QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I have a Smithco mower, model: 20-167 sn: 472 I think it was made in 1982. I have a "manual" but it is more of a parts list, as it only contains exploded diagrams and part numbers, but no operating information. I am unable to find anything online about Smithco mowers and very little about the company, which I think stopped producing mowers. My question is about the hydrostatic drive, Tecumseh transaxle model: 2507-a (Smithco#21-249) It still works okay, I just want to keep it that way
and don't know what to do to service it. Currently the hydraulic fluid looks to be cloudy and pink. Im sure it needs changed, do I drain it from the tank, the transaxle itself or where? There is no dipstick, how do I know the proper level? And what kind of hydraulic fluid should I use? Also is there anything else I can do do keep it working good besides changing the fluid and filter every year?
I would appriciate all the information you can give me
Thank you
Todd
ANSWER: Hello Todd:
Here is the Companies Site Addy; http://www.smithco.com/ and the Phone Numbers for Customer Service Manager at 1-800-891-9435 (products marked “Cameron”) or 1-888-422-5183 (products marked “Humboldt”). For Other Inquires, 1-877-833-7648. However, On the Transaxle is an OEM Identification Plate. Send me the Information Off of This Plate, Please. With this Information, I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist You. From your Description it Sounds like the Fluid May be Contaminated with Water (the Fluid Looks Cloudy). Thanks.
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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello,
So far I have not found a tag or ID plate, I will continue to look for some stamped numbers, the unit is very cruddy(dirt & chaff) I ran out of time tonight. but will continue to look tomorrow.
I did find some additional numbers in the manual I spoke of. The numbers I mentioned before were for the transaxle, this is for the hydrostatic transmission: Eaton M-11
Model: 1100-030 (Smithco #21-224) I had thought before that this was all one unit, guess not.
Hope this helps.
Thank you
Todd
ANSWER: Hello Again Todd:
The Transaxles/Transmissions/Hydro's and the Engines are Usually Manufactured by Separate Companies than the Mower OEM. I will Locate the Microfiche or Manual on Monday and Follow up to you then. This is a First Call for the Smithco and I Did Not Realized I Did Not have a Duplicate of Their Microfiche with me. Thanks for the Numbers. The Eaton M-11 is what I was Looking for.
Respectfully
John
PS. Sometimes I Forget to Follow Up to the Questioner. Too Many Irons in the Fire My Wife Says. LOL. If I Do Not Contact you on Monday, Please Remind me. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
Hello Again Todd:
All the Information you Require for this Hydro is at this Site Addy; http://hydraulics.eaton.com/products/trans_light_duty.htm and Scroll Down to the Bottom of the 6, 7 and 11 Light Duty Section and Download the English Repair File for the Model 11 Transmission (7-402) Rev. 2002. The Fluid Recommendation are on Page 24. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
I can't thank you enough for finding this info for me. I do have one last question though. I didn't see in the manual what do do about the water contamination, do you think that just changing the fluid would be sufficient or do I have to flush it out some how?
Thanks again
Todd
AnswerHi Todd:
You are Very Welcome. I am Glad I was Able to Assist you. Usually I Change the Fluid and Operate the Unit for a 1/2 Hour and Then Drain the Fluid a Second Time (the Fluid is Hot/Warm) and Allow the Unit to Set with the Drain Plug Removed for a 1/2 Hour. Then Replace the Drain Plug and Refill the Transmission with New Fluid. Now the Transmission will be as Clean as you can Possibly get it. 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
