I agree that it is indeed a result from the failure rather than the reason.
I have 3 other Hydro Tractors, 2 Bolens and another one, so I'm familiar with the mechanism. However I was wondering if theese JD's are known to have a specifically sensitive hydro. But I guess your response in #11 might be answer enough.
The only information I've got regarding what happened is that they found an oil pool under the left hand final drive and when investigating it they found a hole punched underneeth, probably by one of the bearing balls getting stuck under the gear. So as to my best knowledge the tractor was running up until this, and hence I think that my means to success would be to change theese specific parts that I find have broken, and then focus on some serious cleaning.
However there is quite a big difference in splitting the entire mechanics in the tranny and hydro, or just focusing on specific areas.
I guess I will have a better clue when I've removed the filters and dissected them, but my goal would be to fokus on the rear parts where the actual visual damage is done, and than do 2-3 very tight filter and oil changes in the beginning. Perhaps only 5 minuts of running inbetween the first two.
At least thats the plan.
Or should I rather disassemble everything - better safe than sorry?
I Payed equal to $1500 for the tractor with 100 hours on the rear tires so I think it was a very good deal regardless of what I might find.
Here it is with the tires as counter weight for it not to tip over
