JD Hydro - ramps into pickup

blacknchrome · Jul 21, 2011

Hello,

I went to look at a used L110 (hydro). It seemed in good shape, so went to load it up and it wouldn't power up the ramp - I have 6.5' aluminum ramps into an F150. It would go half way up and stop, idle or full throttle didn't matter. Does this mean the transmission is that weak? I figured somebody on here must have tried to load their Deere into the bed of a truck - successfully or unsuccessfully.

Thanks for the help, I'm learning through this forum.

rayikeo2 · Jul 21, 2011

A worn out drive belt could also cause that problem. Did you smell or hear a slipping belt? A mower in good shape should make it up the ramps without a problem. Did you already buy it? Sounds like you did. If it's a transmission problem it could be an expensive repair.

blacknchrome · Jul 21, 2011

rayikeo2 said:
A worn out drive belt could also cause that problem. Did you smell or hear a slipping belt? A mower in good shape should make it up the ramps without a problem.

I didn't hear any belt squeal or smell burning rubber. It's like it just powered out - foot on the reverse pedal but no movement.

rayikeo2 · Jul 21, 2011

blacknchrome said:
I didn't hear any belt squeal or smell burning rubber. It's like it just powered out - foot on the reverse pedal but no movement.

Try going up in forward. You will get more power in forward than reverse. I never try to back up ramps. There is a speed differance also. Reverse is about half as fast as forward. If the belt is not worn, another thing to check is the transmission fluid level. Follow book instructions before attempting to add fluid. There is a visule check resivore for correct level. The belt is still the best possible problem to check first. If you mow some slopes the belt may heat up and smell if it's stretched out.

rayikeo2 · Jul 21, 2011

From my owners manual Trouble Shoot Guide. (not the same mower as yours)

Problem: Tractor will not move with engine running: solution: Transmission hydrolic fluid level low. To check level.

Park mower on level surface
Check transmission oil level when transmission is cold
Locate the translucent oil reservoir at rear of tractor next to fuel tank. Oil tank is embossed with a FULL LINE and an ADD LINE
If you need to add, get additional instructions before opening up tank for cleaning instructions. Filler tube needs to stay clean and there is a foam plug to remove to add oil. Use 10W30 engine oil. More instructions later. Re- post if low. Filler cap is under seat. Very importand not to get dirt or grass clippings into oil reservoir.

mjncad · Jul 22, 2011

The chances of that L-110 having a sight-glass or dipstick, and a fill plug is almost nil since it uses the K46 Tuff-Torq tranny.

Although I've read where some guys have rebuilt them and made them serviceable with fill ports, etc; that tranny was designed to be a sealed throw-away unit.

rayikeo2 · Jul 22, 2011

Note, Make sure when you were trying to load by backing up the ramp that one of the tires was not spinning (slipping). The ramp might have been slick. I like to rule out the simple problems before assuming it is a more serious problem. That sometimes happens to me when mowing over some big ruts and it is sometimes hard to detect. It happens in snow all the time.

RandyT · Jul 22, 2011

I've worked on lawnmowers that wouldn't pull themselves up the four foot ramp on my 12 foot utility trailer that is only 18 inches off the ground in reverse and had to have someone push me the rest of the way up. most mowers don't have much hydro power is reverse.

Dutch445 · Jul 22, 2011

"if" you do succeed in getting the mower up in the truck in revers,
make sure you tie the hood down!!!!!!

blacknchrome · Jul 22, 2011

You guys are awesome for the quick responses.

The tires weren't spinning. I hesitate to drive it up forward because of having all that weight up high - it gets kind of risky with ramps.

From what I read, this K46 transmission doesn't have a sight glass or way to check fluid - it's a sealed unit. So, it sounds like it's maybe the belt but most likely the transmission is shot? It has 287 hours on it.

Do any of you guys use ramps to load your mower? Maybe I need to find a manual transmission - would it be stronger?

I had offered the guy $400 for it, but have backed out at this point.

Thanks again