Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn tractor lack of power, westwood t1600, briggs stratton

Question
We have a Westwood T1600 Hydrostatic ride on with a Briggs & Stratton 18HP engine, about 8 years old. It starts & runs ok, but after about 20mins starts lacking power and eventually will not move, although the cutter deck still turns normally. The casing on the side gets quite hot, but we don't know if this is normal. If we leave it for about half an hour it is ok and will work as normal again, only to loose power again. We had it in for a full overhaul last winter which did not seem to cure it, it runs on unleaded petrol
Any ideas?
Martin  

Answer
 Hello Martin:

 The Transaxle is Overheating. When the Transaxle Overheats the Fluid Thins and The Motion Slows Until the Motion Stops when the Oil is Too Thin to Work the Internal Components of the Transaxle. There are Several Causes for this Problem. 1- Low on Fluid. 2- Blockage in the Internal Passages of the Transaxle. 3- Sticking Control Valve Inside the Transaxle. 4- Blown Gaskets/O-Rings Inside the Transaxle. If you had this Overhauled within a Year, Return it to the Shop that Performed the Overhaul. This is Most Likely Covered under the Repair Warranty. On the Transaxle is a Plate with the Manufacturers Name and Model Numbers. Send me the Manufacturers Name and the Model Numbers, Please. With these Numbers I can View a Breakdown of the Transaxle and Better Assist you. I am here to Help if you Require more Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John