Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Husqvarna YTH-170, eastern australian time, transmission problem

Question
QUESTION: Hi Eric,
My neighbor has asked me to see if I could repair her ride-on lawn mower, its a Husqvarna YTH-170. She has told me that it works fine for about 10 minutes, but once it heats up it refuses to move, she mentioned it makes a whining noise as if its trying to propel. Could this be a transmission problem? Or a problem within the clutch?
Thanks, Chad

ANSWER: I would start by checking the clutch, mainly the belt, to make sure it is not slipping.  Can you check the transmission and see if it is a Hydro Gear 314-0510?

Let me know if you have the Hydro Gear.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok Eric, I'm getting the mower off my neighbour tomorrow afternoon, eastern Australian time, so ill have a look then and get back to you. Thanks Eric :)

Chad.

Answer
If the belt is not the issue odds are the hydro is bad.  When these transmissions first came out the factory service schools basically said to not even try to repair them.  Just order a new transmission and send back the old one.

With that said, if the old unit is not working there are lots of sites on the web where folks have repaired the transmissions themselves.  My opinion, if it is broke, and you might have to replace it anyhow, why not try repairing it...not much to  loose as long as you don't sink a lot of money into the transmission while trying to repair.

Here is one site that has some Hydro Gear information:

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=58521

You can also go to Hydro Gear's website and there are parts diagrams all over the internet.

Check the belt first and see if there is any adjustments on your hydro; usually there is an adjustment or two including the speed engagement mechanism.

Let me know what you find.

Eric