Dixie Chopper Left Wheel Chatter

[Richard MacDonald]

The left wheel chatters when I try to go forward. I did notice the Hyd fluid is really foamed and very white colored.

Once moving forward at a reasonable speed the left wheel is about half as powerful as the right wheel.

This is a used Mower that was given to me. I do not know how old it is or the model number.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated by this 75 year old man.

 

[bluechip]

Chatter and foam may indicate air being sucked into the pump. Each side has its own filter under the oil tank, after checking to be sure oil is above the baffles in the tank, check the filters and the hose fittings between tank and pump. Hopefully that is all it is. If you have a dealer close by, they will have a special test guage/valve to test the pump. If the pump is OK, it could be in the motor, but to me it sounds like air in the system.

White color indicates water, so best bet is to servic eth mower, use 15W40 or 20W40 motor transmissions provided it is a Dixie with separate pumps and wheel motors. If it is an Iron Eagle or Magnum, everything I said does not apply...

 

[Richard MacDonald]

Thank you for your kind reply and helpful information.
As I mentioned, I do not know the model but it appears to be a very basic machine, no gauges etc. I will look all around to see if there are some identifying markings.
When you mention oil, is that Motor Oil?
I intend to purchase filters for Oil, Hyd and Air tomorrow. Will be a good time to get the right Oil.
Again, thank you for your assistance.
Richard

 

[TO_Bud]

I used to own a DC zero turn mower. I bought it used and not drivable as it needed a pump rebuild and a new wheel motor. It has been a few years since I owned it but I found a lot of useful info on www.Dixiechopper.com, and clicking on their support tab. From there you can download operators manuals and parts manuals. If you don't know your model you might be able to get close by looking at the various downloads and comparing the pics. I don't think the exact year is important just the model types. In case you need one I ordered the wheel motor from a White hydraulic dealer, it was half the price that DC dealer wanted. I did have to swap the one end plate on the new motor to make it fit but that part was a piece of cake.
Bud

 

[wdchyd]

Richard,

Be prepared to pull both pumps and drive motors.......you're experiencing failure of one or more components and if you don't open up all units you'll have contamination that will keep haunting you....

By pulling the suspect pump (hydrogear) you'll see the damage in that pump but don't stop there.......you need to open up the wheel motors and remaining opposing pump and do a flush (reservoir included).....

These Dixiecrappers have very little reservoir reserve and they run too hot (IMHO), most use motor oil (20w50 synthetic on some) so when things go wrong it's time to play catch-up on oil/filter cleanliness..........:thumbsup: