JP- Yes, Thank you. My old Craftsman LT100 trans-axle died, bought a new/used one on eBay. Decided to change the fluid. I found a Hydr-Gear manual on line. The purge process they described was very "short" compared to what was needed. It had suggested forward to reverse 5-6 times with bypass valve opened, then closed. After that procedure, refilled the fluid all the way, but when I took it for a test drive it had very poor forward power and only at the limit of the throttle, and it had no reverse. I thought the unit was just bad. After sleeping on it and another RU-vid search I found your video post and did a prolonged purge, then drove it for 10-15 minutes with frequent forward and reverse, with gradual gain in power. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Experiencing the same issue. Found the oil low and topped it up. Thought the free-wheel might be somehow disengaged... similar to your conclusion. But seems from your video that I too may just need to spend more time on the purging process you've described. For whatever reason, maybe some units end up with air stubbornly trapped in the system and more time is needed to get it out. I'll resume my purging process! Thank you for posting this :)
JP - Thank you for posting this video. I had the same frustrating situation with my Craftsman mower after changing the transaxle oil. It took me about 40 minutes of forward/reverse transmission command before it finally started to move the wheels. I would have given up if I did not see your video. Thank you for posting! Ken
so, i lost drive in my lt1000 about a month ago....followed manufacturer purge procedure.... but hydro trans would not transfer drive to axles.....my dumb @$$ decided to do a complete teardown, clean and rebuild (using only existing parts), then purge procedure again.....to no avail.... Today, i saw this video popped up in recommended watch.....decided to give' er one last chance to get 'er sht together before using as scrap steel....and holy sht.....she's alive...lol....your my hero......
Yes sir, same here. Im purging mine for the second time… several years apart. Every video i watch literally takes them 5 minutes. I have to work on mine close to an hour. Zero turn. Thank you for letting me know I wasn’t the only one
Currently having purging issues with my friend's Husqvarna. I didn't think it would take 30 minutes to purge. Now I'm encouraged not to give up. Thanks for sharing.
A more experienced mechanic posted a response not long ago and shared that the purge procedure needed to be performed with the engine on low RPM. I looked for the response to reference but could find. Good luck!
Just could not bleed the air out of the gearbox on my Countax 20/50HE. Searched RU-vid and found nothing helpful until I came across your video. Decided to try one last time before taking the mower to my local Countax Service Centre. After 40 minutes pressing the forward pedal with both rear wheels off the ground they finally started turning. Thank you for posting the video.
Hi JP...Yes Sir...There are thousands of these out there. They can act differently from one to the next. Anytime a person runs across something weird like this always post it...many people could be helped...Thanks
I've had the same problem with a cub cadet 1525 mower it wouldn't move then by working the lever back and forth it took hold and started to move there's no place to check the fluid on the transmission
I have a crafsman ( MTD) mower. About 2 years old. I suddenly started loosing power forward and reverse. Tipped off the fluid with no powee improvement. We have steep terrain property. Thought i might have a loss of prime on the pump. I try your purge recommendations. See it that helps.
Im having a similar issue with my little john deere except my problem isnt that the wheels arent turning, its that I cant get enough fluid it in, manual states 1.1L I have gotten 1/2L in and its filled to the brim, I was able to take out 3/4 of a liter from my last time I changed the oil (im changing it to john deeres oil instead of engine oil) I had the same problem when i first changed it where I got a lot out but wasnt able to put enough in, Ive been running it through the motion for half an hour and the wheels and everything turn fine but I really dont want to run it with half the fluid its supposed to take
Hi Andrew, I purged air for about 15 minutes and then took the tractor off the jack stands. Once on the ground it moved slowly at first but more air must have been purged and shortly thereafter it returned to normal speed.
