Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD Hydro 165, input shaft, belt tension

Question
Hi Ben,
I have a John Deere Hydo 165 riding mower.  When you put it in gear it trys to move, but doesn't.  It doesn't make any noise and the belt is not slipping on the hydrostatic drive.  I have hoisted the rear end up and both rear tires can free spin - i thought you couldn't do that with a hydrostatic transmission.  It does the same thing in reverse and if I am not on it it will move - as long as the ground is flat.

Do you have any ideas with what I should check or look for?

Thanks for any and all help.

Rob

Answer
Rob

There are however a couple things to check first, the drive belt tension and physical condition of the drive belt, remove the drive belt if applicable to your unit, remove the pulley that is reasonably attached onto your trans axle input shaft. Inspect the pulley bore inside splines and replace the pulley if they are not present.

There is so many things that could be the problem based on your vague description that it would be just guess's but assuming your motor is in tune and running at top performance,and it has motor oil in it,and you unlocked the parking brake, it has to be something between the crankshaft and the ground causing the drag.(DUH) Checking the transaxal fluid and ALL of the fluids is good, then I would make sure the brakes are not hanging up. Jacking up the wheels (all of them) and turning them might help to see if there is any drag. If not the brakes, it could be wheel bearing(s) seizing up. Usually clutches either engage or they don't. I wouldn't think your clutch is the problem. It could be bearings in the transmission seizing also,if so it won't be long before it locks up and you will have damaged a lot of expensive parts. I suggest you stop using this tractor totally until you find the problem. Of course, this is just my opinion and hey, what do I know? Good Luck.