Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): white hydrostatic, hydrostatic transaxle, hydrostatic drive

Question
QUESTION: i have a white gt185 model 144u836h190 lawn tractor with hydrostatic drive. i i started tractor and moved about 5 feet when i got back on to continue it sounded like steel gears grinding and not meshing. shut down and restarted now have nothing forward or reverse. this happened once before but after restart was fine for about 6 months. when i took off cover plate noticed that most of the fan blades are now missing. there is no resistance on the shift lever
when i move it thank you for your time and knowledge


ANSWER: Hello Jerry:

If this is a Hydrostatic Transaxle and there is No Resistance on the Transaxle when Moving it, you Heard Grinding and the Fan Blades have Broken Off, then you May Require a New Transaxle. Usually if there is No Resistance when Pushing a Hydro Transaxle, the Internal Control Valve or the Internal Differential has Broken. In your Case it Sounds like the Internal Differential is Bad. If this is Correct, you will Require a New Transaxle. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Mower at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. 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: hi john
just a update. it got above freezing today i tried mower the trans moaned a little than i plowed my drive for 1/2 hour and it worked great. do you think changing oil and filter would help?( hydro-gear) if i can find plugs. thanks again

Answer
Hello Again Jerry:

It is Possible that there is Water Contaminating the Hydro Oil (SAE 30 Engine Oil) and the Cold is Causing the Water to Freeze and Restrict the Oil Flow. The Following Addy will Assist you in Locating the Drain and Fill Plugs. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the H. Then Select Hydro-Gear. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. You will Require the Transaxle Model Numbers off the OEM Information Tag on 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