Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Model STX 38 Lawn Tractor, john deere model, model stx

Question
I am thinking about buying a used 1996 STX38 tractor. Looks great and runs well except the transmission pump is starting to fail, no problem on flat ground but won't do hills.

Is it worth buying for $475 and is the pump easy to replace and what do you think the approximate cost might be to have it replaced?

BTW, I appreciate the fact that you tell the truth.

Thanks,
Bob

Answer
Wow this is hard to call. This is a great little tractor. Even if you drop the 800.00 to buy a new trans it still is probably worth it. To buy something just as good new you would have to spend at least 3,000.00.
A new transaxle for this tractor is 778.60.
The pump itself is 135.40 AM878800. It literally is the same difficulty level as rebuilding an automatic transmission for your car. Not a job for a rookie.
Now on the other hand. E-bay has always got stx trans on sale. The engines usually blow before the trans. Today there are 2 that are currently at 99.00 with 1 day to go. If you are an E-bay person this would be a pretty reasonable route to go.

http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Deere-STX-38-46-Hydraulic-Transaxle_W0QQitemZ2801131944...