Transaxle drain/refill

[hansbrakob]

I have a Craftsman tractor (917.251561) with a Hydro Gear transaxle 218-3030, pump BU-10L-122. It's an oldie, but in great shape.

It runs great all summer long, but in fall (cold temps) the transaxle bogs down and will not move the tractor. I suspect the old oil gets stiff and needs to be refreshed. Next spring in warm weather it runs great all summer.

How do I drain this transaxle, and then where do I refill it. The craftsman parts diagrams are very detailed, but no way to drain/refill is obvious.

 

[bertsmobile1]

As far as Craftsman is concerned the tranny is a sealed non servicable item.
Go to the Hydro Gear web site for service instructions for your tranny

 

[hansbrakob]

As far as Craftsman is concerned the tranny is a sealed non servicable item.
Go to the Hydro Gear web site for service instructions for your tranny

My Sears owners manual says nothing about non servicable, and gives two pages of exploded parts drawings, part numbers, etc. It's certainly not "sealed". I'm pretty sure that I can drain it by removing the filter, but trying to find a place to refill.

Anyone done this?????

 

[tom3]

Should be a vent on the top that you can pull out and refill. I'd stick a wire (use as a dipstick) down in there first to see what the level is.