Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Cub Cadet 48, repair attempt, zero turn mower


Question
QUESTION: Hello I have a Cub Cadet Commercial 48" z wing zero turn mower just got it used a few months ago ,and scared I made a bad purchase the Z wing deck is a poor design and will never fold up by the push button,but I don't care about that I'm never going to use it anyway.But the drive is what concerns me the left rear wheels has very little power and will not hold the mower on a hill,the right wheel seems to be fine.I think it may be the drive motor or pump that is on the back of each wheel. I checked the fluid and the E-brake but all seems to be fine.I hope you have some ideas.
Thanks Mark

ANSWER: When you push forwards on the drive controls, does the mower drive in a straight line if both controls are even?

On the pump and drive motor, there should be labels giving the make, model and serial numbers.  Can you give me those?

Honestly, the Cubs aren't what I would consider as commercial equipment.  I've operated commercial mowing companies and I can't see these mowers handling 40 plus hours a week.  They should be fine for up to five or six acres a week, but not commercial cutting.

If you can give me those numbers I'll see if I can come up with some things for you to look for.  Thanks, PK.

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

QUESTION: Hey thanks for replying so quickly. It pretty much seems to drive straight.Just when I put that wheel under stress it seems to stall.I am only using it for my home only about an acre. I can only see the back of the drive motor it is made by White model#02000392 SN 053054026-737718-7
again Thanks

ANSWER: Is there any noise or chatter from the wheel?  I'm not going to advise you do much to try and fix it, you will violate Hydro-Gear's warranty by doing any sort of repair attempt.  

In your owner's manual should be the directions for purging the pump.  For some reason I'm having trouble getting into the Hydro-Gear dealer side and can't look-up your pump.  Usually you will jack up the wheels and with the drive or bypass valve disengaged and the engine running, slowly move the drive control from forward to reverse several times.  The re-engage the drive and do the same thing.  But I can't say for sure on your particular Hydro unit until tomorrow.

Purging the system may or may not help.  It would be the first thing I would try if there is a problem.  I'd also check that the drive belt isn't slipping.

I do not advise removing any parts.  That's the first thing we check for when a warranty claim is brought in.  Has anybody else worked on it.  Most of the warranty claims we reject are because someone did something to try and fix a problem.  Most manufacturers are pretty strict about this policy and we have to keep parts that we remove in case the manufacturer wants to inspect it.  We don't get paid if we do a warranty repair and then the manufacturer refuses to pay.  

For a Hydro-Gear shop in your area, you can go to Hydro-Gear's website and put in your zip code.  MTD Authorized Service Centers will also be able to work on it.

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

QUESTION: I don't notice any noise but maybe a hesitation when you try to use only that control. I didn't think it had a drive belt I thought it was all hydraulic.I bought it used back in Nov but I don't think anyone has been in it.It only has 210 hours and I think those were demo hours.Also how would it still be under warranty I think it a 04-06 model I don't have any manuals or paper work.Thanks

Answer
I'm sorry, I glossed right over where you said you bought it used.  There should be a belt that goes to the pump from the engine.  On top of your pump should be a fan and pulley.

The most common problems are a broken fan, dirt and grass piled up on the unit, a sticking brake and a slipping belt.  It's important to keep these units clean and replace a fan if it's broken.  These units can't be allowed to overheat or damage will occur.  

If it only hesitates when turning and goes in a straight line with both controls in the same position, I'd check the belt.