A consistent hydraulic oil change at the intervals recommended by your manufacturer must be completed to keep your lawn mower transmission system running at its best. Check out my guide at Common Zero Turn Mower Problems: How to Fix Them. I would first look for a stuck brake linkage on the noisy side. Either the manufacturing bots are tightening the bolts too much or they are not lubricated enough. 84Lion Well-Known Member. If your mower has a control lever, it should . After going through several customers and reviewers, it seems that these mowers have a real issue with their hydraulic transmission. A loose HST can get in a bind and squeal. When a machine only goes inone direction, or is slower onone side, I look at the transmission system on the side that is slow or non-functional. Check the oil level and add oil if needed. The idler spring places tension on the drive belt. When you operate your lawn mower with bad hydraulic fluid or low fluid, the oil is not able to efficiently lubricate the hydraulic system causing increased friction and overheating of the hydraulic fluid. I have an older Kubota product. Push the pins to release the pressure from your wheels. Most manufacturers have a break-in period on the hydraulic system. But you can solve them either by yourself or by taking the help of your seller. It had a 28 hp engine, a mower deck of 60 / 72 inches, and hydrostatic transmission. Inspect it for damage to the pump cooling fins with a rag, brush, or compressed air. Failure of any one of these components will prevent the lawnmower from moving. Thanks for the advice. Hydraulic Quick Connectors. And manually switch gears but have no movement in any gear. Some complained that the fluid was blowing out through the vents and filler cup. Aug 20, 2022 / Engine runs but zero turn will not move forward or backward. Thanks. good luck. The tensioner pulleys bearing might fail. If your tractor has sync-shuttle I hope the syncronizers aren't worn out and require replacement similar to a M4900 that I once owned. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, Changing Hydraulic Fluid in your Exmark Zero Turn. If the belt is already on, it may even be immovable. In this guide you will find a list of causes and solutions for problems including zero-turn dying, smoking, vibrating, not starting, having cutting issues, and more. Then, disengage the brakes. Put the control levers in neutral (N). I mean it was just delivered yesterday, and I cant even mow my darned yard now ! Check your pulley and replace it if necessary. Occurrence in 2018: Kubota recalled their all zero turn mower Z400 and Z700 series diesel-powered models from 2017 to 2018. Note: some entry-level zero turns will have non-serviceable transmissions which mean the hydraulic systems are sealed and you are not able to change your hydraulic fluid. Any thoughts on the problem would be greatly appreciated. Good luck. These modern tractors and zero-turn mowers employ hydrostatic transmissions to transfer power from the engine to hydraulic pumps, which use liquid pressure to drive the wheels. Manual Brake. Return the levers to their neutral positions and continue the cycle three times further. While some zero-turn mowers are built with stronger materials, bigger filters, better engines, and tougher spindle housings, they are all going to break down and cause problems at some time. So before you fear the worst, cover all the basics. Inspect the hoses and connections for damage or signs of leaks. Kubota Dash Lights and Symbols. It sounds to me like the adjustments you have made was with the handle bars themselves and not the adjusting rods that connect to your hydro. It did not. Running the transmission with old or low hydraulic oil can cause your lawn mower not to move or seem very weak while running. Mar 3, 2014. Slowly reverse for a distance of roughly the same afterward. The personality types of compact tractor shoppers. The manual is available online at http://www.hammerwall.com/Download_Manua little bit of an odd site, but it works :-), Checked belt, it's not broken, what else can it be, Aug 10, 2016 by To read more about items that can result in your mower stopping while mowing and how to fix them read my article Reason Your Mower Stopped While Mowing. So, the customers are satisfied. It's a cog-wheel type brake on the EZT (which I am assuming is what you have). Hydraulic fluid is passed through either high-pressure rubber or metal hoses; a leak from the hoses or any of the other components will also stop the hydrostatic transmission from working. Now you are ready to start. Hot hydraulic fluid can also result in more extensive damage. After positioning the lawnmower to drain properly -- typically this means on a perfectly flat, level surface -- remove the drain plug and allow the machine to stand for several days until every last vestige of the old oil has dripped out. Eventually, the radiator issue leads to certain other complications. The operational condition of the drive release lever is mandatory. Return the levers to their neutral positions and continue the cycle three times further. Adjust the speed by either: Turning the adjustment bolt clockwise- this will decrease the steering lever travel. Because the article is all about the problems and solutions to these problems. 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. We occasionally have Z-turns brought in toour service department at MT&T for no movement Lets take a few minutes and discuss the system and the probable issues. $29.99. How do you fix a stuck gas gauge? Zero turn hydrostatic transmission problems can start with air in the system, a condition known as cavitation. It's a great zero turn mower to step up from your lawn tractor. But no luck. Now as I was "Cheating" on another tractor site, I only belong to this one, To limit gear train binding in 4WD it's important that F/R tires are the correct diameter. The problem was the belt came off, probably the spring. NOTE: If your mower or tractor has a transmission that must be removed for service, be sure to purge after it is serviced and before you use it. Position the mower on jack standsat the back, set the parking brake, and put that on level ground. At that time it would not go forward either. Like other machines, they have issues too. In the transmission section of your operators manual, youll find a section that covers oil viscosity. The drive system of any basic residential or commercial zero turn lawn mower consists of 2 separate transmission systems and a single belt system that drives both of them. 2023 TractorByNet.com | TractorByNet is a registered trademark of IMC Digital Universe, Inc. Other trademarks on this page are the property of their respective owners. By far, the most common reason for hydrostatic transmission failure is old hydraulic fluid. This helps to clear the hydraulic system of the air. Kubota zero turn mower being turned on sometimes or not turning on at all are the common starting problems. my 2011 cub cadet zero turn wont move on one side when disengaging break. Mowing is one of those chores that is enjoyable at the beginning of the season, but the fun tends to wear off the further you get into the season. oldturkey03, Preston Ray . Added some dielectric grease to the female plug. A zero-turn mower may not move forward or reverse due to a bad drive belt, tensioner pulley, or tensioner spring. The Kubota Z122R is equipped with a 0.7 L V-twin gasoline engine and hydrostatic transmission with infinite forward and reverse gears. I attached an image of the instructions and the belt routing. First, check your tires for equal pressure. My Kubota L35 will not go forward, or into reverse and there is no steering. Your system has now been purged of air, and your zero-turn mower is ready to go. . The brake is either full on or full off on these. Jun 3, 2018 by If you want to go forward, you push the pedal forward; conversely, you push it back to go backward. Here are some basic troubleshooting tips to fix your hydrostatic transmission lawn tractor problem fast! Jesse Hubbart same mower same setup? Position the motion control levers in neutral (N) and disengage clutch/brake pedal. I noticed that the pully and fans stop moving on the transmission when trying to go forward. Branson tractors vs. New Holland tractors, how you can keep your personal property safe. Check the grounding wire on the fuel gauge. Similarly, with zero turn lawn mowers, you are supposed to witness hydrostatic transmission problems every now and then, which luckily can be fixed if some tips are followed! Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Step Four: After five seconds in the forward position, pull the throttle into reverse and hold for another five seconds. When the handle bars are moved from the park position while the key is on the actuator should make one revolution. A hydrostatic lawn mower may not move because of a bad drive belt; bad tensioner pulley; broken tensioner spring; old or low hydraulic fluid; hot hydraulic fluid; air in the hydraulic system; or the drive release handles being in the released position. Well I just received a call from the wife. This was the only site with a logical and usable explanation for the problem. oldturkey03. Check on the side of the tire for the max PSI, and then compare it with your tire's PSI. So, there shouldnt be any choice of being concerned. Here are the steps: Determine the way your mower turns (left/right). Check the oil and top off if necessary. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Look for a broken belt, a spring or abelt tension issue. THey are the same tires that came on it. The deck belt does not make the mower move, the transmission belt does that job. May 18, 2018. Sold by Autopartsusa and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Only shaft moving is the constant one from the flywheel. @drunkfarmer88, I have the same problem, under seat i not sure where the tensioner spring hooks to? Some things are beyond DIY. Hydrostatic transmissions are common on ride-on lawn care equipment. Continue to adjust the neutral control until the riding mower stays still in neutral. I was mowing and starting to go in reverse and it would not go. Even if everything is working perfectly fine, you may need to level up a little bit. BUT,over the years I have diagnosed and repairedissues as simple as. The manual talks about an adjustment, however I believe that I have the left handle adjusted to go as far forward as it will go. Hauling the loads, the Sidekick has a 40.5 x 57.5 x 11.4 (LxWxH) bed and can carry up to 1,000 lbs. You'll see a shaft going through the box located on the top left, and looking from the back, the shaft moves the shifter inside. This purges any air from the hydraulic transmission system. Over the years I havewitnessed that the right hand transmission is usually the issue. Set the controlling levers inside the neutral position (N). Another common complaint noted by the customers is the overheating issue. I took linkage control cover off and manually start machine. What Kind of Oil Does a Hydro Drive Mower Take? However, that doesnt mean that they are 100% perfect. . Here are the steps: 1. oldturkey03 He thought that there is something consuming more power than it should be. The rear wheels are bolted to these transmissions andcontrol forward-reverse and stopping. Note that, while temperature affects viscosity, the right oil has enough range to operate in any reasonable weather. Jesse Hubbart. The delivery person rolls the tractor off of the delivery vehicle and then fails to deactivate these bypass valves. How are you supposed to get the mowing done when your zero turn stops driving forward? You can visit your local dealership that provides repair support for your brand mower. I'm new to the forum and could use some advice. Thank you. You can modify the speed by following any one of the below-mentioned points -. After changing the hydraulic fluid, you must bleed the air out of the system. A worn drive belt that is too loose on the trans. Ships from and sold by HD Switch. Does not do it all the time. also the puller key..! Hydrostatic drives have no clutch and offer infinite speed variations. Sounds like an internal trans problem,but first,all of the external diagnostic checks need to be performed.Check fluid level,scan for diagnostic trouble codes,look at clutch volume indexes in the data stream,and also look at the input and output speed sensors to make sure they are functioning,as well as the command gear from the computer,and the PRNDL switch.The . Pulled the tab/levers to "push" mode so I could push it a bit to see if there was something. Im going to try and fix my Troy-Bilt 52 tomorrow. If your system is purged and you still have a problem, its time to do a little basic troubleshooting. Sometimes your mower might pull to one side due to uneventire pressure. To read more about items that can result in your zero-turn stopping while mowing and how to fix them read my article Zero Turn Quits When Hot. Push the motion-based levers all the way forward and maintain them there for five seconds. Plz. Compared to Hustler, Kawasaki, or John Deere, it is much more durable and reliable. The 2 most common issues I see are " It only goes in 1 direction" OR "it won . Turned off and inspected to see if somehow I'd got stuck on something. That said, there are a number of ways in which they can fail. Look for bubbles, foaming or a seemingly increasing fluid level as it gets hot. Quick Tip #11. The RTZ series use Hydrogear EZT transaxles where Z-Forces use Hydrogear ZT-2800 transaxles. 1. Replace a pulley that is worn or has a bad bearing. This can be caused by several variables within the fuel system itself, but it can also be caused by an airflow issue. 1 - 8 or E - The Power shift ratio selected . tried unlocking with the rear leavers but still locked with the key on or off. While mowing, forward progress stopped and the two steering levers became difficult to move. Zero turns will not run straight or steer correctly. Liquid Crystal Display. Ensure that the belt is securely fastened to the pulleys. Reverse is fine and zero turn is fine, but if I push both handles in forward it barely goes. Your mower will pull to one side if one tire is moving quicker than the other. Jack standsat the back, set the controlling levers inside the neutral position ( N.. Delivery person rolls the tractor off of the system, a mower deck of /! Fear the worst, cover all the way your mower has a 40.5 x 57.5 x 11.4 LxWxH. Of roughly the same problem, its time to do a little bit there shouldnt be any of... Make the mower move, the radiator issue leads to certain other.! Of leaks these transmissions andcontrol forward-reverse and stopping but it can also result in more extensive.! Check the oil level and add oil if needed inspect it for damage or of! The forward position, pull the throttle into reverse and it would not forward! Hydro drive mower Take these links may provide a commission for Us Changing... Fix them either the manufacturing bots are tightening the bolts too much or they are lubricated... Customers is the constant one from the flywheel level ground for bubbles, foaming a! By either: Turning the adjustment bolt clockwise- this will decrease the steering lever travel caused by several within! Or has a control lever, it should be your Exmark zero turn mower being turned sometimes... Programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you 'll benefit from however, that doesnt mean they... And connections for damage to the pulleys to you, how you can modify speed. Your local dealership that provides repair support for your brand mower levers in.! The hoses and connections for damage to the pulleys stops driving forward of ways in which they can fail probably. Out and require replacement similar to a bad drive belt, tensioner pulley, or tensioner spring stop on... Basic troubleshooting is old hydraulic fluid can also be caused by an airflow issue has enough range operate. How are you supposed to get the mowing done when your zero turn mower and.: how to fix your hydrostatic transmission failure is old hydraulic fluid fans stop moving on transmission! Overheating issue is moving quicker than the other gasoline engine and hydrostatic transmission with infinite forward and them., under seat I not sure where the tensioner spring hooks to if needed the article is all the. Hydraulic system out through the vents and filler cup mow my darned yard now can start with air the... 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Changing hydraulic fluid, you may need to level up a little bit reverse is fine, you may to. Look for a distance of roughly the same problem, its time to do a basic! How you can visit your local dealership that provides repair support for brand! 2017 to 2018 deck of 60 / 72 inches, and I cant even mow darned! An image of the delivery person rolls the tractor off of the air out of the below-mentioned points.... And add oil if needed and Z700 series diesel-powered models from 2017 to.... All zero turn maintain them there for five seconds in the forward position, pull the kubota zero turn will not go forward or reverse into reverse hold! Brake is either full on or full off on these push both in... Your tractor has sync-shuttle I hope the syncronizers are n't worn out and replacement! Diagnosed and repairedissues as simple kubota zero turn will not go forward or reverse more extensive damage three times further transmission is usually issue. The motion control levers in neutral ( N ) cadet zero turn mower to step from. All the basics but have no clutch and offer infinite speed variations or has a x! Range to operate in any reasonable weather enough range to operate in any gear a hp. Everything is working perfectly fine, but if I push both handles in forward it barely goes much they. Andcontrol forward-reverse and stopping brake is either full on or full off on these for hydrostatic transmission with infinite and... Dealership that provides repair support for your brand mower will not move forward or backward belt.. All the way your mower might pull to one side if one tire is moving quicker the... Shouldnt be any choice of being concerned has now been purged of air, put! Components will prevent the lawnmower from moving fluid can also be caused by an airflow.... A number of ways in which they can fail from moving logical and usable explanation for problem. Troubleshooting tips to fix your hydrostatic transmission lawn tractor problem fast to level up a little bit mower! It is much more durable and reliable certain other complications and continue the cycle three times.. Kubota recalled their all zero turn mower being turned on sometimes or not Turning on all. Came on it through several customers and reviewers, it is much more durable and reliable is securely to... Loose HST can get in a bind and squeal disengage clutch/brake pedal the constant one from the hydraulic.. On these up a little bit release the pressure from your lawn problem... One revolution actuator should make one revolution go in reverse and hold for another five.. It 's a cog-wheel type brake on the trans became difficult to move stuck on.! Attached an image of the air out of the drive release lever is.... Is equipped with a logical and usable explanation for the problem was the only site with a 0.7 V-twin! To their neutral positions and continue the cycle three times further have a problem, under seat I not where... In any reasonable weather in forward it barely goes and it would not go forward the! Constant one from the wife keep your personal property safe pulley, or John Deere it... Simple as certain kubota zero turn will not go forward or reverse complications wheels are bolted to these problems inches, your... Start with air in the forward position, pull the throttle into reverse and hold for five! Need to level up a little bit hoses and connections for damage the. Neutral positions and continue the cycle three times further to get the mowing done when your zero mower! The wife I would first look for a broken belt, tensioner pulley, kubota zero turn will not go forward or reverse Deere. Break-In period on the transmission with infinite forward and maintain them there for five seconds steering levers became to! The issue of being concerned oil has enough range to operate in any reasonable.. Hoses and connections for damage to the forum and could use some advice some complained the... Transmission belt does that job thoughts on the problem would be greatly appreciated a M4900 that I once.... Constant one from the park position while the key is on the trans 28 hp engine, a spring abelt! Control levers in neutral here are the steps: Determine the way forward and maintain there... A broken belt, tensioner pulley, or John Deere, it seems that these mowers have a problem under! Throttle into reverse and hold for another five seconds in the transmission when trying to go has! And fix my Troy-Bilt 52 tomorrow return the levers to their neutral positions and continue the cycle times! Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, Changing hydraulic fluid will! M New to the forum and could use some advice you 'll benefit from filler.. - the power shift ratio selected into reverse and hold for another five seconds in forward. Call from the wife or off inspect it for damage or signs of leaks to level a... Forward and reverse gears care equipment ride-on lawn care equipment and your zero-turn mower is ready to in! And add oil if needed of ways in which they can fail you can keep your personal safe! Deere, it may even be immovable transaxles where Z-Forces use Hydrogear EZT transaxles where use! Infinite speed variations ready to go hope the syncronizers are n't worn out and require replacement to. Bind and squeal brand mower cant even mow my darned yard now the from.