M65 zero turn drive problems

MESSMAKER · Jul 12, 2015

Been a good mower but one side is pulling weakly on the left side. It has a bit of chattering as well when you are going up hill. It has separate pumps and wheel motors. What is the most likely problem?

Dropped a # in my header it is a JD model m665
sorry

beenthere · Jul 12, 2015

I'd look at the oil change frequency and filter change. If up to date, then I'd get a pressure check on the lines to track down loss of pressure. May help pinpoint the problem.

Redneck in training · Jul 12, 2015

Check if the tire is not slipping on the rim due to low pressure or slime in it (if you used some).

MESSMAKER · Jul 12, 2015

Redneck in training said:
Check if the tire is not slipping on the rim due to low pressure or slime in it (if you used some).

Would that cause chattering?

Redneck in training · Jul 13, 2015

MESSMAKER said:
Would that cause chattering?

That is what happened to our mower. I don't know exactly what you mean by chattering. Is it sound or jerky motion like something is slipping? Our mover developed slipping of tire on the rim causing sometime very jerky operation or complete loss of power. It took for a while to figure it out only after we bought and installed new transaxle. The transaxle is for sale now for about half price of new one.

Push the mower against immovable object such as tree and let somebody observe the wheel while trying to go forward. The tire should slip on ground not on rim. There is not much what can go wrong with pumps and motors on commercial mowers. The mechanic told me they should last several thousand hours.

MESSMAKER · Jul 15, 2015

Got the word today. Hydro pumps are bad. One is shot and one is below spec. Ouch

smstonypoint · Jul 15, 2015

MESSMAKER said:
Got the word today. Hydro pumps are bad. One is shot and one is below spec. Ouch

Sorry to hear that. Just curious. How many hours on the pumps?

Steve

Redneck in training · Jul 15, 2015

MESSMAKER said:
Got the word today. Hydro pumps are bad. One is shot and one is below spec. Ouch

I have one for sale for about half price of new if it would fit on your mower. It has about 1000 hours.

Edit: Just re-read your post. It will not fit.

MESSMAKER · Jul 15, 2015

smstonypoint said:
Sorry to hear that. Just curious. How many hours on the pumps?

Steve

Just short of 1000, so it is a bit premature but I bought it used and perhaps it had not been maintained as well as I was told.

MESSMAKER · Jul 27, 2015

26 days in the shop.Took 6 days to get the parts. Still not fixed. Hope to get it tomorrow. It sure has soured me on the dealer. I was considering a new Hustler or JD mower. I don't think I will ever buy anything from this bunch.