I recently recieved a Craftsman LT1000 with a hydrostatic transmission from a local dealer and I am having an issue with the transmission on it. First off I have no brakes at all, even with the adjustment nut turned all the way I still have nothing. The Tractor will always roll freely with the clutch engaged or disengaged and the "neutral" lever in back disengaged. When I engage the hydro I get nothing at all, no jump, no crawl no power to the wheels.

I inspected the obvious like the Neutral lever and belt and they both seem fine.
I am stumped on Hydros but I can learn, input in greatly appreciated!

Model Number 917.270820

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/justin3Zelda/002.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/justin3Zelda/007.jpg

Justin, first thing to do is make sure the axle is locked to the wheel rim with a key. If either the right or left side is missing a key, the axle will just spin inside the rim and the mower will not move, nor will the brakes work.

If that check out then you need to see if the disc on the brake assembly rotates when you turn the wheels. Jack up the back of the tractor and turn both wheels in the same direction while looking at the disc on the side of the transmission to see if it turns.

Let us know what you find.

Thanks 30year for the quick reply as always, I will check the key on the rims as you suggested and I remember hearing about the key issue before but I can't believe I forgot about that. I do not see a brake disk on this transmission, it appears to be built into the case or there is just a cover over it. I can remove the wheel and I will let you know what I find tomorrow after work. Have a good one!


-Justin

I do not see a brake disk on this transmission, it appears to be built into the case or there is just a cover over it.
-Justin

Hmmm..... I thought I could see the brake on the right side of the tranny in your picture, but after looking at an IPL it does not show an external brake.

Well check for the keys and hope thats what it is, because if you need any parts for the transaxle, you probably won't be able to find any. Many of these units are simply replacements as no parts are sold for them, and I could not find an IPL on just the transaxle assembly.

is the hydro release in the back pulled out?

I take my last statement back, I see an IPL on the sears parts direct site, but it does not show up on the Sears commercial parts site.

is the hydro release in the back pulled out?


No it is pushed all the way in.

have you tried pulling it out to see if it works that way? I'm not sure which way it is supposed to be, but it may be in the released position

yes Pyro I tried the hydro release in and in the outward possession. I have another customer tractor to get repaired but after that I will tackle this craftsman tonight!

The picture below explains it all, 30year you are awsome. Your so good at solving problems that you should run for president, maybe then are nation could come out of this recession :). I enjoy learning alot from you adults. Good thing I save my wheel keys, thanks to both 30year and Pyro for your input.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/justin3Zelda/003.jpg

ha HA

dangly parts