Hydro keeps locking up?

[SDlawndawg]

I have a Grasshopper midmount with a hydro motor that temporarily binds up. Say I'm backing up. I then stop and attempt to move forward. The right side motor works fine but the left lever will not budge. I cannot move the left lever forward. It will move after it sits for about 5-8 seconds. I can then gradually push the lever forward incrementally. After that, it works just fine. And it only does this about a third of the time. I've checked for debris around the linkage but have found nothing. Filter and fluid have been changed about 3 months ago. I'd take it to my dealer but it's out of warranty. Anyone have any ideas?

[khouse]

It sounds like you have a hydro pump problem. you unit i believe has an eaton ball piston pump and motor transaxle assembly. the pump is where your levers connect to on the top with the motor and planetarys on the bottom. sounds like your varrable plate is cracked or your plate is binding. either way it needs to come out and the pump plate and ball pistons checked out. you can call grasshopper and talk to the tech department and they will walk you through it. call them first before tearing it apart. good luck.

[SDlawndawg]

Thanks Khouse. I'll call and see if they'll help. I've never worked on the hydro part of a mower but there has to be a first time for everything.

The pumps are separate from the wheel motor on midmounts. The pumps are mounted behind the engine and hardlines connect them to the wheel motors. As long as I don't need a shop full of specialized tools, I think I can do this. I hate to take it to my dealer (who I can't stand) and pay big bucks for labor. The worst that can happen is I end up taking it in if I get in over my head. I'd like to have a service manual for this machine but not sure where to get one.

[Doc Pete]

FWIW,
If you have a real problem, look in the yellow pages for a hydro pump repair shop. These guys are familiar with working on these motors and pumps every day, a mower dealer is not. They'll have you back in business in no time.
Pete

[SDlawndawg]

You're right switchless. My dealer (like most) prefers to replace than to fix. I'm reluctant to take it to them because they will junk the wheel motor and charge me for a new one when it probably could be repaired. I hope.

[khouse]

I wouls assume it's an Eaton or Hydro-gear pump. Both have good tech working to help you. they also may have a rebuilt exchange program for you. if it's a hydro-gear pump there is still a wobble plate that may be the problem. tear it down and go for it.

[SDlawndawg]

As soon as I know I can't fall clean for the rest of the year, I'm gonna tear into it. I still have fall cleans left. Mother Nature can't make up her mind.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
As soon as I know I can't fall clean for the rest of the year, I'm gonna tear into it. I still have fall cleans left. Mother Nature can't make up her mind.
It may take a bit of time, but if you find the correct pump/motor numbers, the makers should be nice enough to fax/email the parts breakdown and possibly a "standard" rebuild kit.
Pete

[captdevo]

if it's in bad shape, and you need to replace, drop me a line with model and spec#'s and i can give you a great deal on a new one!!

[SDlawndawg]

I called grasshopper and the tech guy said to make sure the linkage wasn't slipping on the shaft. To check this, I have to take off my peco vacuum framework and another access plate. He said if that wasn't the problem then it could be the swash plate inside the pump. Apparently the cradle bushings wedge against the swash plate and jam it. Khouse-is this the "wobble plate" you were referring to?

I need a parts breakdown of this pump but don't feel like purchasing an entire service manual for the mower which is probably a little pricey. The pump is referred to in my operators manual as a g1 or gemini 1 pump with ross wheel motors. As soon as the paint dries on my mower deck, I'm gonna take a look at it. I hate the smell of spraypaint!

[khouse]

yes, i had a brain freeze and said wobble plate but it is the swash plate. sounds like your hot on the trail. good luck.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by khouse
yes, i had a brain freeze and said wobble plate but it is the swash plate. sounds like your hot on the trail. good luck.

Errr...... The only item I know of that's called a "swashplate" is the main control system on a Helicopter. Is there another name you have in mind???
pete

[khouse]

now you know of at least 2 things that have a swash plate.

[SDlawndawg]

I took the framework and access plate off and jacked up the mower on that side so I could run it back and forth. No problems but the linkage seemed to be stiff. I removed the dampener from the linkage and that made all the difference. The dampener is wore out and doesn't work properly. I think it's the culprit, I hope. Must have water in it or dirt or something. I think I'll replace the right-hand side dampener too while I'm at it.

Once I get the new parts on, I'll test it again by running it around the yard to make sure it works.

[khouse]

Switchless, there is a 3rd device that houses a swash plate. I remember on the farm on an old International harvester sickle mower ( belly mount on a 560) the box that ran the sickle had a swash plate in it. It wasn't the kind with a Pitman arm.

SDlawndawg, keep up the good work!

[khouse]

Pete what does "Errr..." mean? Also here is another complex mechinism that houses a swash plate of sorts.

http://www.flying-pig.co.uk/education/pages/swash.html

This is an edit to the above post: I just looked up "err" in the dictionary and it is there. I'm just a farm boy and would have better understood "error". I won't forget that word. Yes, I make mistakes all the time but it's my ability to overcome them that get's things working. I tell people that if I was perfect they couldn't afford me.

I try my hardest to help anyone that needs it here or otherwise. I often give the wrong advice but it's very hard for anyone to feel, hear,smell and see what is wrong with an engine with just these black letters we type. I already said I was wrong calling it a wobble and variable plate before you made your post. What else did you want me to say? Now with that said - I'm going to read any new post and offer advice if I think it will help.
With respect, Kenny

[SDlawndawg]

Kenny- your advice is a big help along with everybody else's. Don't worry, I'm just a farmboy too and wasn't sure what err. meant either.