ZTrak 540M

[Jdzt]

I've been running John Deere tractor model mowers for near 40 years and never had a problem with the hydrostatic transmissions. Bought a ZTrak in 2016 and the left side transaxle unit has failed...it just won't engage (?). I'm irritated that 1) the driving unit failed in the 5th year and that 2) it looks like a new trans unit will run $1000+, based on a couple of Ebay prices...which is not surprising since JD is typically very proud of their parts.

Two questions: 1) Is this failure an atypical occurrence and 2) is there any source for JD parts/components that don't have the JD price tag?

TIA...

 

[StarTech]

First you need the Tuff Torq model and serial numbers off the transaxle. IF you have the 787Q0824060 then yes it around $916 retail. There is also a Center section rebuild kit for the unit for about 1/3 of the complete transaxle.

So just which TT do you have?

 

[Jdzt]

First you need the Tuff Torq model and serial numbers off the transaxle. IF you have the 787Q0824060 then yes it around $916 retail. There is also a Center section rebuild kit for the unit for about 1/3 of the complete transaxle.

So just which TT do you have?

Thanks...I'm guessing I'll have to remove the unit to be able to find/see a number but if I can get a unit from the JD store for that price, I'll be surprised. Just guessing from the symptoms, the problem is in the drive section and not the pump. Engaging the unit generates an ugly sound and some vibration as if a gear is slipping. And when the rear is jacked up, the wheel will spin with the "disengage" lever engaged.

I'll remove the unit this morning and get back to you...

 

[StarTech]

The model and serial is on the axle side of the unit facing rearward. Hopefully it not what I have ran into with the Z625A that had a bearing failure which send metal everywhere.

 

[Jdzt]

First you need the Tuff Torq model and serial numbers off the transaxle. IF you have the 787Q0824060 then yes it around $916 retail. There is also a Center section rebuild kit for the unit for about 1/3 of the complete transaxle.

So just which TT do you have?

787Q0824001...that close enough?

 

[Jdzt]

This link shows a 4001 for $790...

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[StarTech]

If they still have it great as my distributor says it been superseded to 787Q0824060 but that price is still workable even through the list is 915.68.

 

[Jdzt]

If they still have it great as my distributor says it been superseded to 787Q0824060 but that price is still workable even through the list is 915.68.

So, a 4060 is a 4001 with some design changes and the 4001 is no longer manufactured but a 4001 laying around somewhere will obviously work?

Maybe the 4001 failed after 5 years because of a bad design and I should just get the 4060...

Thanks...

 

[Jdzt]

I decided to buy local...$960 + tax. I guess Mulligan knows what he has but I saw so many numbers, I didn't want to risk getting the wrong unit. But, I'm going to open up the old one and try to figure out what's wrong and maybe rebuild it with the kit.

 

[mmoffitt]

JD PRICES are STRONG on EVERYTHING!