Lawn tractor project

[radar750]

I was given a Sears Lawn tractor that runs great, and looks in good shape except for one thing,the rear wheel/axle is broken completely off.Would any body have a experience with this? The tractor is a 15.5 hp 42 hydro. Mod#917258534 <br />Ser# 060597C002213. I think it is made by MTD?<br />I checked the easy stuff, a new complete transaxle from sears is $650.00 thats out of the question. I was thinking I could make it a winter project out of it,bring it in the celler rip it apart and just replace the axle. If anyone has ran into this any help would be greatfull. Thanks Paul

 

[jimr]

Re: Lawn tractor project

check on ebay or locally for a doner. you can look up parts on sears website too. where is the axle broken you might be able to get it welded back together

 

[norman158]

Re: Lawn tractor project

chances are that is a Hydro Gear transaxle. there not to bad to work on. seals and the axle assy will run you around $150.00 i would also change the filter while you are in there most H\G hydros use 2 quarts of 20\50 motor oil

 

[Formula1974]

Re: Lawn tractor project

I have an 80 mtd that has been sitting in the yard for over 10 years a year ago I pulled it in the garage and was going to replace the tires and belts and try to get it running again and when I tried knocking the back wheel loose after taking lugs off I knocked the whole axel out. I pulled it off the machine in maybe 30 minutes had it apart (really simple rear end) and put a new clip on the axel and regreased everything and had it back together in another 30 minutes. look in your yellow pages for a really small lawn mower repair shop they seem to care more for the customer when ordering parts and get your parts there. I called the big place for a steering plate for mine and they almost laughed at me when I told them who old.

 

[radar750]

Re: Lawn tractor project

Thanks for the info. I pulled the rear end out and found the transaxle case is broken at the axle mounts and has some very large cracks so repair is out. I did find some complete rebuilt transaxles on ebay for 135-150 bucks but we cant seem to match part #s. The pictures look like what I need but I want to be sure. I am off to try to look through the junk piles of repair shops, maybe I can find a complete tractor with a blown motor.

 

[hack_62863]

Re: Lawn tractor project

any dealer that repairs mtd should be able to get the axle housing