Ferris is3000 locked up

[jim66]

i have an older ferris zturn mower which has been running well but just today it died and wont start. I can turn the flywheel by hand counterclockwise but not clockwise. When the starter tries to turn it, it moves 3-4 inches and stops. I've tried with the spark plugs pulled and no difference. The pistons seem to move in the cylinders ok. Could this be related to a hydro problem somehow. When it died for the last time left control lever was shaking a bit.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
Slack off drive belt tension or remove belt from crankshaft drive pulley.

 

[jim66]

The clutch for the pto drive pulleys is disengaged and the belts are not trying to turn.

 

[jim66]

Thanks TxJim
I think this may be one of those good news bad news things. I removed the belt that drives the two hydraulic pumps and now the engine turns freely. That being said when i turn the hydro pulley on the right it turns freely. When i turn the one on the left it only move about a quarter turn. Since I don't really know how they're supposed to work I'm only guessing this is a bad thing.

 

[xring100]

Sounds like your pump let out its magic smoke. Guessing something fragmented causing it to bind. Definetly cheaper than a new engine but it still sucks.

 

[betty2017]

Here is the past discussion about it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/311884-ferris-3000-a.html

 

[jim66]

I'm definitely a rookie when it comes to this kind of stuff but I'm thinking I might be able to replace this myself. Anyone have suggestions or trouble spots I should look for. Also a good place to order parts. I'm finding most pumps are over $500 and this is just for home use.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If the rest of the mower is in good shape, I would bite the bullet and replace the defective hydro unit at whatever the cost. It will surely be better than buying a new mower.
Have you been changing the hydro oil and filter as recommended?

 

[jim66]

Not for a couple of years. It's only used around the house but apparently I haven't changed it enough.
Is there anywhere to get a service manual for this. From what I have found online removing the pulley from the hydro might be the biggest challenge.