Question I am wondering how to check the transmission fluid in a hydrostatic transmission.
Actually, I don't know how to get to it to even think about how to add fluid. I can't even see the thing, the way it is hid.. When it is cold, it is slow moving. Also, it has a whine, but it does get some faster as it warms up. I believe the fluid is low in it. The engine works fine.
The mower is a 1998 model. I think it is the first year hydrostatics came out.
Help!
I have the manual. On the manual Model42560x92B
Hand etched on the metal under the seat:
7293703071T00257 6-19-97
Transmission laboring whine and slower than normal.
AnswerHydrostats have been around a long time. I have an old Sears Garden tractor I'm restoring from 1978 with a hydrostat.
Some hydros are sealed and you can't do much with them. There may be a fill plug on the top of the unit, usually on the left side. You can use a dowel or something and stick in the hole to check the level. It should be about 2" from the top on most units. If it isn't leaking, then the level should be good. Changing the fluid would probably require removal although on some you can use an oil extractor.
You can try purging the system. This is done by jacking the rear wheels off the ground and with the bypass valve in the freewheel setting, start the engine and very slowly move the forward/reverse control from forward to reverse 4-5 times. Then shut the engine off, set the valve to motion, start it back up and do the process again. This may help.
Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, PK.
