Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Saber hydrostatic transmission, hydrostatic transmission, power train

Question
John Deere Sabre 46 HS that is slipping.  When it's cold it works fine when it warms up the drive slips.  The belt is fine.  The unit is 8 years old.  Will changing the fluid correct this?  Your thoughts please.

Answer
Hello Gary:

Usually the First Thing the Shop Tries before Opening Up the Case on Any Hydro Transaxle is Changing the Filter (if it has One) and Fluid. This Hydro has a Filter. Sometimes it Corrects the Problem and Sometimes Not. It's a 50/50 Situation. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Sabre) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. The Filter is Shown in the Power Train (Hydro) and in the "Center Case" Sub File. What Usually Happens is the Fluid Picks up the Grit and Trash in the Fluid and Starts to Slowly Stop Up the Filter. Then Once you Allow the Unit to Sit the Fluid Flushes Back through the Filter and Slightly Cleans the Filter. Then the Process Starts Over Again Once you Start the Unit and Begin Using it. I Suggest you Use the JD Brand Hydro Fluid. An Aftermarket Filter will Work as Good as a JD Brand Filter, but I Prefer the JD Fluid for the Transaxle. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John