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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmission

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Bill Dodson

02-05-2004 09:17:48




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I have a 1990 Craftsman 18.5 HP Automatic Lawn Tractor Model # 917.272040. The transmission started slipping on hills. I replaced the drive belt, but it still will not pull up a hill while mowing grass. It does o.k. until it warms up. It will go up hill when the blades are not engaged, but at a very slow pace. This is a tractor that moved out pretty quickly before. I suspect the transmission is low on fluid(?) if that is what is uses to adjust speed. I cannot find a filler hole and my manual that came with the tractor does not show a filler hole. A new transmission is 605 dollars from Sears and a rebuilt is 370.00. Can anyone tell me if my diagnosis (guess) is correct regarding low on oil/fluid?? Is there a filler cap or place to add fluid?? Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help.
Bill Dodson

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carl in nc

02-06-2004 19:06:50




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 Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmission in reply to Bill Dodson, 02-05-2004 09:17:48  
I had the same problem with a Poulan lawn tractor from Sears. The problem was solved by changing the drive pulley under the engine. The v in the pulley was too shallow and the v-belt was bottoming out when it warmed up, Been three years now with no problems. I thought it was the hydro slipping going up hills.



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Van in AR

02-06-2004 07:45:39




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 Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmission in reply to Bill Dodson, 02-05-2004 09:17:48  
I would stay away from the consumer junk and go with a Deere, kubota, or a Cub Cadet. Yes more spendy, but you get what you pay for. Their hydrostatics can be serviced and even have a filter.
Van



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pasbon

02-06-2004 05:32:35




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 Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmission in reply to Bill Dodson, 02-05-2004 09:17:48  
web site is www.smallenginedistributors.net



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pasbon

02-06-2004 05:25:40




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 Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmission in reply to Bill Dodson, 02-05-2004 09:17:48  
before you give up totally, you might try Small Engine Distributors out of Kansas City, Mo. they have several different type of transmissions from 19.95 to 109.95. some are takeoffs and some are new. to purchase from them you have to have a business liscense or know someone to order through. the Ph no is 816-421-6020 and fax is 816-421-4511. addy is 1701 Liberty Street, Kansas City, Mo 64102



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Steve Mahler

02-05-2004 12:31:19




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 Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmission in reply to Bill Dodson, 02-05-2004 09:17:48  
Many of these lawn tractor hydro trannys are not designed for any service, and are sealed. Since you have nothing to loose but time, I would suggest trying to remove the tranny to look for any hole or method to take it apart and change the fluid. Since you could get a new craftsman for just over 1,000 - you may be well served to sell it for parts and buy a new one ?



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Bill Dodson

02-05-2004 12:50:49




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 Re: Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Transmiss in reply to Steve Mahler, 02-05-2004 12:31:19  
Steve,
Thanks for the suggestion. I suspect that you are right! I sure do not intend to pay $670 for a new transmission. I'll look for a good used rider first.
Bill



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Jon H

02-06-2004 19:08:21




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 Re: Re: Re: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Automatic Trans in reply to Bill Dodson, 02-05-2004 12:50:49  
Just on the chance your mower has the same hydro trans. My old 17 hp MTD built Roper has a very hard to see,and even harder to reach plastic cup on top of the transaxle that contains fluid for the hydro. They say use 10W-40 motor oil in it. It takes someone who is flexible with small hands to get the cap off that cup,and mine needed a pump with long flexible plastic hose to get the oil under there. Another thing to check is the brake dump valve. Most hydro transaxles have a linkage connected to the brake pedal that stops the hydro when you depress the brake padal. If bent or sticky linkage is holding the dump valve partly open,you will have a very weak hydro drive.

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