Cub Cadet LTX 1050 issue

[craigLTX]

Good day everyone.
Hope your holiday is going well you! So, here's what I have going on with my Cub Cadet LTX 1050 (V-Twin Hydrostatic). At the outset, the Kawasaki FR651V Motor runs like a champ! Zero issues with it. With that said, when mowing my lawn, I get about 30 to 40 minutes of grass cutting (depending on ambient temperature) - accomplished and the speed of the rider starts to slow down, damn near to a stop. No weird noises are noted when this happens. As mentioned earlier, when at running temperature, the engine still runs great and I should mention, zero issues with the deck. In other words, I could still cut grass if it would only move forward or backwards! So, after it cooled, I drove it to my garage and replaced the drive belt (OEM). Made sure the Trans fan was clear of any obstructions and inspected (underneath) what I could while the deck was removed. I downloaded the owner’s manual from Cab Cadet and it said that the transmission for this particular model was sealed-up at the factory and could *NOT* be serviced.
So, in a nutshell, that’s my dilemma.

Any suggestions, words of wisdom, DIY advice will/would be greatly appreciated,,,,,,

 

[dodge man]

I assume the engine is running fine and you think it’s the transmission? If so the only choice I see is a new transmission. I know on some of the JD riding mowers people replace the cheaper transmission with a better one. I don’t know if this is an option for you or not.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

If it's factory sealed and you are not a factory, then you can non factory un seal it. Clean the screen and put new fluid. Suck the old fluid out dont drill a drain hole and tap it for a plug. Yours may even have a screw on filter. You can add fluid there. Factory sealed means doodley squat to me.

 

[Roadworthy]

I have a V-Twin Craftsman which was leaking fluid (gear oil) from the transaxle. The seals are no longer available and the unit (by Spicer Dana) is not serviceable. They're right on both counts. A new transaxle is $1600. It does have a port on top to add fluid. I removed the transaxle and opened it and did manage to confirm the seals couldn't be replaced without access to a machine shop and press. I drilled a hole at the very back just below the split on the cases, sizing it to accept a hydraulic jack plug. I leave the plug out and fill through the fill hole until oil just comes out the new hole. I reinstall plugs at that point. Problem solved. Now I can check or add fluid as required, extending the life of my transaxle. BTW, this mower is only ten years old.

 

[craigLTX]

If it's factory sealed and you are not a factory, then you can non factory un seal it. Clean the screen and put new fluid. Suck the old fluid out dont drill a drain hole and tap it for a plug. Yours may even have a screw on filter. You can add fluid there. Factory sealed means doodley squat to me.

I like your idea,,,,,! Im gonna first check on the linkage and the tension spring,,,,,and pulley(s) ,,,,maybe a possible bent supoport, then I'll get at the transmission,,,,,

 

[brutus54]

Craig. Had the same issue with my Cub Cadet. It's the transmission and looking online found they recalled up to a certain serial number. Mine was about 100 numbers past that and was told they wouldn't do anything. Dealership said $1100.00 to replace a transmission on a 4yr old machine. Junked it and will never buy a cub cadet product again.