Deere 455 hydro problem

rolltide · Aug 19, 2004

I have a 1994 455 with 1190 hrs on it. It seems my pump in the hydrostatic transaxle has degraded. Does anyone have any experience on these transaxles. I have a tech manual coming. Preciate any help

KENSFM · Aug 20, 2004

Hi, not sure what you mean by "degraded". /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Could you be a little more specific? If you can, I am sure myself or someone else on this board could offer some help.
Thanks, Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rolltide · Aug 20, 2004

I bought it a few months ago. About 1 month ago I noticed when I was going up hills that the blades would seem to slow. I stopped and checked the fluid. It was still on the dipstick but at the add point. I added and It got somewhat better for a little while. However it continued to get worse. Now it won't even go up a little rise. The mower deck will not raise and if you turn on the blades as soon as you go forward they cut out. The best I can assume is that the pump that pumps the hydraulic fluid is worn since every think that is common to it isn't working as it should. I bought a manual for it on ebay the end of July and am still waiting to get it. Tonight I am going to remove the transaxle from the mower and get it on a bench and hopefully my manual will come soon. I am wondering if anyone has had one of these open and what to watch for and how many gaskets are required.

Thanks so much

Kenny Porter
Athens Alabama
Roll Tide Roll!!!!!!!!!

Glenn9643 · Aug 20, 2004

Since you haven't had it long it might be a good idea to try changing the filter and oil before tearing into the pump. Manual recommends oil and filter changes at 200 hour intervals, hydraulic as well as engine. I think the capacity for hydr oil is 7 qts.

rolltide · Aug 20, 2004

I forgot to mention that I did that right after adding fluid.

Thanks

KENSFM · Aug 20, 2004

Hope you used a John Deere (or equal) hydraulic filter and not an automotive engine look alike. The relief valves are different. Also not sure what fluid you should be using, Type "F" red or Hy-GUARD light brown. Check with a JD dealer to be sure you get the correct type for your year.
Good luck, Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Glenn9643 · Aug 20, 2004

Keep us informed as to what you find as you go along. There are several 455 owners here. I haven't had to do anything other than routine maintenance so far. Good luck.

rolltide · Aug 20, 2004

I got the recommended JD fluid and filter. I finally got my cd manual. It is great. Best I can tell I probably have a worn charge pump or a problem with the free wheeling push pins. If I could only be that blessed for it to be the push pins. It has rained all day so I haven't brought it to my basement for troubleshooting. I think I can test the charge pump pressure and flow by hooking up a gauge to the remote front hydraulic quick tach couplings on the front and I am going to see if I can borrow a flow meter from the local dealership. Charge pump is supposed to put out 3.5 to 4.5 gpm. with around 1000psi at the implement lines. Only about 230 for the hydrostatic motor part. I sure am baffled though how a charge pump would wear out if it had fluid. It seems like as long as you had some in your transaxle it would be ok. Anyway Thanks for the advice and I will keep ya'll posted on what I find.

KP

Glenn9643 · Aug 30, 2004

Did you figure out what the problem is yet Kenny?

rolltide · Aug 30, 2004

Not yet I finally got the charge pump off this past Friday. I sure was hoping to find something wrong. Nothing Yet. I'm fixing to put it back together and fire it up. If no dice then I will go further. into the hydraulic pump and motor. Wish I had all day to mess with it.

Thanks for asking

Kenny