Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper hydro drive, hydrostatic transmissions, hydro drive

Question
Hi, I have a Snapper 16hp ride on.  It has just started to play up in the Hydrostatic drive.  It will travel forward Ok, but when in reverse will only go back if on level ground or reversing downhill.  I have checked the adjustments and the lever is travelling the proper distance to activate reverse but it does not seem to be working properly.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
If the hydrostatic transmission is operating properly in reverse you are right to check the linkage first.  I know you said is adjusted properly but do this with the rider upon Jack stands and start the engine leave the drive-in neutral.  The wheels should either not rotate or rotate very very slowly in reverse.  Then put it down on the ground back up against the wall run the engine at wide-open throttle and put the transmission in reverse.  You should be able to break traction in plain words in the tires.

If the wheels will not break traction the first thing to check would be the belt is the belt slipping when you're trying to do this if it is a new belt on the belt might look fine but covering on the inside of the belt should be what you're looking at not the outside.  And be sure all the idlers are in place along the belt.  If doing this and you still have problems in the hydrostatic should be taken out opened up and look at the pump side of the hydrostatic.  There is a charge pump in all hydrostatic transmissions to pump rotates on a bearing plate that can not have any scratches on it.  If it does you could start replacing parts in the hydrostatic but it will be cheaper to just replace it.  Best of luck.