Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): L110 hydro drive stalling going up hills, tuff torq, sectional index

Question
I have a L110 2/2/04 vintage which the manual says has a hydrostatic transmission and tuff torq k46 transaxle.

Lately I've noticed that the mower appears to run slower in forward speed and possibly in reverse as well. It will no longer climb hills with the same speed that it used to race up with plenty of torque. It goes slow enough that it feels like it might stop moving forward at some point.

Before displaying this lack of climbing power it occasionally would not take off in the forward direction right away. Instead it would start to move slowly for a second or two and then gain full power forward.

I've check the linkages and everything seems tight. The belt looks OK. I have not yet checked the condition of the drive belt idler pulley (didn't know there was one).

Assuming it's the transmission, are these transmissions noted for a lack of longevity?

Any other items to check?  

Answer
 Hello Mark:

 Usually the Problem you Described is Caused by a Loose Belt. These Belts will Slip and Not Squeal when they Slip. If the Belt has Stretched it will Not Turn the Hydrostatic Transmission Input Shaft Properly Under a Load. I have 2 Hydro Mowers and the Only Problems I have is Belts and Tension Springs. I have Replaced the Belts and Tension Springs about every other Year. However I use these Mowers for Commercial Use. I Suggest you Replace the Drive Belt and Tension Spring first. The Hydro's Aren't Known for this being an Internal Problem. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Addy http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers L110 and Click Find. Then Select the Mower in the Search Results Area. Then Select Sectional Index. From here you can View the Mower in Breakdown/IPL form. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks. Be Safe.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John