JD mower transmission

[KM2]

Considering buying a project mower that runs but has transmission problems. I can get it for 1/3 of the price of a fully functioning mower.

It's a mid nineties John Deere with a hydro transmission. I'm hoping it's just a belt of something.... So I'm wondering if the tranny is bad is it rebuildable for a few hundred bucks or not worth the effort? Is it a DIY project?

Thanks

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: JD mower transmission

i did a craftsman hydro not sure if they are the same.the pump in it was rather costly but simple to do .

 

[KM2]

Re: JD mower transmission

John Deere isn't know for cheap parts, so I'm very hesitant to pull the trigger on the purchase.

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: JD mower transmission

what size is it??

 

[JB]

Re: JD mower transmission

Hydrostatic transmissions, if that is what it has, are very simple in concept. They are a variable speed/torque, reversible hydraulic motor driven by an engine-driven hydraulic pump.

In execution they are not simple. Most common problem is loss of fluid, next is clogging of the filter that keeps the fluid clean. Either of those is a piece of cake to fix.

Many Hydrostatic "transmissions" are in tandem with a three speed conventional transmission.

You need to find out and tell us what symptoms the tractor/mower is showing.

I bought a Simplicity hydrostatic tractor/mower back in the late 70s for $100 because it had "transmission trouble". Changed the filter, purged the hydro system, refilled it and used her for 4 years, then sold for $1500.

 

[Mike722]

Re: JD mower transmission

If you have the model number of lawn mower, I can answer it a little better. However, most of the 90's JD mowers do not have rebuildable parts from JD. You purchase the whole unit, sometimes axles and all.

A couple of the models had bad pulleys at the transmission that would strip out. Again, depending on the model it could be a belt.

Knowing exactly what the transmission problem is might help.

 

[KM2]

Re: JD mower transmission

It's a 1991 F525 model mower. It's one on those deck in front mowers.

It don't know very much because I have only looked at it once. It doesn't move when you put it in forward or reverse.

 

[Mike722]

Re: JD mower transmission

The F525 was an excellant mower, however, the engine and transmission are one unit. The engine oil and transmission oil are the same. They are very expensive to fix.

JD quit making them a number of years ago. There is no belt for the transmission.

Two easy possible causes are the free wheeling valve is stuck down. The owner moved it using the valve and then it would not go or moves slower than normal. Valve is stuck and oil is by-passing the trans. The second is the pedals linkage has come undone. This should have resulted in the forward pedal going down to the foot rest.

The transmission does have a filter, but I have never see one with a plugged filter. The filter is not an easy change. It is a metal mesh screen inside the hydro pump.

If none of the above are wrong then it could be expensive. The last ones we sold, used and working were around $1000-1500. One that is not working is not worth much.

 

[KM2]

Re: JD mower transmission

Thanks Mike, I was looking at spending $400-500. My dilema is I need a mower at my lake place for the rest of the season, so I can't take the winter to get it running. I'll let you know what I decide and if I get it running.

Kevin