Hi everyone! I have a 2010 Cub Cadet SLTX 1054 VT garden tractor that is having transmission issues. It was fine until I put chains and a snow plow on it this past winter and tried pushing A LARGE pile of snow in -13 degree mind numbing cold. Ever since the trans has been 'whinny' and the tractor will move, but when I encounter any kind of resistance it won't go.
I am told this hydrostatic transmission is sealed and not serviceable. I work on all my own vehicles, have rebuilt motorcycle transmissions but hydrostatic is new to me. I am willing to attempt to repair it myself if I can get some feedback on what the issue may be. The shop I called wanted $2,000 to replace the transmission. I would rather drive it into my pond and buy another tractor than spend $2,000 to fix this one. So my questions are:
1) Anyone think they may know what failed in the trans? I am thinking an o-ring or gasket allowing oil to flow where it is not supposed to when I put a load on it.
2) Can this trans be serviced?
3) If so, where can I get parts?
Thanks in advance to y'all! My grass be gettin tall!!!
So I took Tuesday off work and removed the transaxle. I drained the oil which was black, then found some metal fragments in the oil. At that point I decided to pull the trans apart. I inspected every componenet, every gear, every piston, swashplate, you name it. All look very good except the 2 pins that hold the 2 small planetary gears in place, they were rough on the ends but ok where the gear rides on them. I spent several hours with magnafying glasses inspecting every part of this thing and found nothing that was contrary to normal according to the service manual. The fragments were magnetic so I am pretty sure that they were not off of the case or pump body.
I cleaned everything up, put back together and filled it up with 20w-50, went through the purge procedure and it does the same thing as before.
Even though it seems to be not slipping, I ordered a new OEM drive belt and will replace that over the weekend.
Can anyone tell me the best (cheapest) place to buy a new transaxle assembly for my lawn mower? After doing everything I can think of it's looking like I need to replace the whole thing.
Can anyone tell me the best (cheapest) place to buy a new transaxle assembly for my lawn mower? After doing everything I can think of it's looking like I need to replace the whole thing.
First check your warranty and also is there a possibility you purchased an extended warranty on date of tractor purchase or after date of purchase, sometimes they will offer this just before warranty runs out. If you're not sure log on to there website or give them a call. It's most important to register online with manufacturer the date you purchase outdoor power equipment so you'll be covered.
Received the transmission yesterday from Cub Cadet, installed it and the tractor is working like new.
Obviously pushing snow with a plow is not good for lawn mowers even if they say they can handle it. I was watching TV last night and saw a Cub Cadet commercial, the dude had the same plow on the same lawn mower as me and he was pushing a pile of rocks. Yeah, right...false advertising.
There must be a problem with them. I went thru the same steps that you told about. Mine still slips badly in forward and no reverse at all. I guess you heard of the recall on transaxles with serial # 0333-0348 (first four digits) mine did not fall into that group either. How did you contact Cub Cadet? The Dealer I got mine thru just blew me off about any help. He told me for $800 bucks plus labor, he would put one in for me. No thanks Mr Oz in Spartanburg, SC.
DW, yeah I knew about the recall, however mine wasn't included (figures). I contacted Cub Cadet at (877)428-2349 and explained the situation. They were pretty helpful (they always are when you're spending more money).
The main thing is I got my mower fixed so the wife can mow the lawn!
My Cub Cadet SLTX1054VT, Model#13VR92AK009 manufactured with the "Hydro-Gear 0510" hydrostatic transmission. (part#918-04270B). At 74 hours it was overheating and would stall, no forward motion, no reverse motion. I would shut it down, let it cool over a few beers and then start up and finish my lawn. (about 1.75acres). This began to be a bothersome issue. After contacting Cub Cadet and being directed to MTD, I was told I needed to replace my transmission. I exclaimed "AT ONLY 74 HOURS!!!!" Give me a break. After several discussions, they finally agreed to replace it for free, including installation. I am now up to 84 hours and the new transmission (new?) is doing the same thing. Unbelievable. I was given a new case number and I have to take my tractor back to the service facility to once again be evaluated. I just do not get it. Something this expensive should not be failing after so few hours. Is anyone else having this issue?
#17
BlazNT
Did you get a new drive belt? It needs to be OEM because MTD likes to make their belts just different enough that it really does matter.
