2160 autogear

[odskaggs2]

Lots of good info on this board. Hopefully someone can help me out.
Ok well I bought a really abused 2165 2 years ago that had broken mounting ears on the rear axle. Well I replaced the driveshaft and thought I had the axle repaired however after two seasons the axle repair failed and took out the driveshaft again. Well I found a 2000 series axle on epay and proceeded to install it. After reading this board I realized I had just swapped out my hydrostatic for a 6-speed autogear unit. Okay I can live with a 6-speed if I can figure out how to run the thing. I filled it with ATF not knowing any better and I'm not sure if that's causing my issues or not. I weigh two hundred pounds and the amount of pedal pressure to keep the thing rolling now is totally unacceptable not to mention my leg cramping from continued applied pressure. I've tried different gears and adjusting the linkage even to the point of losing reverse function with out any change. Checked the service manual and linkage is in the right holes and doesn't bind. I did mow the front yard and the thing reminds me of a bumper car. It will build up speed on a straight run but as soon as I make a sharp turn or hit high grass it slows to almost a complete stop. It will eventually build up speed again but something is definitely wrong. Is this because I used ATF or does it sound like the clutches slipping ? I hate to spend 40-50 for the correct fluid if it won't help anything. Also does this autogear unit require you to shift through all gears to reach top speed like a car? For example you can't start out in fifth gear in a car you need to start lower and work your way up. Does this work the same? Sorry for the long post and I appreciate any help.
Dave S.

 

[JTKub]

Dave, the only thing I've read about the autogear equipped 2000 series is the clutches wear quicky if the operator 'rides' the go pedal as opposed to keeping it mashed to the floor board. You can start off in any gear you want. Ground speed is supposed to be regulated with the gear select lever and not the pedal. Not saying you did that- but maybe the previous owner did? I'm also not sure about the gear oil, but I dont *think* it spec'd ATF. FWIU, a replacement clutch set is not expensive, you'd just need time, tools and a manual to r/r.

G/luck
Joel

 

[Bird]

You can start off in any gear you want

Right. I had a '95 2135AG and if I remember right, you're supposed to stop to change gears, in fact. It was a good machine, but I'd certainly prefer the hydrostatic.

 

[odskaggs2]

Thanks guys. I'll look into replacing the clutches. Already browsed the service manual and it has the procedure. I'd buy a new mower but the **** briggs vanguard on this thing starts everytime and quite frankly impresses the **** out of me.

 

[MrWiggles2]

Me too, each time I'm on it, that Vanguard impresses me.

I understand the same thing about Autogear. They do make according to a dealer stronger clutches that will last longer. Keep the pedal mashed and if it has cruise use that to rest your leg. As stated, the speed is in the gears not the pedal, so using the pedal like a hydrostatic unit, is like riding the clutch in your car.

 

[odskaggs2]

Stronger clutches from dealer huh? I'll have to check into that.Any idea if it's a new part number? I did replace the ATF with hy-tran. The correct fluid made a definite improvement. Pretty sure the clutches are still slipping. I noticed if I only give it half throttle than it seems to start and stop fairly well. This leads me to believe the engine is overpowering the clutch pack at higher torque. Rebuild looks simple enough but if they make stronger clutches I'd prefer to use them. Thanks for the help eveyone.
Dave S.