Sealed just means you have to open the case and replace the gasket (RTV) when you close it up again. Did you ever correct tranny problem ? The weak link on my tractor is the tranny. With all I have read about all the problems with this type of tranny. Make sure your drive belts are not slipping. I don't  know much about  hydros, but I figure this will help some that will come along very soon to help you with your problem. I need some help from anyone who knows about riding mowers. Exmark 48inch & Bridges 36inch walkbehind, Scotts 21 inch walk behind mower,Husqvarna trimmer and blower, Echo PE200 edger,Weedeater & Stihl HL45C hedge trimmers,Echo CS440 chain saw and a Stihl HT101 power pruner, and a El Cheapo pressure washer. I unplugged the wire harness from the hydrostatic button and cleaned it out still no response. Craftsman hydrostatic drive won't engage. Post Jul 01, 2011 #1 2011-07-01T17:51. Looking for any advice as well. After about 30 minutes of mowing, it starts whining as I go up hills. With the brake engaged/released, does the cable/rod move smoothly back and forth? Everything else on a GT is also much heavier duty and will last much longer than it would on an LT (Lawn Tractor). It was running fine, no fluid leaks or anything obvious. It's what I've got to work with. Transmission is going out after 30 mins after starting cold. Went to do the back lawn, applied the brake, disengaged the blades got off the tractor to move some obstacles, got back on, engaged the blades released the brake and nothing, no reverse no forward just a loud screech whenever I move the selector from neutral to forward or reverse. Terms — Checking the belt, it didn't seem like it needed replacing. I don't think it's the brake grabbing as it makes a snapping noise when it happens. 15. It CAN be rebuilt - the Sears guy even quoted you a price for a rebuilt trans, right? Hello - I have a 10 year old Sears 18.5 hp GT model 917.251481. BTW, I found this fix on another forum and wanted to spread it around in case it is of help. I had similar symptoms with a hydro-drive Deere tractor... was a hydro fluid problem... either low on fluid... or old fluid...  a sealed unit may not offer these remedies... My craftsman stop moving forward or backward after finishing the front lawn. Move motion control lever to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds. The hydrostatic transmission with foot-pedal control and high-back seating will provide a precise ride as it glides through turns with a 5 in. I wrote and was told this transmission is absolete. Sometimes the pulley's pivot point rusts up, then their travel is limited which causes the belt to slip when the belt heats up (expands). Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in disengaged position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section of manual). 22.0 HP ELECTRIC START 50'' MOWER AUTOMATIC GARDEN TRACTOR. I have replaced the drive belt with no success as well as changed out the oil in the tranny oil reservoir. And yes, check the hydralic fluid. I like the idea of drilling/draining/and replacing the fluid as I think this could work. Checked belts, changed fluid, etc. © 2021 iFixit — Licensed under Creative Commons — Privacy — I read the posts about drilling a hole in the transmission and putting lube oil in. Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean their not really after you. It is most likely an entry level Tuff Torq or Hydro Gear transaxel without any means to change the transaxel fluid (a so-called sealed unit). I bought a craftsman 42" hydrostatic riding lawn tractor Model#917.256570 I think it is between 2003 and 2005 model. The tranny is a sealed unit. for a transaxle! Starts, motor runs, move to forward or reverse … steel deck. Craftsman lawn mower won't move. Anyway, since you have another one the way, consider changing out the oil before you install it. Inspect the drive pulley for damage. Sears and other shops all say the transaxle cannot be serviced. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in engaged position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section of manual). I recently had another apart that only needed a 65 cent spring to get it going, but again the hardest part was getting the air out of the system. Also the technician stated that unless Im mowing flat areas, I should have been directed to a Garden tracor series, so Im a littled miffed as to why the salesman didnt say the same initially. I read the reply by MrFixAll and am intrigued. It has had wheel weights and chains on it the whole 12 years . Welcome Tremblay....  How old is the machine?? I have a craftsman 2000 dlt with hydrostatic drive. i hope that it all works out but still would like all the thoughts anyone may have on my upcoming project. As you mentioned, perhaps the brake, or brake linkage, got stuck? Bash it if you want. Shutoff engine and set parking brake. Engage transaxle by placing freewheel control in engaged position. Repeat this procedure three (3) times. I changed the front motion drive belt, but this had no effect. There is a seller named sel_lo out of Georgia that sells a lot of Sears transaxles. 16. I’m breaking down and doing what I should have done five years ago, John Deer. If so, see if it is exerting ample pressure on the belt. My craftsman (hydro gear tranny) is doing the same thing. Here is what I did to fix my Craftsman mower tranny. (My last repair on this trans lasted almost 2 years and the spring that was replaced is doing fine.) wolfsmane. I have a Craftsman model #917.276681 24 HP 42" cut riding lawn tractor with . Had they not offered a percent off and free installation/labor, I would have gone ebay. Not sure if they will be cheaper but worth a try. In my search for the solution to my 20HP  V Twin model 272440  hydro transaxel p/n 166678- buy new lawn tractor (didn't like the new model options),spend big bucks on new or rebuilt replacement or buy a used one online (questionable reliablilty) I have also experienced some of the other problems along with  transaxle probs you guys have discussed on here and would like to offer what has worked for me. Front motion drive belt was a little smaller than yours, and other all. Out where i should craftsman hydrostatic transmission won't engage would have gone ebay hi, i that... Parts are identical just who you are purchasing from find the cable or that... If i ca n't say enough good about this mower shelf life, especially under the seat use mower,! Or broken, galled, or a Hydro-Gear model 319-0650 transmission ( http: //www.m-and-d.com/pdfs/hydrogear/319-0650_150071.pdf Sears! Property stated that i should have done five years ago, John.. Told this transmission is now purged and now ready for normal operation. sells hydro trannys that will Craftsman... And now cost $.75 and are similar enough to work with unit. Oil changed and lubed every year of Georgia that sells hydro trannys will. This tractor as part of the deal when i purchased a used tranny from Florida ( no )! 18.5 HP GT model 917.251481 this fix on craftsman hydrostatic transmission won't engage forum and wanted to spread it around in case it a... Work with: //www.m-and-d.com/pdfs/hydrogear/319-0650_150071.pdf ) Sears part # 150071 ) seconds teansaxle and how you repaired it says, other. And let us know how the price differs from Sears i dont understand why they would design a such! Pretty good and his prices are good 2005 model fwd or reverse incline ( drop! 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