in the ZT. You have to go to at least the 2800 to get a unit you can service and filter you can change. Hydro gear says it's a sealed unit and you should never have to service it for the life of the unit. I hope I'm wrong and changing oil helps your problem but If you dumped out 2 quarts of oil from the unit I doubt changing it will help the problem.
Ric
Thanks. Next mower gets changed after 2 seasons regardless if the owners manual says, "Not serviceable." Even if I have to pull the tranny off like I did with this one. But I'll be looking for one with a drain plug for my next mower, maybe sooner than later.
My son lives in Oklahoma. 100 degree days on end plus monster tornadoes, huge hail, black widows, brown recluses, fire ants, etc. (He lives on Tornado Blvd.) Give me 9 feet of snow every year (our average). 100 degrees is rare up here.
I'll get back once I get more oil and try it out. Thanks again.
You may have a chore to find a serviceable unit in a lawn Tractor. Even the EZT Transmissions are not serviceable in the ZT. You have to go to at least the 2800 to get a unit you can service and filter you can change. Hydro gear says it's a sealed unit and you should never have to service it for the life of the unit. I hope I'm wrong and changing oil helps your problem but If you dumped out 2 quarts of oil from the unit I doubt changing it will help the problem.
#23
L
logan01
L
logan01
Just an FYI. I noticed the next tranny up (0710 model) has a drain plug. You might consider (if the tranny is good) seeing if that section of the housing of the tranny is interchangeable with yours or, as I have seen some folks do on other sealed units, drill and tap the bottom for a drain plug. Your son's location In Ok is similar to mine. I'll risk the twisters (easy to say at the moment) over the snow.:smile:
#24
K
kingjames1
Well, that solved nothing. Looks like we're off to spend another 2000-3000. Great. Thanks for everyone's help.
K
kingjames1
You may have a chore to find a serviceable unit in a lawn Tractor. Even the EZT Transmissions are not serviceable in the ZT. You have to go to at least the 2800 to get a unit you can service and filter you can change. Hydro gear says it's a sealed unit and you should never have to service it for the life of the unit. I hope I'm wrong and changing oil helps your problem but If you dumped out 2 quarts of oil from the unit I doubt changing it will help the problem.
Well, that solved nothing. Looks like we're off to spend another 2000-3000. Great. Thanks for everyone's help.
#25
L
logan01
L
logan01
Hope you find you a good one. My mower has the Hydro Gear 3100 and it seem excellent. It's near twin is the 2800. I have no idea if these come on non-zero turn mowers. If you get a "normal" mower, I would see if any come with one of these trannys. Keep us posted on what you decide. Good luck.
#26
Ric
This is just a suggestion but you may want to check and buy another mower like yours on craigslist and that someone maybe selling cheap because they lost an engine and pick it up and use the drive unit to replace yours, you could end up spending less than a couple of hundred. The mowers you'll be looking at in the price range you posted will be the same type drive units and the EZT tranny's in the lower end ZTR mowers will be much or basically the same type unit (meaning sealed unit) You could also check with some of the dealerships around and maybe pick up a used drive unit cheap.
Ric
Well, that solved nothing. Looks like we're off to spend another 2000-3000. Great. Thanks for everyone's help.
This is just a suggestion but you may want to check and buy another mower like yours on craigslist and that someone maybe selling cheap because they lost an engine and pick it up and use the drive unit to replace yours, you could end up spending less than a couple of hundred. The mowers you'll be looking at in the price range you posted will be the same type drive units and the EZT tranny's in the lower end ZTR mowers will be much or basically the same type unit (meaning sealed unit) You could also check with some of the dealerships around and maybe pick up a used drive unit cheap.
#27
K
kingjames1
Looking at a mower with a Tuff Torq tranny. Anyone know anything about these? The dealer said it was a heavy duty tranny.
K
kingjames1
Hope you find you a good one. My mower has the Hydro Gear 3100 and it seem excellent. It's near twin is the 2800. I have no idea if these come on non-zero turn mowers. If you get a "normal" mower, I would see if any come with one of these trannys. Keep us posted on what you decide. Good luck.
Looking at a mower with a Tuff Torq tranny. Anyone know anything about these? The dealer said it was a heavy duty tranny.
#28
K
kingjames1
I could buy a new tranny for 600 but will it last. My old John Deere went 7 years mowing grass and pushing 9 feet of snow before it gave up the ghost. All I want to do is cut grass now. I have a plow on my 4x4 SUV. I shouldn't have to spend an arm and a leg to just cut grass (2000-3000 is an arm though). I will be contacting Hydro Gear and Cub Cadet this week. I'll let you know what they said.
K
kingjames1
This is just a suggestion but you may want to check and buy another mower like yours on craigslist and that someone maybe selling cheap because they lost an engine and pick it up and use the drive unit to replace yours, you could end up spending less than a couple of hundred. The mowers you'll be looking at in the price range you posted will be the same type drive units and the EZT tranny's in the lower end ZTR mowers will be much or basically the same type unit (meaning sealed unit) You could also check with some of the dealerships around and maybe pick up a used drive unit cheap.
I could buy a new tranny for 600 but will it last. My old John Deere went 7 years mowing grass and pushing 9 feet of snow before it gave up the ghost. All I want to do is cut grass now. I have a plow on my 4x4 SUV. I shouldn't have to spend an arm and a leg to just cut grass (2000-3000 is an arm though). I will be contacting Hydro Gear and Cub Cadet this week. I'll let you know what they said.
#29
L
logan01
L
logan01
As long as you go with the tuff torq k66 or later tranny you should be ok. These should have both an external reservoir, fill plug, and drain plug. When you go shopping and it's tuff torq, make sure they show you that the tranny has those features. No matter who says what, you want to change that fluid (in an easy manner, at least every other year unless you just mow 27/7 which would make it more often. Believe most are recommended 20w50 and I use fully synthetic. That's just me.Looking at a mower with a Tuff Torq tranny. Anyone know anything about these? The dealer said it was a heavy duty tranny.
#30
Ric
Changing the oil in drives depends on how much you're using the machine. You should change according to the manufacturer and hours on the machine and they all don't call for synthetic or 20w50 they use various viscosity oils. Depending on the type of oil you use the hours or intervals between changes can change drastically. I would do what the manufacturer says to do and change oil if it needs or is supposed to be changed and do it at the recommend interval and do it with the oil they recommend. I know that the drives I have and am running at this moment call for one of two different types of oil and both have different changing intervals and one is conventional 20w50 the others are different.
Ric
As long as you go with the tuff torq k66 or later tranny you should be ok. These should have both an external reservoir, fill plug, and drain plug. When you go shopping and it's tuff torq, make sure they show you that the tranny has those features. No matter who says what, you want to change that fluid (in an easy manner, at least every other year unless you just mow 27/7 which would make it more often. Believe most are recommended 20w50 and I use fully synthetic. That's just me.
Changing the oil in drives depends on how much you're using the machine. You should change according to the manufacturer and hours on the machine and they all don't call for synthetic or 20w50 they use various viscosity oils. Depending on the type of oil you use the hours or intervals between changes can change drastically. I would do what the manufacturer says to do and change oil if it needs or is supposed to be changed and do it at the recommend interval and do it with the oil they recommend. I know that the drives I have and am running at this moment call for one of two different types of oil and both have different changing intervals and one is conventional 20w50 the others are different.
#31
K
kingjames1
OK, Cub Cadet offered to tell me where a service dealer is. I told him I know where 4 are. I asked him why something like that would go after 4 years but he had no suggestions. Same thing with Hydro Gear. I also asked them what they thought could have caused that and they said to take it to a dealer. Great help. We are going to try a Husqvarna with a Tuff Torq. It doesn't have an external filter but I'm going to change the oil as soon as it is off warranty and every other year after that. I'll probably rebuild the Cub tranny. it's still in great shape. It'll be my backup mower.
K
kingjames1
I could buy a new tranny for 600 but will it last. My old John Deere went 7 years mowing grass and pushing 9 feet of snow before it gave up the ghost. All I want to do is cut grass now. I have a plow on my 4x4 SUV. I shouldn't have to spend an arm and a leg to just cut grass (2000-3000 is an arm though). I will be contacting Hydro Gear and Cub Cadet this week. I'll let you know what they said.
OK, Cub Cadet offered to tell me where a service dealer is. I told him I know where 4 are. I asked him why something like that would go after 4 years but he had no suggestions. Same thing with Hydro Gear. I also asked them what they thought could have caused that and they said to take it to a dealer. Great help. We are going to try a Husqvarna with a Tuff Torq. It doesn't have an external filter but I'm going to change the oil as soon as it is off warranty and every other year after that. I'll probably rebuild the Cub tranny. it's still in great shape. It'll be my backup mower.