Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HR215 lawnmower, honda mowers, snails pace

Question
My Honda HR215 has a hydrostatic transmission. I cannot get much speed out of it. I have adgusted the cable and made sure there is transmission fluid in it. It only crawls forward at a snails pace. Does the transmision need replacing, and how hard is it to replace it? The lawnmower is 15 yrs old. Thanks.

Answer
I have no experience with Honda mowers, but if the hydro is like most of them, the first thing to check is the relief valve. There should be a lever to disengage the drive if you have to move the unit by hand, ensure that this is actually moving so the unit isn't stuck in relief. If this isn't the problem, you may have wear in the hydro, in which case you have 2 choices. Either you drain the fluid, put in something thicker and give it a whirl, or spend the big bucks and replace it. Not knowing what is in this unit I really don't know the cost but most hydraulic components are expensive and can make you think twice about purchasing something else.